Three Weeks to Wed (7 page)

She smiled ecstatically. “Truly?”

“Without a doubt.” His grin faded. “Louisa, you must promise to tell me if any man makes advances toward you, or makes you feel uncomfortable. If any of them wish to address you, they must speak with me first.”

She nodded. “Yes, Matt, I promise.”

He would introduce her to Phoebe and Anna. Both ladies waited until they'd found the right gentlemen to wed. “And don't worry about marrying this Season unless you meet someone you love deeply and he loves you.”

Louise tucked her arm in his. “I shall do everything you tell me to do.”

He didn't believe that for a moment. Not that she'd purposely do something he didn't like, just that some gentleman might overcome her good sense, and she had a tendency to want her own way. He patted her hand. “Good girl. Then we shall come off without a hitch.”

He fervently prayed he would find his lady quickly so he could watch over his sister and keep her away from the rakes, rogues, and fortune hunters lurking around innocent young ladies, hoping to take advantage.

Matt arrived home to find a note from Anna asking if his stepmother and sister would like to accompany her to Madame Lisette's on the morrow. He glanced at his butler, Thorton. “Please ask Lady Worthington to attend me in my study.”

“Yes, my lord.”

A few minutes later, Patience knocked. “What is it? Not the children, I hope.”

Matt grinned and handed her the note. “Only one of them. Anna Rutherford would like to know if you and Louisa are able to go to Madame Lisette's in the morning.”

The following morning, the bell on the door of Madame Lisette's shop tinkled as Grace, Phoebe, and Charlotte walked in.

“
Ah, bonjour, miladies.
Lady Eves . . . ah, bah,
excusez-moi.
”

Phoebe's eyes sparkled with humor. “Madame, you may still call me Lady Phoebe.”

“
Non, non,
it is not proper. I shall practice.” She turned to Grace and Charlotte. “These are the ladies about which you wrote me?”

“Yes, Madame. Lady Grace Carpenter, Lady Charlotte, allow me to introduce you to Madame Lisette. Madame, Lady Grace Carpenter and her sister, Lady Charlotte.”

Madame curtseyed gracefully. She was a small, energetic lady. Her dark hair laced lightly with silver.

Madame studied them with an experienced eye. “You will both need everything,
non?
”

“I will not be attending many balls,” Grace responded. Particularly if Worthington was searching for her. That meeting, if it ever occurred, would be on her terms. “My aunt is sponsoring my sister for her come out. Please concentrate on her first.”

“
Ah oui?
” Madame said. “Well then, Lady Charlotte, come with me.”

Charlotte glanced quickly at Grace, who shooed her after Madame. “Go on, my dear. I'll wait for you here.”

“Come let us sit.” Phoebe took a place on a plush velvet sofa.

A servant appeared offering cups of coffee. Phoebe accepted one as she asked Grace, “Tell me, which of the entertainments do you plan to attend?”

Grace took a sip. The coffee was quite good. “I would dearly love to go to at least one of Lady Thornhill's drawing rooms, and I'd like to pick up some old threads with friends I haven't seen lately. Probably most of the teas, maybe an afternoon rout party.”

Shifting on the sofa, Phoebe frowned. “I hope you plan to come to the small parties I shall hold.”

Though it was a risk, Grace couldn't refuse her friend. “Yes, I wouldn't miss them.” She gazed out the window. Carriages, footmen, vendors, ladies, and other women filled the street. She'd forgotten how exciting London could be. No matter what occurred, Grace vowed she'd have fun this Season. “Phoebe, I so enjoy being back in Town.”

“I find it pleasant for a few months.” She rubbed the small of her back. “After that, I'm happy to be back in the country.”

Taking another sip, Grace wondered where Madame found her coffee. “Do you never go to Brighton?”

“No.” Phoebe‘s eyes narrowed slightly. “I find very little to admire there since certain parties decided to switch parties.”

Ah yes, Prinny switching sides had been a blow. “That was disappointing.” Grace took another sip of coffee resolving to discover where Madame bought it. “I had hoped our next sovereign would be more progressive.”

“My dear, have you decided what you'll do when you see
him
again?”

Hide
. Grace shook her head. “I think I've been praying it won't happen. I—I just don't know what I
could
say.” She sighed again. It seemed that was all she did these days. “Maybe I should take the other children home and leave Charlotte with my aunt.”

“Of course,” Phoebe responded in a dry tone. “Then you could wear a path from Bedfordshire to London checking on Charlotte or worry yourself to death.”

