Her uncle gave a shout of laughter. “I am happy to see you joking again, my love, but I wouldn't push your young gentleman too far.”
Matt shook his head and grinned. He was just coming to appreciate his Grace's wicked sense of humor. “No, sir, she's made enough of a May game of me to-day. Come, my love.”
“Grace,” her uncle said, “who is standing up with you?”
She gave him a wry smile. “Lady Evesham, but I fear we must send for her.”
Herndon put the settlement agreements in his drawer. “That is one problem I can relieve you of. I saw traveling coaches arriving at Dunwood House not long before you arrived.”
Grace heaved a sigh of relief. “Thank you for telling me.”
Taking her arm, Worthington bowed to her uncle. “Let's go see if Phoebe and Marcus are receiving.”
“Give me just a moment. I must send permission for Charlie to be brought home.” Grace scribbled a quick message and handed it to her uncle. “Thank you for taking care of this for me. You've been a great help through everything.” She reached up and kissed his cheek. “I could not have done it without you.”
Herndon hugged her, clearing his throat. “I'll have the permission sent now. Once I speak with my nephew, I shall give you the time of your wedding.”
Grace rose and kissed her uncle again. “Thank you. You are the best of uncles.”
“So you always tell me, my dear.”
Matt had to agree. Absent her uncle's efficiency, he and Grace would have to wait, and he had a strange feeling that would be dangerous. Something was definitely afoot.
* * *
The Dunwood butler bowed to Grace and Matt, then showed them to the morning room at the back of the house.
Marcus helped Phoebe rise. “Grace, Worthington, how happy we are to see you.”
“Phoebe, I'm so relieved you have returned.” Grace and her friend embraced and bussed cheeks. “The wedding day has been moved up again. We are getting married to-morrow.”
Eyes wide, Phoebe stared at her. “What happened? Why so soon?”
“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.”
Grace widened her eyes. It was her worst nightmare that one of her sisters would elope. “Do you know who they are?”
Pouring them both a glass of wine, he handed one to her. “No, your uncle didn't ask.” His lips thinned. “I don't doubt we'll hear about it this evening, unless they've been successful keeping it quiet. I only hope Louisa and Charlotte don't decide it's romantic.”
Rubbing her suddenly tense neck, Grace said, “I can only pray that I've done a good enough job of instilling in her the impropriety and danger of a runaway marriage.” She took a sip of wine. “It would amaze me if it has been successfully hushed up. Those types of things tend to get out.” She glanced at Matt. “As sad as it is, that should eclipse our rushed marriage.”
He set his glass down and put an arm around her. “Grace, I've sent a message to both of our solicitors. The guardianship application will be filed immediately after the wedding.”
She leaned into his strength and warmth. “Uncle Herndon will help.”
Nuzzling her, he grinned. “I think he's already made plans to talk to one of the law lords.”
“Now what is the secret about Jane's friend?”
“It is a he. A Mr. Hector Addison. They will also be marrying shortly.”
“Never tell me he is the one she loved all those years ago?” Grace gasped, and had to stop herself from dancing a jig.
“The very same, from what I can gather.”
“But I thought he'd died at sea.”
“He sailed off to India and recently returned.”
She threw her arms around Matt. “This is such good news. You don't know how worried I've been about her!”
“Believe me, I had a fair idea.” Matt kissed her soundly. “I know you won't rest until you've met him.”
“What is he like?”
“He is jovial, and, from the way he looks at Jane, very much in love.”
“You'd better tell me everything you know, so that I won't discomfit them with too many questions.”
“I don't know much.” Matt held her hand as they ambled down the corridor. “They have found a house not far from here, and, from their plans to purchase a country estate as well, I believe him to be quite warm. As to embarrassing him, wait until he meets the children.”
* * *
Molton allowed Jem into his rooms and gave him a towel.
“I stayed until the rain come. Weren't nothin' going on 'cept for this morning. That rum mort went across to the swell's house just after I got back.”
“Did you see her leave?”
“She left wi' him in a rattler. Woulda followed but there were a fart catcher on the back.”
“I see. It appears my niece has taken a lover.” Molton rubbed his chin. “The court won't like that. Where did you say the gentleman's house was?”
“Direct across the square. Ye want me to go back?”
Edgar ambled to the fireplace. “No, I'll need someone who can act as a witness.” He dug in his pocket. “Here's the rest of your money and a bonus.”
