Realm 04 - A Touch of Grace (32 page)

He watched her carefully, and Grace lifted one shoulder to feign casualness. “I expect you will become the mistress of my houses and that you will present me with several children to inherit the title and the lands.”

“And are we to live together, my Lord?” She nudged her chin upward in a show of self-determination.

He shifted his weight closer, and Grace felt her chest tighten again. “We shall. Other than when I am in London for Parliamentary matters, we will dwell as one, Grace.”

“When will we marry? Obviously, we cannot impose on Lord and Lady Worthing throughout Christmastide,” she said in protest.

He smiled easily at her. Grace suspected it was because she had acquiesced to his proposal by inquiring as to his plans. “Tomorrow, I will ride for London to secure a special license. Depending on the weather, it should take me four to five days. We will marry by the end of the week. You will celebrate the Festive Days in your new home.”

She murmured, “That soon?”

“Do you object?” he said defensively.

Grace’s expression said it all. “I do not object, my Lord. I just fear in disappointing you,” she said honestly.

Obviously, Lord Godown had not expected her candidness. His eyes narrowed. “I have a capable staff who will assist you with the running of Gossling Hill, or you may seek the advice of one of my aunts. As for our more intimate relationship,” he said huskily. “I anticipate the pleasure of introducing you to the marriage bed.”

Grace swallowed hard. God help her. She anticipated the pleasure also.

*

Within a half hour, his carriage rolled through the gates leading to Linton Park. He had always like the rolling hills and the shadowed lane leading to the manor house. It reminded him of the tales his mother had told him when he was but a lad. A magical place where a person could be happy. Today, he hoped some of the magic would rub off on his tenuous arrangement with Grace Nelson.

“It is quite magnificent,” Grace said from where she watched out the coach’s window. After his declaration that he planned to regularly visit her bed, they had sat in silence, each coming to terms with what they would sacrifice in order to know some degree of happiness.

“Hopefully, you will find Gossling Hill equally as appealing,” he said softly.

“I am certain of it,” she said with determination. “I shall know completeness in my new home.”

Gabriel prayed she would. That they both would. He glanced up to see Worthing standing on the entrance steps. Aidan Kimbolt, Viscount Lexford, stood nonchalantly beside him. “Allow me a moment to explain to Worthing,” he said as he stepped from the carriage. Knowing Grace would agree, he never looked back. She was as nervous as he regarding their reception.

“Ah, Godown. It is you,” Worthing called as he descended the steps. “When word came from the gatehouse of your arrival, I thought Ole Taylor had lost his reason.” He shook Gabriel’s hand and directed him to where Lexford came to greet him.

“You do realize this is Advent Sunday,” Lexford said with a lopsided grin.

Gabriel shook his friend’s hand. “I told John Coachman to take all the back roads. I had to escape Lord Brant’s party. I will explain in more detail later.”

“Well, let us go inside.” Worthing gestured to the open door. “Out of the cold.”

Gabriel glanced to the carriage. “I have someone with me.”

Lexford slapped him good-naturedly on the back. “You sly fox,” he said with a smirk. “You and Miss Haverty have decided to elope, and you require our assistance to outrun her relatives.” Lexford took several steps in the direction of the coach. “Well, come on, Man. We cannot keep the lady waiting.”

Gabriel stepped around his friend. “It is not what you think, Lexford,” he cautioned. Turning to the carriage, he extended his hand into the darkness. “Come, my Dear, we have explanations to make.” Gabriel turned his head to gauge his friends’ reactions. “Worthing. Lexford. You previously hold Miss Nelson’s acquaintance.” He assisted Grace to the ground and placed her on his arm.

Worthing recovered first. He bowed stiffly. “Of course. Miss Nelson, welcome to Linton Park.”

Gabriel could see the realization forming on his friends’ countenances. He and Grace had traveled together in the privacy of his coach. They knew him well enough to know he would not bring his mistress to stay at Linton Park. To assure them of his intentions, he said, “Miss Nelson has agreed to make me the happiest of men. We had hoped the Earl’s offer of the Linton chapel might extend to our joining.”

“Have you lost all forms of good sense?” Lexford demanded after Lady Worthing had graciously shown Grace to her guest quarters.

