Three Weeks to Wed (19 page)

At times such as this, Matt felt as if he was pushing a boulder uphill. He pulled her chair out. “You are already dressed, and most fetchingly, I might add. You can give Charlotte her instructions while you eat. The cook can wait, and I shall take over here. I'm quite sure I am capable of getting them up to the school-room. After which, I shall join you at Worthington House.” Grace poured his tea, and he took the cup. “I shall gladly give you a free hand with any redecorating you'd like to do.”

“You will need to do something with the school-room and the children's bedchambers.” Charlotte pulled a face. “It is really dark.”

“Yes, you will.” Louisa entered the breakfast room and grimaced. “The rooms are not nearly as nice as the ones here. Especially the school-room.”

The rest of the children straggled in shortly afterward, with their eyes half open and yawning.

What was this? They usually had too much energy in the morning. “Why do you all look so tired?”

“We think it was the late night, my lord,” Miss Tallerton said. “They were so overstrung none of them went directly to sleep. I don't think Town hours agree with them.”

“Oh dear.” Grace's brows furrowed in consternation. “I hadn't thought of that. I suppose we must continue to keep country hours when we dine alone.”

Matt leaned back in his chair, taking a sip of tea. “They could eat in the school-room.”

Several pairs of sleepy eyes glared at him.

“No, they cannot.” Grace threw him an irritated look.

“Matt?” Louisa asked, using a warning tone. “Have you seen the school-room?”

He had a feeling he was about to get a lesson in humility. “No.”

“There is not a place for a table large enough to fit all of them,” Grace said. “When we have guests, they will dine early in here.”

“I'm sorry. I suppose I should have taken a look first.” That had not been well done on his part. “As you wish, my dear.”

Breakfast was much quieter than usual. She dabbed her lips with the serviette and rose. “Charlotte, I would like you to practice your music. Perhaps Louisa can join you. I must go now if I'm to be ready for Mrs. Thorton.”

Ah, he was to be trusted with the children. After Grace left, Matt glanced around the table with a sense of contentment. She was finally accepting their marriage and making decisions again. “After you've finished, you may all go back to bed for a nap. I'll not take grumpy children to the Park.”

He waited until they'd gone, then ambled over to Worthington House.

* * *

The door opened before Grace knocked.

“My lady.” Worthington's butler bowed. “Mrs. Thorton is waiting for you in the morning room.”

“Thank you, Thorton.”

Grace looked at the large entrance hall, tiled in black-and-white marble. An ornately carved grand staircase anchored the room, rising to a gallery on the first floor, then up again to another gallery. This was older and larger than Stanwood House. Flanking the entrance hall were two rooms. Two corridors, one on each side of the hall, led off to the back of the house. She followed Thorton down one of them to a pleasant, sunny parlor with French windows leading to a terrace and the garden beyond.

Mrs. Thorton was as short as her husband was tall. Pleasantly plump with a jovial countenance, she looked to be around fifty years of age. Grace hoped she'd be as easy to work with as she appeared.

The housekeeper bobbed a curtsey. “Welcome, my lady. I have my notebook and pencil. Where would you like to start?”

Grace smiled. “In the school-room. I imagine major renovations will be needed there.”

Leading Grace out of the parlor and up the stairs, the housekeeper said, “I understand, my lady, that you have several brothers and sisters.”

That was one way to put it. “Indeed, seven. Three boys, though the oldest is at Eton, and four girls. The eldest is making her come out this year. I shall need at least five bedchambers for the children and two sets of chambers for their tutor and governess.”

Mrs. Thorton raised her brows. “Then you will have to remodel the entire floor.”

Grace followed her up three flights of stairs to the school-room. It consisted of one room and two connecting bedchambers at the front of the house. A corridor with rooms on either side led to the back. Most of the rooms were very small and either empty or used for storage. “Where do the servants sleep?”

“The next floor up, my lady. Mr. Thorton and I have rooms in the other corridor on this side.”

That was odd. If no one else did, the butler usually had his apartments downstairs. Grace pursed her lips. “Are you happy on this floor?”

“Well, my lady, to be honest, we were happier in the rooms downstairs.”

“What are those chambers being used for now?”

“Mostly storage.”