The lad's face lit up. “Coo, guv'nor. Anytime ye needs somethin' ye call for me.”
“Yes, thank you, I will.” Edgar smiled to himself. It wouldn't be long before he'd not be in need of anything. Women really weren't very intelligent. He'd be interested to know who this lover was. Berkeley Square had never been one of his haunts.
After Jem left and the rain let up, Molton shrugged on his greatcoat, donned a beaver hat, and took up his cane. He made his way to the nearest lending library and found an old copy of
Debrett's
. Shortly thereafter, Molton had his answer. Very indiscreet of them. A plan started to form in his mind. He could blackmail both his niece and Lord Worthington for a tidy sum.
A few blocks away from the library, he saw a sign announcing
HARVEY COMBS, INVESTIGATOR.
Exactly the type of person Edgar was looking for. Entering the building, he climbed the stairs to the second floor, knocked, and went in.
“Mr. Combs?”
“Who'd be wantin' to know?”
Molton took in the greasy-looking suit and dingy neckcloth worn by Mr. Combs, who seemed only slightly less disreputable than his linen. “My name is Molton, Edgar Molton. I have recently returned from abroad and found that my niece, who has guardianship of my younger nieces and nephews, has become a woman of loose morals. I intend to file a suit in the chancery court, but I will need a man of integrity who can stand as witness to her depravity.”
Combs straightened a little. “That would be me. Where do I find this woman?”
“Berkeley Square, Mayfair, at Stanwood House.” He stopped to see if there was any change in the man's demeanor. A slightly feral look crossed Combs's face. Edgar wondered briefly what it meant, but didn't bother himself over much. What did it matter? “Her name is Lady Grace Carpenter. I have been reasonably informed that she is Lord Worthington's mistress.”
“Ten pounds now and ten later.”
The idiot had obviously taken Edgar for a flat. “Five now and ten later. If you argue with me, my offer will go down.”
Giving him a pained expression, Combs whined, “I have me expenses.”
Edgar looked Combs in the eye. “As do I. You may accept my offer, or I'll find someone else.”
“Right then, you got a deal. When do'ye want me to start?”
“To-morrow morning. With what I think is going on, you'll have to watch all night and into the next day.” Molton handed the investigator five pounds. “Don't think to run out on me.”
“Wouldn't dream of it.” The man pocketed the money. “I'm as honest as the day is long.”
Edgar didn't believe that for a minute, but he'd make sure the man wouldn't cheat him.
* * *
It was still raining when Matt ushered his party out of Stanwood House and assisted them into the town coaches for the short drive to Curzon Street. Word of his and Grace's pending nuptials had apparently spread. Lady Featherton greeted them enthusiastically and wished Grace and him happy.
He escorted Patience and their sisters to a small sofa and chairs, then strolled the room with Grace. Approaching a group of gentlemen and their wives, they were shortly put in possession of the facts surrounding the couple who'd been attempting to elope.
“Would you believe it, my dear Lady Grace? They found the couple only a day from Gretna Green.”
Grace's lips were pressed together. “Shocking and disgraceful. I sincerely hope it is not a romantic story. Who are they, Mrs. Stanley?”
“I fear you may be disappointed.” Mrs. Stanley's dark brows drew together. “The girl is a Miss Snow, who was to make her come out this year. The gentleman is Alvanley's youngest, Lord William Hunt. Lord William's not got a feather to fly with, you know how it is with all the Hunts, and the young woman is an heiress.”
“I remember being introduced to her.” Grace placed a finger on her lips. “She was at Lady Bellamny's party.”
Matt didn't like the sound of that. If Grace had met the young woman, Louisa and Charlotte would have been introduced to Miss Snow as well. He hoped the girls didn't find Miss Snow's behavior acceptable. “I had no idea Lord William was so avaricious.”
Mrs. Stanley's eyes rounded in shock. “Oh, my, no indeed, and I would not have believed it if anyone had accused him of being a fortune hunter. It appears the two have known each other since they were children. With Miss Snow's looks and fortune, her father wanted a brilliant match for her. She is quite a taking little thing after all.” Being at the center of attention, Mrs. Stanley glanced at the others gathered around before continuing. “I believe Mr. Snow knew of the attraction and forbade them to speak. Then it was rumored that he was trying to arrange a match for his daughter.”
