Grace cleared her throat, her voice a bit timorous. “I developed a tendre for him in my first Season . . . and now that we’ve found each other again, we see no reason to wait.”
“That will work.” Lady Bellamny nodded approvingly. “Anyone who counts knows Vivers men fall hard and fast. I shall do my part. I wish you happy. You have both made a very good match.”
Grace curtseyed and Worthington bowed, as Lady Bellamny sailed off.
Lady Fairport covered her face with her fan and giggled. “She is the most embarrassing lady I know.”
Unfurling her fan as well, Grace applied it to her face. “But she’s well-meaning, and if anyone can scotch rumors we don’t want, it will be her.”
Fairport gave a low chuckle. “Indeed. No one has the nerve to gainsay her. I think your story is in good hands.”
Matt covered Grace’s hand with his. “Are you all right?”
She lowered her fan. Her eyes danced with merriment. “I don’t know what to think about her comment that I needed a man.”
Bending his head, he murmured in her ear, “I know what she meant.”
He couldn’t help smiling smugly when she blushed again.
They stayed through supper, then found Lady St. Eth and bid her a good evening.
“We had a wonderful time, my lady.”
“We did, indeed,” Grace said, as Lady St. Eth embraced her.
“If I can be of help”—she gave Grace a speaking look—“please send word, my dear. Your mother was a good friend of mine, as well as Worthington’s. Don’t hesitate to ask.”
“We won’t, thank you,” Grace responded gratefully.
Their scheme was going much better than he’d expected. Having Lady Bellamny on their side was a boon.
Several hours later, Matt helped Grace into the carriage. “Nary a hint of scandal. Does that make you feel better?”
“Yes.” Grace gave him a half-smile. “I have to admit I was a bit nervous. Especially when your two friends questioned you about the timing.”
He gave the signal to go, and the coach moved forward. Matt lost no time getting her back into his arms. “I promise. Nothing will hurt you.”
For a few moments, Grace seemed preoccupied with smoothing her skirts, then she glanced up. “I know you would never do anything to purposely hurt me.”
They were back to that. He wished she’d tell him what her aunt said so he could address her fears. All he could do was show her. He kissed her fully, trying to make Grace understand how precious she was to him.
Royston opened the door as they ascended the steps. “My lady, my lord, Lady Worthington, Ladies Charlotte and Louisa, and Lord and Lady Herndon are in the drawing room. Tea was just now served. Miss Carpenter asked me to tell you not to wait up for her.”
“I wonder where Jane could have gone?” Grace handed her cloak to Royston.
“Probably visiting friends,” Matt said.
A footman took his hat.
They entered the drawing room, eager to discover how the entertainment had gone for the girls.
Patience handed Grace a cup. “How was your evening?”
“It went well.” Grace glanced around the room. “How was yours?”
Her aunt smiled broadly. “I haven’t had so much fun in years. Charlotte and Louisa were, without a doubt, the loveliest young ladies present. I predict we will have gentlemen calling and leaving their cards by the dozens.”
“I had several matrons ask me about your romance,” Patience said in an excited tone. “Naturally, I told them I was vastly pleased that the two of you had found each other again, and that the wedding would be very small because of your duties to your sisters and the rest of the children.”
