Lord Herndon addressed Worthington. “One of the law lords was in the card room. He recommended you file before Good Friday. You’ll need two witnesses to your betrothal. I shall be one.”
Worthington nodded. “Thank you, sir.”
“It was my pleasure. Take the children around this week. Not for the court but for theton.”
Furrowing his brow in thought, Worthington said, “Indeed. Perhaps a visit to the museum for Louisa and Charlotte and Gunter’s for the younger ones.”
“But Matt,” Louisa objected, “Charlotte and I want to go to Gunter’s as well.”
Grace took his hand. “What about a trip to Richmond and a picnic? That would be the perfect outing for my landau.”
He’d heard about her carriage, but couldn’t understand why a younger lady would want one. “Why did you buy a landau?”
“I decided I needed one when Phoebe took us to the carriage maker’s. There was one there I almost bought, but on further reflection, I had mine built so that it will hold all the children at one time.” Grace raised her chin. “I realize they are thought to be for older ladies, but mine is very stylish, I assure you, and I am quite tired of everyone making fun of it.”
“Well”—he grinned—“your stylish landau will have to have my crest put on it. Which reminds me, Lord Herndon, may we complete the settlements to-morrow or the next day?”
“Yes, yes, indeed. I received all your information and have a proposal ready. Grace?”
“Yes, Uncle?”
“Come around in the morning after breakfast, and I’ll go over them with you.” He smiled, taking a sip of wine.
“I cannot. I have a meeting with the architect for the remodeling that must be done at Worthington House first thing. May I come after that?”
Matt had been paying only half an ear to the conversation as he sipped his brandy, but mention of remodeling caused him to sputter. “Architect?”
His betrothed opened her eyes wide. “Why yes, you told me to do as I wished. Don’t you remember? It was when I tried to show you the plans.”
It was when he’d been attempting to get her into his bed. Yet he had no intention of getting on her bad side now. “Of course, I remember. Do you mind if I join you?”
Her smile dazzled him, and he wanted to see it more often. “I would love for you to join us.”
“Worthington,” Patience asked. “Have you sent the announcement to thePost?”
“No, I saw no reason to send a betrothal announcement this week and a wedding announcement next week.”
“I agree, my love.” Grace took his hand. “Everyone who is in Town already knows and the rest will learn of our marriage later.”
He glanced at their sisters. Louisa and Charlotte were trying their best not to yawn. Both girls needed to retire. “Patience, why don’t you take Louisa home, she’s not yet used to Town hours.”
Charlotte stood, kissed her aunt and uncle, then embraced Patience and Louisa. “I think I’ll go to bed as well. Aunt Almeria and Uncle Bertrand, thank you. I had a wonderful time.”
Patience held her hand out to the Herndons. “Good night, my lord, my lady. Grace, do you mind if I take Charlotte with us shopping to-morrow?”
“Of course not.” Grace bussed Patience’s cheek. “Shall I see you at breakfast?”
Patience grinned wryly. “If we are not too much trouble?”
“None at all. Good night.”
“We shall go as well, my dear.” Aunt Almeria rose. “It has been a very entertaining evening. I hope one day to come to one of your breakfasts.”
Uncle Bertrand took her arm. “Then, my dear, you will have to arise far earlier than you usually do.”
She rapped him with her fan. “Worthington, Grace, I wish you a pleasant evening.”
After the Herndon coach left, Matt turned to her. “I should go as well. Will you show me the plans at breakfast?”