Then there would be no reason the problem could not be remedied fairly quickly. “Decide what you must have done to make them habitable again, and send me the list. In the meantime—” Grace opened the doors to the two front apartments, which were spacious. Each consisting of a bedroom, dressing room, and parlor. “They will do well for the governess and tutor. I'd like them painted and cleaned. Hmm, if we combine every second room, the bedchambers will not be so cramped.” Grace put her fingers to her temples. “Art room with lots of windows and light, children's parlor. What else?”

“A nursery?”

Her cheeks warmed. “At the other end of the corridor, with rooms for a nurse and maids.”

Mrs. Thorton made notes. “A new water closet?”

“An excellent idea. Two new water closets, and we can turn one of the small bedchambers into a bathing chamber.”

By the time they were done, the list had grown remarkably. Strolling around the floor again, she hoped there was space for all of it. “When was the last time this house was renovated?”

“I've been here for over thirty years and this will be the first time anything more than the main rooms were redecorated.”

“Well, I suppose there has not been much of a need.”

“No, my lady. Not since his lordship's mother died.”

It was almost one o'clock before they descended to the first floor. “Mrs. Thorton, I shall let you have your luncheon. We can meet again afterward.”

“As you say, my lady.” She dipped a curtsey, then bustled away.

Grace stood looking around and wondering how long it would be before she lived here. Were they doing the right thing by marrying when they each had responsibilities for their sisters and brothers? Charlie still had to learn to manage all the Stanwood properties and not be a stranger to them. She put a hand to her forehead. How was this all going to work?

Matt strode in the breakfast room as Grace and the children were rising from the luncheon table. He kissed her quickly to a chorus of
oohs, aahs,
and at least one
uck.
Wondering if the running commentary every time he kissed her would ever end, he fixed the children with a stern look. “You may all keep your opinions to yourselves.”

Grace placed her serviette on the table. “And where were you all morning? I thought you were to join Mrs. Thorton and me?”

He tucked her arm in his. “I was going to, but decided procuring our special license, as I'd not had an opportunity to do it before, took priority. I understand you've not yet finished.”

“I suppose so. Have you eaten?”

“Yes, and you need to complete your tour.” He hurried her out the door.

Grace put her hand on her head and patted. “Matt, I can't go without my bonnet.”

“You're just going across the street.”

Thorton opened the door and bowed them in.

“Tell Mrs. Thorton we shall begin with the morning room,” Worthington called over his shoulder.

When they reached the room, he whisked her in, closed the door, and pulled her into his arms. “I've wanted to do this all morning.” His lips descended onto hers. When she opened her mouth to protest, he captured her lips with his own. “Don't talk. Just kiss me,” he mumbled against her lips. “I'll hear Thorton coming.”

When her arms went around his neck, he smiled. God, he loved how she responded to him. Moving his hands over her derrière, he held her flush against him, letting her feel his need. Her skin heated, and she was ready for him. If only they had the time. Yet his housekeeper was coming down the corridor. Matt reluctantly released her just as Mrs. Thorton knocked. Perhaps he'd tell Mrs. Thorton he would show Grace around himself. Maybe they could start with his bedchamber.

His arm was still around Grace's waist when Mrs. Thorton entered, took in the tableau, and narrowed her eyes at him. “If you will come with me, my lady, we'll finish up.”

With lips still a little swollen, Grace smiled charmingly. “Of course, Mrs. Thorton.”

Matt grinned. “I can take it from here, if you'd like.”

His housekeeper's brows rose, just as they had when he'd been caught sneaking in one of the hunting dogs. “No, my lord, I would not like. What
I'd
like is to finish what we started this morning. Which won't happen if you take over.”

Grace choked. “Indeed, Mrs. Thorton. Worthington, why don't you take a look at the drawing I made of the changes needed for the children's floor.”

He placed his hand on the small of Grace's back and stroked downward. “I'll do it later. First, I want to be there when you see your chambers.”

Her breath hitched. “If you wish. I'll call you when we get to them.”

He scowled as Grace surveyed the morning room, then left with Mrs. Thorton. He had plans for her to-day, and they did not include his housekeeper.

He followed them out. Grace could go over the renovation with him later. Staying out of their way, he noted the manner in which Grace dealt with Mrs. Thorton. She listened to his housekeeper's suggestions, melded them with her own, and came to a consensus. He vaguely wondered how much all this was going to cost him and dismissed it. Much more important to have a happy household.