As Gabriel had expected, Worthing and his lady had done all that was proper in welcoming him and Grace to their home. After briefly explaining how he had discovered Miss Nelson at Lord Brant’s estate, Gabriel had excused Grace to Lady Eleanor’s tender care. “You have not heard the entire story.”

Worthing sipped his drink. “Then why do you not enlighten us?”

Gabriel took a deep breath. How could he make his friends understand something he could not define to his own satisfaction? Although he still held some deep rooted suspicions regarding Miss Nelson’s involvement in his attacks, he could no more walk away from the woman than he could sprout wings and fly. He had tried unsuccessfully to stay away from her. Therefore, he had come to the conclusion he would keep her close where he could watch her. Where he could have her any time he wanted. “I discovered Lord Abbott in Miss Haverty’s bed mere hours after the Brants had announced our engagement. I will not have a wife who prefers another man’s touch,” Gabriel said coldly.

“What part did Miss Nelson play in this caper?” Worthing said evenly.

“Upon discovering Abbott’s intent, Miss Nelson informed me of Miss Haverty’s liaison. Unfortunately, Lady Brant thought Miss Nelson’s allegiance misplaced. She discharged her governess without a reference. I could not leave the lady to possible ruin,” Gabriel summarized.

Worthing set forward. He spoke with sincerity. “Of course, you could not abandon Miss Nelson to Lady Brant’s retribution. But what neither Lexford nor I understand is why you would make the woman wife? Take her to London and leave her to her own devices or if you desire her, make the woman your mistress. But a wife is privy to a man’s every thought. Do you want a woman in your bed, who you believe to have conspired with your enemies?”

“Why not?” Gabriel said flippantly. “Would it not be better to keep my enemies close? Besides, I require a wife, and lady is willing. Who knows? Perhaps, my powers of persuasion will convince Miss Nelson to share her secrets.”

Worthing met Gabriel’s gaze. “This is truly your desire? To make Miss Nelson your wife?”

Gabriel refused to flinch. To even blink. It was important to sway his friends’ opinions. “I thought on it long and hard, and it is the proper course for me.”

An extended pause told him Worthing and Lexford weighed the honesty behind his words. “Then tell us what you require of us,” Worthing declared.

*

“How do I express my gratitude, Lady Worthing?” Grace said as Lady Worthing directed her maid to unpack Grace’s few belongings.

“Nonsense,” Lady Worthing insisted as she eased her weight into a nearby chair. “My husband and Lord Godown have a long-standing allegiance. We are thrilled you brought your suit to Linton Park to celebrate your vows.”

Grace watched as the woman cradled her enlarged abdomen with her hands. “Yet, it is an inconvenience, Viscountess, to address the needs of uninvited guests when you should be concerned only with your confinement.”

“I shall not permit Eleanor to over extend herself,” Lady Linworth assured. The countess lovingly looked upon her son’s wife. “Ella is quite strong willed and refuses her bed,” Lady Linworth continued. “Yet, she will do what is best for my grandchild, will you not, my Dear?”

Lady Worthing blushed thoroughly, but she smiled easily at her mother in marriage. “I will protect this child with my life, Countess,” the viscountess said contritely.

Lady Linworth said, “Besides, this will be our fourth wedding at Linton Chapel in less than a year. I imagine we can arrange a simple ceremony without taxing Lady Eleanor’s energies too much.” She turned to Grace. “When had you and Lord Godown planned to speak your vows?”

“His Lordship plans to ride to London tomorrow for a special license,” Grace explained. “In the carriage, Lord Godown spoke of a Friday joining.”

The Countess laughed easily. “All of my son’s friends are impetuous when it comes to starting their new lives.” She pulled a chair closer to Lady Eleanor. “Just think, Ella, we shall have four days to arrange Miss Nelson’s nuptials.”

The viscountess sighed heavily. “Such a luxury.”

Grace sat on the bed’s edge. “Please, Lady Linworth. Nothing elaborate. In fact, I shall insist it only be Lord Godown and I.”

Lady Worthing gestured the maid away. “I fear Lord Godown has different plans. I overheard him tell Lord Lexford he meant to send his carriage to Staffordshire tomorrow to carry his aunts to Linton Park for the ceremony. Do you have family you wish to invite, Miss Nelson? If so, I am certain Lord Worthing will do his best to bring them to Derbyshire in time for the ceremony.” The viscountess paused awkwardly. “I am ashamed, Miss Nelson, that when you were last at Linton Park I never inquired of your family.”