“As a result,” Grace said, in a disgusted tone, “Lord William is now cast in the light of her hero.”
“Well if Mr. Snow's daughter is an heiress,” one of the gentlemen said, “I don't doubt he'd rather not be related to Alvanley.”
“For my money,” Matt added, “the matter was handled very poorly.”
Mrs. Stanley continued, “Mr. Snow won't have a choice but to agree that his daughter and Lord William wed. Before he caught up with them, they were seen at an inn by Lady Cavendish.”
Grace shook her head. “Well, if that's the case, there is no hope of keeping it quiet.”
“Indeed, my lady.” Mrs. Stanley paused and smiled. “Oh, but I've quite forgotten to wish you happy. It's a very good match for the both of you. And I hear you are going to marry quietly.” She smiled knowingly. “I daresay you'll be busy with your sisters making their come outs. Worthington, you have your work cut out for you.”
Glancing in the direction Mrs. Stanley was looking, he stifled a groan. The girls were standing with a group of several young men and women. Only the increased pressure of Grace's hand on his arm kept him from going over and making a cake of himself. And this was only the beginning of the Season. He'd be a wreck by the end of it.
Grace inclined her head. “Mrs. Stanley, no doubt we shall see you later in the evening. Thank you for the news.”
“When I see you again, my lady, you will probably be Lady Worthington.”
Smiling politely, Grace tugged on Matt and led them off toward another group. His attention though was not on where they were going, but on Charlotte and Louisa. “My love, you cannot go hieing off every time a young man addresses one of the girls.”
“I don't like this elopement talk.” Matt frowned. “It sounds much too romantic.”
Grace nodded to some of their acquaintances. “Are you afraid one of our sisters will think it so?”
“Aren't you?”
She glanced at him in thought. “No, as soon as they understand the couple will have to retire to the country and not show their faces for the next couple of Seasons, they will not think it so enticing.”
The expression on her face and her confidence reassured him. “Still, I would like to go home as soon as common courtesy will allow us to.”
Grinning, Grace glanced at the girls. “First we must detach them from their admirers without them knowing what we're doing.” She paused. “Charlie is the excuse we'll use. Charlotte will not want to miss the opportunity to welcome him and introduce him to Louisa.”
When they returned to Patience, the girls were in a circle of their new friends, all talking animatedly. Grace's lips formed a moue. “The elopement?”
Patience's lips thinned. “Yes. The story is growing by the moment.”
“Let's not make too much of it,” Grace replied. “The less said, the easier forgotten.”
“Of course you're right,” Patience agreed. “When it comes up, we will pretend that we are not that interested.”
Suppressing a growl, Matt took a deep breath and calmly took note of the young men with their sisters. He didn't know either of them by sight. Though the good thing about the
ton
was information would be forthcoming. “Grace, they should go down to supper with us.”
“Yes, my dear.”
When he would have ordered their sisters to accompany him, Grace glanced over and said, “Louisa, Charlotte, will you join us for supper?”
Charlotte turned. “Oh yes. We're glad you're back. Louisa and I have so much to tell you.”
Grace smiled. “Then let us go down so I may hear it all.”
A gentleman with black hair and a rather swarthy complexion, who had not been part of the group, bowed. At least Matt knew this one. “Lady Charlotte, may I have the pleasure of accompanying you to supper?”
Charlotte glanced at Grace, whose brow slowly rose in an imperious manner. “Excuse me. I do not believe we've been introduced.”
The young man stuttered and bowed hastily. “Ohâoh, my lady. Excuse me. I was introduced to Lady Charlotte earlier in the evening.”
“My love,” Matt said, “may I present Lord Harrington? Harrington, Lady Grace Carpenter, my betrothed.”
Grace inclined her head. “Lord Harrington. I'm delighted to meet you. The family was just going down to supper. Would you like to join us?”
Taking the hand she offered he bowed again. “It would be my pleasure, my lady, and may I wish you happy?”
“Thank you.”
When he straightened, Harrington turned to her sister. “Lady Charlotte?”
She smiled brightly. “Lord Harrington. I'd be delighted to have your escort.”
They turned to go when Worthington almost tripped over another young man. “Bentley?”
“My lord, IâI wanted to ask if Lady Louisa would accept my arm to the supper room.”
Bentley was not much above medium height with light brown hair styled in curls. Worthington strove to keep from grinning. He'd never known Bentley to stammer. “Then you must ask her.”