When they reached the bedrooms, Grace turned to him. “Where are your sisters?”

“Taking lessons from your Miss Tallerton.”

“Where's their governess?”

“For some reason, she didn't come. Yesterday, Patience told me she had received a letter that the woman had taken another position closer to her family.” He and Grace had not discussed his sisters' lessons. Would she share her governess? The best idea was to give her the choice. “I suppose I'll have to hire a new one.”

“Don't be ridiculous. We don't need two. Winters and Tallerton share the lessons. Her father was a cleric, and she was taught with her brothers as they prepared for Oxford. She also has all the usual accomplishments, drawing, harp, pianoforte, French and Italian. Winters has a degree in theology from Oxford. He is teaching them Latin, higher mathematics and alike.”

“I see.” To the best of his knowledge, his former governess didn't have half those accomplishments. “As long as Miss Tallerton and Mr. Winters don't object.”

“Why would they?” Grace shrugged. “The girls are all close to the same ages.”

Matt continued to follow until they reached the last room on their list. He opened the door to the countess's parlor. It was clean, but obviously had not been used in years. On one side of the room was a door leading to a large dressing area, with another door to a bedchamber, with views of the back garden.

Grace turned to him. “Does your stepmother not use these rooms?”

“No.” He turned to Mrs. Thorton. “I think we can take it from here.”

She nodded. “Yes, my lord. My lady, I'll put the lists in proper order.”

He closed the door. “The last person to use this apartment was my mother.”

Grace's eyes grew wide with confusion. “I don't understand.”

Drawing her gently into his arms, he kissed her lightly. “My father and mother were just about inseparable. In fact, I don't remember them ever being apart, even overnight. After she died, he never slept in this bed or the one at Worthington Hall again. I have not slept in those rooms because I was waiting for a wife to share them with me.” Matt kissed her again. “Father told me once he married Patience because he was lonely. Yet she couldn't fill the emptiness my mother's death caused. He never brought Patience here because he didn't love her.”

“My parents were very much in love as well. If Mama had died first, I can't imagine Papa remarrying. I don't know if I feel worse for Patience or your father.”

“I think I pity Patience more. My father had a chance to know deep, unending love. She was robbed of the opportunity.” Matt shook his head.
Vivers men should only mate once.
“There is no separate bedchamber for the countess.”

Grace's arm circled his waist. “I understand.”

“Do you?”

She gazed up at him. “Indeed. My parents always shared a bedchamber. They couldn't bear to sleep apart.”

Maybe now she'd tell him what Lady Herndon said, and he could make Grace understand she had nothing to worry about. “Do you love me like that, Grace? Because that's how I love you.”

Tears welled in her eyes. “Yes, I love you exactly the same way.”

With nimble fingers he untied her bodice and pushed her gown down over her hips. The muslin made a soft
whoosh
as it fell.

“Matt, what are you doing?”

“I need to see you. All of you.” He pulled off her petticoats. He would have liked to truly take his time and unwrap her like one of those Russian boxes, one piece of clothing at a time. After untying her chemise, he stepped back. “You are the most beautiful woman I've ever seen.”

The stays dropped to the floor, to join the rest of her clothes. Then he remembered to pick up her gown and put it over a chair.

Grace blushed but stood still, allowing him to look as he'd not been able to that first night. Her breasts were generous and firm. He traced one finger over her ribs to her waist then over the swell of her hips. The curls between her legs were the same color as her hair. She took his breath away.

He ached to possess her. To find his home inside her.

Matt gathered Grace into his arms and took the lips she offered him. She opened her mouth and her tongue drove him higher. His already swollen shaft ached and begged to be let free.

Her breath came in short gasps as she leaned back from him. “Do you have anywhere to go this afternoon?”

“No.” Matt smiled and untied his cravat.

Grace pushed his jacket open, tugging it off. He allowed his hands to roam over her body. It was as smooth as the softest silk. Her nipples furled into tight buds, as she closed her eyes, allowing him to possess her. “You are perfect.”

A sultry smile shaped her lips. “And you, my lord, have too many clothes on. Hold still for a moment while I untie your cuffs.”

After Matt had pulled the shirt over his head, Grace reached up and took his lips. It wasn't until they spoke of their parents that she realized the depth of her love for him.