Grace rubbed her brow. “You are right. It wouldn't do. How could I have been so stupid?”

Phoebe patted Grace's knee. “None of us are particularly bright when it comes to love. It is a form of insanity.”

“But you were. I can tell that your husband loves you very much.”

Smiling mistily, Phoebe said, “Yes, though we had our problems as well.” She glanced at Grace ruefully. “And I have to say, once one has experienced the physical side of love, it's very hard to resist it.”

No matter how hard Grace tried not to think about it, somehow the feel of his hand on her slipped through, and she had to resist moaning. Yet that memory had to be enough. She could never do it again. “Very true.” She must change this conversation. “Phoebe, I've never known you to drink coffee.”

“I acquired the habit on my honeymoon in Paris. Outside of France, Madame Lisette's is the only one I like.”

In a little while, Charlotte joined them, her face wreathed in smiles. “Grace, she said she has some gowns already made up. How can that be?”

“I sent your measurements to her.”

“Of course. I didn't think of that.”

One of the bright spots of Grace's life now was seeing Charlotte's joy at being in London and preparing for the Season. “You goose. Did you think it was magic?”

Charlotte blushed. “It was silly, I guess.”

Madame joined them with a tablet of drawings. “Milady Grace, I think these gowns
comme il faut pour la jeune fille.
”

Grace flipped through the pages. Each gown was perfect for Charlotte. “I agree. These are excellent, and you have some garments already completed?”

Madame's lips formed a moue. “A few minor alterations. I shall send them round this afternoon, unless you need something sooner?”

Grace couldn't remember her aunt mentioning any plans. “No, this afternoon is fine. If you could give me fabric samples and recommendations for hats and alike, we may start on the other things she'll need.”

Madame inclined her head. “But
naturellement,
milady. But, now it is your turn.”

Phoebe nudged Grace. “No time like the present, as they say.”

She rose and followed Madame behind the black curtain where she was made to stand on a raised platform to have her measurements taken. Then, based on the ones she'd sent earlier, Madame brought out several gowns, spencers, and pelisses for her to look over. They were lovely. Grace hadn't had such beautiful gowns since she'd last been in London. After all, there was no reason she should not dress fashionably. Even bluestockings, such as Lady Thornhill and the Misses Berry, dressed well. Bolton was right. A new gown was just the thing to make one feel better. “I shall take them all, including the ones in your drawings.”

After Madame showed Phoebe some designs and remeasured her, they were ready to leave. Grace put on her hat, being careful to tuck her hair up. It had always been her most recognizable feature. They left armed with samples and descriptions.

When they reached the pavement, Phoebe was hailed by a very pretty matron with chestnut curls. Accompanying her were two other ladies, one older with blond hair and a young lady with striking, sable-brown hair, who for some reason reminded her very much of Worthington. “Phoebe, we will meet you at the milliner's down the street.” Grace grabbed Charlotte's arm and whisked her away before the others reached them.

Phoebe nodded in acknowledgment. “I shan't be long.” She turned to the ladies walking toward them. “Anna, my dear . . .”

Charlotte, despite casting Grace a confused look, had not demurred. Grace's bosom heaved with relief. If she was a gambling woman, she wouldn't have wagered a groat against the chance that the younger woman was Worthington's sister. Her heart pounded. She finally managed a shaky breath. “Do you have the samples?”

Charlotte narrowed her eyes. “Yes. Grace, what was that all about?”

“What about? Why nothing. We mustn't let the day catch up with us. We're expected back in Grosvenor Square for luncheon.”

“Aunt Almeria said we'd be alone for luncheon.”

“Did she? I daresay I've forgotten.” Grace cast desperately around for another topic of conversation. “Here is the clerk wishing to help us.”

She gave Charlotte a small push. “We will need bonnets for the Season.”

Phoebe entered a few minutes later while Charlotte was with the clerk. “That was a good escape you made.”

Glancing out the window, Grace pressed her lips together. “I knew it. Worthington's sister. She is so much like him.”

“She is indeed.”

Charlotte turned to her. “Grace, what do you think about this one?”

It was a satin straw bonnet decorated with ribbons and artificial flowers. The hat would be perfect with some of her walking gowns. “Excellent, my love.” Grace glanced at Phoebe. “You know so much more of what is in fashion. Will you help her?”

Phoebe grinned. “Of course, but Madame has had a partnership of sorts with this shop, and trusts them to enhance her fashions.” She leaned closer. “Calm yourself. The others will be at Madame's for a while yet.”

