Grace turned to her. “We are attending Lady St. Eth’s drum this evening. To-morrow we’ll be at Lady Featherton’s soirée.”
Patience nodded. “That’s a good plan. You will have a quiet evening with the political set, allowing the rest of us to drop hints about your romance. Then to-morrow you’ll be present at the largest entertainment of the evening.”
The rest of the children piled into the room. The girls exclaimed over their sisters’ gowns, while the boys sidled up to Matt.
“They are very pretty, for sisters, I mean,” Walter said.
Matt’s gaze was drawn to Grace. “They are indeed.”
Philip made a face. “If you like that sort of thing. I have more important things to do than look at gowns.”
“I suppose you do.” Matt had a difficult time maintaining a straight face. Philip’s ideas would change dramatically in a few years.
Royston announced that all the carriages were ready. Grace and Matt waited until the others left before descending the stairs to her town coach.
He climbed in after her and gave the order to start. “Are you ready?”
“I’d better be. We’ve no choice.”
Chapter Twenty
A half hour later, Matt and Grace were at the head of the receiving line at St. Eth House. Lord and Lady St. Eth greeted them, then they were directed to the ballroom.
Worthington scanned the other guests, recognizing most of those present. “I’ll introduce you to whomever you don’t know.”
“Thank you. I am acquainted with several people, but it has been a while.”
Through the expedient of twining Grace’s arm with his, Matt kept her next to him. No point in allowing anyone to get the idea he would be a complaisant husband. If any of the gentlemen of thetonwanted to dally, they could find someone else’s wife.
A moment later, two of his friends approached. “My love, allow me to introduce Lord Huntley and Lord Wivenly. Lady Grace Carpenter, my betrothed.”
Huntley raised a surprised brow and smiled. “Lady Grace, Worthington, I wish you happy.”
By this time, Wivenly, whose jaw had dropped, closed his mouth. “Yes, very happy, indeed.”
Grace curtseyed and held out her hand. “I am pleased to meet you. Any friend of Worthington’s will be welcome in our home.”
“Thank you, my lady.” Huntley took her hand then slanted a look at Matt. “I’d kiss your hand, but Worthington might call me out.”
He was surprised to find that hehadbeen watching Huntley intently and gave a short laugh. “As long as you do nothing more than a salute, you’ll be safe.”
A wicked smile dawned on Wivenly’s face when he bowed to Grace. “When is the wedding?”
Then the devil kissed Grace’s hand, and Matt had trouble keeping a growl from escaping. At least she was wearing gloves. “One week from to-day.”
“This is sudden,” Wivenly said, unable to hide his surprise.
“No, not at all,” Matt replied, smoothly tucking Grace’s hand more securely in his arm. “We met a few years ago, but circumstances kept us apart.” He was pleased to see Grace gazing lovingly up at him. “The minute I saw her again, I knew no other woman would do. We’ve no reason to wait and several very good reasons why we should not.”
Huntley raised a brow in inquiry.
“Lady Grace’s sister is making her come out, as is my sister. Having our wedding before the Season is under way makes it easier for us to chaperone them.”
“Makes perfect sense to me,” Huntley said, “four eyes are better than two.”
Wivenly, though, grinned with unholy mirth. “You? Chaperone?”
Narrowing his eyes, Matt shot back. “I seem to remember you have a sister as well.”