The next thing she knew his erection was free and his pantaloons fell to the floor.

Matt backed them to the bed and sat, removing his boots and stockings.

When he rose, he was naked and beautiful. Grace reached out, pressing her fingers against his chest, studying it before she ran her hands through the thick, silky hair and down over his stomach. His body tightened beneath her touch. But he stayed motionless as she reached behind him and traced his back to his bottom. His body was all solid muscle.

Grace looked down at his shaft and touched it. Hard and so soft at the same time and, oh Lord, the pleasure he gave her. The throbbing between her legs increased, and she shuddered in anticipation. She didn't want to wait any longer to feel him inside her body. Trailing her hands up over his chest, she touched his nipples and licked them. They rewarded her by tightening. “Make love to me.”

He picked her up, holding her like a child holds a favorite doll, and climbed in the bed. His chest hair abraded her already sensitive nipples. He settled between her legs, and she waited for him to enter her. When he didn't, she arched up, trying to encourage him. “What is it?”

He answered not in words, but by moving his lips, in soft featherlike kisses down her neck, over her breasts, sucking first one then the other. Tension wound inside her, and she gasped for air. She shook with a stronger, deeper desire than she'd ever known. The searing need for him that had started at the apex of her legs soared through her. “Matt, I need you inside me.”

Chuckling wickedly, he moved his lips down over her stomach. Her mouth dried, and her breath became raspy. When he licked her core, Grace cried out and almost came off the bed.

“Do you like this, my love?”

That had to be one of the stupidest questions she'd ever heard. She tried to find the breath to answer but could only manage a high-pitched moan.

“I'll take that as a yes.”

Grabbing at him, Grace tried to pull him up. As much as she liked what he was doing, she needed him now. Just the thought made her shudder again. “Please, Matt.”

He licked his way up her body and just when she thought she'd die if she had to wait any longer, he plunged into her, withdrew, and thrust in again. She wrapped her legs around him, sobbing with need. Flames engulfed her, and her core ignited. Grace clung to him and spun apart as he pumped into her one last time and shuddered.

Matt held her close as her arms and legs relaxed. “I can't believe how lucky I am to have found you. This is your place.”

He'd tucked her, limp and sated, in next to him. “My place?”

His lips pressed against her head tilted up. “Next to me. You fit perfectly.”

When she gave it some thought, Grace discovered he was right. She was safe and secure being held by him like this. She rolled just enough to see his face. “What are you thinking of?”

He smiled down at her, his eyes more green now. “I was wondering if we'll scandalize the servants like my parents did.”

Running her fingers lightly over his chest, she made her voice as sultry as she could. “What did they do to scandalize them?”

He kissed her and cupped a breast. “They made love whenever and wherever they wished.”

She pulled his head down and ran her tongue over his lips. “I think we're already on our way. Until the children are here, that is.”

“I'm not going to think about our brothers and sisters now.” He kissed her slowly, tantalizingly. He was trying to keep from going too fast, but she wanted none of that. They were in a bed for the first time since that night and she intended to take full advantage of it. Pressing against him she moved one leg across his hip.

His eyes smoldered. “Again?”

“Again.”

* * *

Grace dressed with care that evening. She wore a gown in
jonquille
silk. The neck was square and quite low, the high waist trimmed with a band of lace and seed pearls. Short epaulet sleeves left her shoulders mostly bare. The skirt flowed down and ended in a demi-train. Looping a long strand of pearls three times around her neck, she allowed one part to dangle lower. Pearls hung on gold wire adorned her ears.

Bolton dressed her hair high, pulling tendrils to fall past her shoulders, before securing the knot with combs. Grace collected her Norwich silk shawl, fan, and reticule.

“We haven't had you dressed so fine since you were last in London.”

Grace stared at her reflection in the mirror. “I think you're right.”

Bolton started to pick up then glanced over her shoulder. “You can tell his lordship for me that I'd appreciate it if he didn't crush your gown.”

“
Bolton!
” Grace's face was immediately hot.

“Just like your parents, you are. Go on now. He'll be waiting for you.”

Grace attempted to gather her dignity. “You are incorrigible.”

“Yes, my lady.”

Matt
was
waiting at the bottom of the stairs for her. When she reached him, the look in his face was all she could have wished for. His eyes, warm and loving. His well-molded lips tilted in a smile.