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In the bright light of day, Mason appeared just as handsome as ever, and he greeted Grace’s mother with a respectful bow. “Lady Pembroke. Thank you for agreeing to see me at this somewhat unfashionable hour.”
“You are always wanted in my home, Mr. Fredericks,” her mother said warmly. She sent Grace a look of indulgence, as if she believed she was doing her daughter a favor by welcoming Mason.
“I trust you are feeling better today, Lady Grace,” Mason said with concern.
She didn’t have to feign her wince of discomfort. “In truth, I was—”
“Just about to read to me,” her mother said, holding up her book. “But we can set that aside for the pleasure of your company, Mr. Fredericks.”
Saints preserve me from mothers who think they’re being helpful, Grace thought, attempting to smile.
Mason bowed again. “You are very kind, my lady. I shall confess that I am here with a specific agenda.”
“Oh?” her mother asked.
“My lady, and Lady Grace, might I invite you to join me this morning for a visit to a friend’s botanic garden? It’s an exceptional collection of plants seldom found within Britain. He opens it once a month to a few esteemed individuals.”
“And you are one such esteemed individual?” Grace murmured.
A flush crept into Mason’s cheeks. “His words, not mine. In any event,” he added, “while I know your field focuses on amphibians and reptiles, I thought you might find Mr. Campbell’s garden a worthwhile object of study. He has a Spondias mombin, which is seldom cultivated outside of Brazil.”
In spite of her discomfort, Grace’s interest was piqued. Wild plum was one of the favorite foods of Iguana iguana, and to have the opportunity to examine the plant would be extraordinary. But she couldn’t accept Mason’s offer. Not today.
He seemed to sense her hesitancy, so he quickly said, “I hoped, Lady Pembroke, that you’d accompany us. It’s quite a lovely place, regardless of whether one dabbles in the sciences.”
“How absolutely charming,” her mother exclaimed. She turned her attention to Grace. “We would be delighted to see the garden. Isn’t that so, Grace? I’m sure a bit of fresh air would be endlessly beneficial.”
Pinned between her mother’s pointed look and Mason’s eager regard, there seemed no choice in the matter, not without causing Mason discomfort and embarrassment.
“I must grab my bonnet and spencer.” Grace feigned a smile. “Shan’t be a moment.”
She left the parlor quickly. As she climbed the stairs, she couldn’t help but think that the plan with Sebastian to secure Mason’s attentions had worked—and she had no idea how that made her feel.
Edginess chased Seb all the way to Mayfair. He’d dressed with extra care that morning, trying on all his waistcoats and jackets in an effort to look like someone Grace would want to marry. Surely the valet Beale would be horrified to see the mountain of garments Seb had thrown onto the floor as he’d tried every permutation of clothing. But Seb didn’t care about the fate of his clothes. He’d wear a flour sack if it meant securing her hand as his wife.
My wife. Despite the long, cool shadows thrown by Mayfair’s enormous homes, warmth flowed through him at the thought of those two words. Grace as his partner. His companion. A lifetime together of learning and discovery and passion. It sounded . . . Perfect.
All she had to do was say yes.
He didn’t want to think about her saying no. If he did . . . he’d likely crawl beneath a night soil collection wagon and never come out.
But he’d spent the rest of last night and into the early morning planning out precisely what he was going to say. He was no poet, but he hoped that his words professing his adoration and his intent to spend the rest of his life making her happy would be enough. They had to be enough.
He turned onto her street, his heart pounding with each step. Halfway down the block, he noticed the Pembroke family carriage waiting outside their home. If Grace was about to leave on some errand or outing, he ought to hurry to catch her before she departed.
Yet he slammed to a stop when he saw Fredericks emerge from her home, Grace’s mother on one arm, and Grace on the other. Fredericks was dressed smartly, and he wore an equally smart smile as he handed the countess into the waiting carriage. Then he helped Grace into the vehicle, gazing at her with respectful admiration. The brim of Grace’s bonnet hid her face, but Seb could well imagine the happy smile she must be wearing—she had what she wanted.