Grace said honestly, “There was no need, Viscountess, for you to have bothered with Viscount Averette’s governess. I take no offense, Ma’am.”

“Yet, you are no longer a governess, Miss Nelson. You are betrothed to one of my husband’s closest associates. You are to be a marquise. I owe you my respect,” Lady Worthing countered.

Her words did little to ease Grace’s qualms. To feel comfortable with what she had agreed. When she married Lord Godown, she would be one of the highest-ranking aristocrats in the land. What did she know of Society? Although she was a baron’s daughter, she had had no experience in the ways of the ton. “There is no one, Lady Worthing.” Grace would love to have Mercy with her, but she would not chance Geoffrey learning of her nuptials until after the ceremony. “My parents passed some six years prior.”

“I recall your saying so at the Prince Regent’s party that your father was a baron,” Lady Worthing said.

“Yes, Viscountess. Baron Thomas and Lady Louisa Nelson of Lancashire.”

Lady Linworth said, “Then we shall keep the gathering very intimate. As it is nearing the Festive Days, I imagine many of my son’s fellow agents will be at their winter estates; yet, I will ask James how many guests to anticipate.” The countess rose to exit. “I shall carry the glad tidings to the earl. Perhaps, the news shall bolster Linworth’s spirits.”

*

Grace remained by his side throughout the supper. A small family affair, even Worthing’s son Daniel dined with the adults. It pleased Gabriel how easily Grace engaged the boy in conversation. It boded well in defining the type of mother she would be with their children. When she promised the boy a game of chess on the morrow, Gabriel slid his hand under the table and squeezed the back of hers. Yet, Grace surprised him by interlacing her fingers with his. They remained thus for several minutes, and Gabriel found it quite satisfying to have her express a connection between them. After spending a month imagining Miss Haverty had thought his touch repulsive, Grace’s purposely seeking his touch soothed his bruised soul.

He leaned closer to her and whispered, “Lord Worthing will accompany me in my pursuit of a special license? Will you be comfortable remaining at Linton Park alone in my absence?”

Grace glanced to both the right and to the left to secure their privacy. She lowered her voice. “Lady Worthing and the Countess are all that is kindness. I promised Lady Linworth I would encourage Lady Worthing to spend more time in rest for her upcoming confinement.” Gabriel raised his eyes to meet Worthing’s. His friend closely watched Gabriel’s interactions with Grace. Worthing may have agreed to assist him, but his friend was not totally convinced Gabriel had made a proper choice. “The Countess has sent for the local dressmaker. She says I require proper bride clothes.”

Gabriel smiled when she frowned. Evidently his lady considered the expense. “Order as many dresses and gowns as you please, my Dear. As my marquise, you will require a complete wardrobe.”

“I could not, my Lord!” she gasped.

Gabriel wished they were alone where he might convince Grace with a kiss or a dozen kisses, if necessary. He did not understand the impulse to do so, but, evidently, his attraction to the woman had never subsided. “I insist. Permit Lady Linworth to guide you. You may as well succumb to their female tenderings. I can assure you my aunts will never take your refusal seriously.”

*

Grace had risen early to see Lord Godown off. Lady Worthing had mentioned her husband hoped to be on the road before eight. Therefore, Grace had sneaked downstairs at seven in anticipation of Lord Godown’s departure. At half past seven, she heard the two gentlemen and a lady’s voice in the main foyer.

Stepping from the small drawing room, she encountered Lord Worthing with his arm wrapped about his wife’s waist and accompanied by Lord Godown. When he noticed her, the marquis smiled. “My Dear, I did not expect to see you this morning.” He hurried to greet her. Grace noted Lord and Lady Worthing continued into the morning room. Lord Godown caught her hand and brought it to his lips. “You are a pleasant surprise.”

“I could not have you leave without wishing you a safe journey, my Lord,” she said softly.

“Could I not convince you to call me ‘Gabriel’? In less than a week, we will be joined forever,” he said teasingly.

Her eyes fluttered closed in a long, slow blink. “I shall set my mind to in your absence, my Lord.”

Gabriel chuckled. “It is likely the closest I will come to a concession from you. I will count the moment as a victory.”

“I shall not permit you many of them,” she said haughtily, but she softened immediately. “Please promise me you shall take precautions. That you will return well,” she insisted.