“My mother’s brother, Molton, has returned, and he is a known troublemaker. He didn’t receive what he expected to under my grandfather’s will.”
“I see.” Phoebe’s lips formed a thin line. “I take it you are acting on the advice of Lord Herndon?”
Grace smiled wryly. “Yes.”
“In that case, there is no time to lose.” Phoebe’s chin firmed and a martial light entered her eyes. “We must go round to Madame’s.” She turned to Matt. “Fetch your stepmother, Charlotte, and Louisa. Grace and I will meet you at Madame Lisette’s on Bruton Street.”
Grace’s mind had been rapidly making a list of what needed to be done for the next day. “I must inform our cook and both households.”
“Worthington can do that. Let’s be off.” Phoebe looked outside. “Well drat, it’s come to rain.”
Matt grinned. “You may take my coach. I’ll walk back.”
Grace touched his arm. “No, we shall drop you off. It’s on our way.”
After leaving Matt at Stanwood House, they proceeded to Bruton Street.
She’d just finished the fitting when Patience and their sisters arrived. “Did Matt tell you?”
“Yes, there is nothing to be done for it.” Patience embraced Grace. “I trust your uncle, and I agree with him. I am to tell you that Charlie has been sent for, and your staff instructed not to allow Molton in the house.”
Part of the burden weighting Grace down began to lift. “Thank you.”
“Do any of you have engagements this evening?” Phoebe asked.
“Yes, Lady Featherton’s soirée.”
“You must attend, there is no avoiding it.” Phoebe paced. “I would not mention the wedding. There will not be any entertainments between Friday and Monday, and you were to have been married on Tuesday anyway.”
Footmen held umbrellas as the ladies left the modiste’s shop and scurried down the street to the milliner’s for the hats to go with their new gowns.
“I hope the maids can finish the gowns for the girls.” Her sisters and Matt’s would be so upset if they did not have new gowns to wear. “The seamstress was to have had them ready for Easter, and now we need them three days sooner.”
“It will all get done.” Phoebe patted Grace’s hand. “These things always do. I’ll see you this evening.”
“We’ll help, Grace,” Charlotte said.
Next to her, Louisa nodded. “Anything we can do to assist, and don’t worry about our gowns. We have several new ones we can wear.”
Grace’s throat tightened. What had she done to deserve such wonderful sisters? “Thank you. Patience and Phoebe, you as well. I don’t know what I’d do without all of you.”
“My pleasure.” Phoebe’s eyes sparkled. “Haven’t you been told that those of us in the married state like to help others along? Now we must select a bonnet worthy of your gown.” Keeping her voice low, Phoebe spoke in Grace’s ear. “Smile, you are marrying a man you love, who loves you.”
“Yes, I am.” Grace took another breath and smiled. She’d never been so happy and nervous at one time in her life. “A hat is just the thing.”
Chapter Twenty-Four
The moment Grace entered Stanwood House, Matt pulled her aside.
“I have enlisted Miss Tallerton, and Jane, as well as a friend of Jane’s, into addressing invitations for the wedding breakfast. They are in the morning room.”
“Jane’s friend? I suppose I know she has them, but who is the lady?”
“Come with me into the drawing room.” His lips curved into a secretive smile. “I’ll tell you after we discuss the wedding.”
She chuckled lightly and allowed him to lead her. “What time is the ceremony to be held?”
“Ten o’clock. It appears there’s another marriage at eleven.” He grinned, but then shook his head. “I shouldn’t be happy as it’s quite shocking. A young couple brought back from fleeing to Gretna Green is getting leg-shackled after us.”