Grace bit her lip and tried to focus on the bonnets. “How wonderful that she can offer such a convenience to her customers.”

Phoebe nodded. “I quite agree. It saves a great deal of time.”

The rest of the day was spent in buying the other articles of clothing and accessories that a lady of fashion needed. They had luncheon with Phoebe before sallying out again that afternoon.

Concerned about Phoebe's condition and the pace she was keeping taking them around, Grace insisted her friend rest. “My dear, you'll soon be knocked up.”

Phoebe just chuckled lightly. “I have a great deal of energy. Though I am told my last three months will be a little dreary and I shall tire more easily.”

“I suppose you know best. You won't overdo it, will you?” Grace drew her brows together before she knew what she was doing. Good Lord, she was getting as bad as the older ladies, mothering other people.

Phoebe grinned. “You have become quite the mother hen.”

Grace smiled wryly. “I was just thinking the same thing. I suppose it comes with the territory.”

Once back at Herndon House she took the one package she'd decided to keep with her to her chamber. Opening the box, she drew out a straw bonnet with a high crown, which made her look taller, and a brim trimmed in gathered straw silk that hid her face from a side view.

Grace donned it and studied her reflection in the mirror. Unless one came upon her from the front, they would not be able to recognize her. The only problem was that she could only see what was directly in front of her.

It would have to do. At least now, she could shop without fear of being taken unawares.

Bolton came out of the dressing room and stopped. “I take it that's the newest style?”

Grace met her dresser's gaze in the mirror and lied. “Yes, do you like it? I think it very fashionable.”

“If you don't want to see what's around you.” Bolton shook her head. “Several of your gowns have arrived. Now those I like. As I've said anytime during the past four years, there is no reason you can't dress like a fashionable lady even if you are in the country.”

It was true, there were some things Grace need not deny herself. After all, no one was going to take the children away because she dressed well. “Yes, I believe you're right. Just because I'm not spending time in Town doesn't mean I need to look like a provincial.”

Bolton put away the garments. “You still need to buy stockings, material for chemises, and more gloves.”

“I'll attend to it to-morrow. Get a list from May for Charlotte.” Grace removed the bonnet, handing it carefully to her maid. Until she could come up with something better, that hat was her only form of disguise.

* * *

The week passed quickly. She bought a phaeton for Charlotte and a curricle for herself, as well as one large town coach and a smaller one. She also gave in to her temptation for a landau. Even if
some people
thought it was an old woman's carriage. “Truly, Phoebe, it will be so practical with all the children.”

Phoebe's eyes danced. “If you say so.”

Grace snoodled around the pale yellow conveyance. “It is, and it seats six, maybe even seven. The top goes up and down, so it may be used no matter the weather. I assure you, it's just what I need, and I'll require more horses as well.”

“You're in luck, my uncle Henry is in Town, and he has a very good eye. Make a list of what you want, and I shall ask him to procure them for you.”

“Thank you. I don't know what I would have done without your help.”

Her friend laughed. “No, no, it's my pleasure, and I have had a lot of fun.”

Grace leaned back against the landau. “I shall also need more grooms.”

“Sam, my groom, shall help you. I'll send him round to Herndon House.”

One day when Charlotte and Aunt Almeria were on morning visits, Grace visited Stanwood House to reacquaint herself with the London housekeeper, Mrs. Penny, an old retainer Grace could not bear to let go. After all, she would rather have the house occupied when the family was not in residence.

Other than coming to London to inspect the renovations last autumn, Grace had not been in Stanwood House since before her mother died. Mrs. Penny had done the best she could with only a skeleton staff. Though they'd need at least a dozen or so more servants for the Season, Grace had agreed to hire the contingent of maids Penny needed to reopen the large town house a few months earlier.

Two days before her brothers and sisters were due to arrive, Grace inspected the house and was pleased to see Royston in residence.

Mrs. Penny curtseyed. “It is all as it should be now, my lady. I've already had the house cleaned and aired. I hope the maids I've hired meet with your approval.”

“Thank you, Penny. I was in a worry we wouldn't have it all done before the children got here. Lord knows we can't do it afterward.” Grace turned to her butler. “Please hire more footmen if you find a need. Neep has taken the new grooms and stable boys in hand. With Cook remaining at Stanwood Hall, I've hired a French chef for the Season. He'll come this afternoon. Ask him to have the menus ready for my approval to-morrow.”