“Grace?” Louisa asked. “How is this all going to work?”
Patience glanced up. “I’d be interested to know that as well.”
“Some of the younger girls will have to share their bedchambers. Louisa will take the chamber next to Charlotte’s, and Matt and I will sleep across the street. Patience, you may live or sleep where you choose. Although I must warn you, there will be a great deal of noise and dust during the day at Worthington House.”
Jane, who had joined them a few moments before, turned to Patience. “When we visited in early November, there was such a din, one could not hear oneself think. Not to mention the dirt and workmen trailing in and out of the house.”
Patience played with the fringe of her shawl. “Do you have a place for me?”
Although Grace always knew her soon-to-be stepmother-in-law would be affected by the marriage and changes to the family, she hadn’t appreciated how displaced the other woman might feel. “We have a very nice apartment that I think would suit you. Jane, would you please show Lady Worthington the Yellow Chambers when you’ve finished?”
“I’d be happy to.”
Grace took her last sip of tea and rose. “I shall see you later.”
A few minutes later, Thorton opened the door and bowed to her. “They are in the school-room, my lady.”
“Thank you, Thorton. Please tell Mrs. Thorton I’d like to have the list of fabrics we shall need, if it’s ready.”
“Yes, my lady.”
As Grace entered the main room where she found Matt and Mr. Rollins in close conversation. “Mr. Rollins, how nice to see you again.”
Both men rose. Rollins bowed. “My lady. Thank you for thinking of me.”
She sat at a low chair next to the table with the plans. “Will you be able to do something similar here to what you did at Stanwood House?”
“Yes, indeed. I’ve just been going over the plans with his lordship. May I also wish you very happy?”
Despite having been congratulated, told it was a good match, and happy wishes before a contented, joyful feeling filled her. As if she was able to believe it for the first time. “Thank you. I believe we shall be.” She met Matt’s eyes. There was so much love in them her heart beat faster. Perhaps her aunt had been wrong. Maybe this could work after all.
“My love?” Matt asked.
“I’m sorry.” She took out her pocketbook as if she’d been attending to their conversation. “Were you saying something?”
His eyes danced with mirth. “I was saying that, after we’ve finished this floor, I’d like Mr. Rollins to make some other renovations. Such as a proper bathing chamber for us.”
“What a lovely idea. I would like that immensely.”
Rollins’s lips twitched. “My lord, my lady, I’d like to stay here and take measurements. I’ll have a complete diagram for you after the holiday.”
Matt shook his hand. “Thank you, Rollins. I look forward to receiving them. My lady, shall we go?”
She took the hand he offered and rose. “Before I forget, I must visit the fabric warehouse to-day. Would you like to come with me?”
“I’d like nothing more,” he said, as if they were going on a picnic and it would be a great lark.
Narrowing her eyes, Grace asked, “Have you ever visited a fabric warehouse?”
“No.” He smiled broadly. “Though I anticipate an enlivening time.”
He would be the first gentleman she’d heard about who thought so. “We shall see. Since you’ll be with me, I’d also like to go to one of the furniture warehouses. Unless you like the Egyptian motif?”
His brows snapped together. “Are you telling me we have that horrible stuff here? Where is it?”
“In two of the major reception rooms.” She closed her eyes for a moment. How could he . . . ? “Worthington, you followed Mrs. Thorton and me around them. How did you not notice?”
His eyes slowly pursued her from her head down over her breasts to her toes. “I was focused on something else.”
