The Marquis and I (The Worthingtons #4)(104)

He poured Con a glass of claret.

“Come to think of it,” Rothwell continued, taking a large drink of his wine, “when I came to Town to be inducted into the Lords, Louisa had renovated the kitchen and redecorated several rooms by the time I returned.” He frowned into his wine. “I was only gone for two weeks. I still do not know how she managed it.”

Even if Con could not spend time with his beloved, he could find out about the party. “I understand there is to be a large breakfast event in two days.”

“Grace wanted to do something before we left for the country. She had planned a ball for our sisters and Dotty, but weddings kept interfering.” Worthington took a sip of wine. “We agreed that an evening entertainment would be too much work with your marriage coming up, and decided on a breakfast.” Worthington glanced out the window and watched the children for a moment. “Your mother has your invitation.”

Again, that made perfect sense. Still, Con had the feeling that he was missing something. “I’ll look forward to it. It is too bad we could not have combined my wedding breakfast with your entertainment.”

Worthington paused for a long moment before replying. “Yes, indeed.”

“Speaking of my marriage, I would like to set a date as well as purchase from you the pair of grays Charlotte is using for her carriage.”

“The horses can be arranged. As to the other, I am still waiting for my wife to give me a date for the wedding.”

Just then the children ran into the morning room, followed at a slower pace by the Great Danes.

Worthington heaved a sigh. “I really must get Daisy to the country before she drops that litter.”

The children began to surround them, but he directed them to the schoolroom. “I shall invite Kenilworth to dine with us.”

As they left the parlor, the children chattered happily, debating who was to sit next to him.

Rothwell looked confused. “What about me?”

“I am their favorite brother-in-law.” Con couldn’t stop himself from smirking.

“What the devil did you do?” the duke groused. “They liked me perfectly well the last time I saw them.”

Knowing he had the advantage, he puffed out his chest. “I allow them to call me by my first name.”

“Those children do nothing for my consequence.” Rothwell snorted. “I never feel less like a duke than I do around this family.”

Worthington raised his glass. “And that is exactly how I intend it to remain.”

“You could allow them to call you ‘Gid,’” Con said. Rothwell scowled and Con forced his lips together so he wouldn’t laugh. “They would like that.”

“I am sure they would. While they’re at it, they can call you Connie.”

“No, they can’t,” he retorted. “That’s what we call my sister Cornelia.” A circumstance he had always been thankful for. “Aside from that, Barton—you remember him—is called Connie. We’d confuse everyone.”

“Don’t feel too bad.” Worthington poured more wine in Rothwell’s glass. “Merton thought Dotty would never find a use for his title.”

Con recalled him saying something to that effect in the inn. “I for one would rather be wanted for the person I am rather than my title.” Even if he had never expected that would be the case.

Or expected to be rejected despite his title and wealth.

*

The next afternoon, Louisa, Dotty, and Charlotte were ensconced in the Young Ladies’ Parlor discussing Charlotte’s wedding.

“Are your wedding clothes finished?” Louisa asked. She had taken out a sheet of paper and had a pen poised over it.

“Every last item has been delivered.” Charlotte had been amazed at that. Then again, Madam Lisette was no fool, and she knew she would have years of orders from them. “May—or rather, Walker—is packing as we speak.”

“Where will you go on your honeymoon?” Louisa frowned. “Will you make a wedding trip?”

“We shall. Where depends on what happens on the Continent. If it is still unsafe, we shall go to the Lake District. I hear it is beautiful.”

“The wedding breakfast is planned,” Dotty pointed out. “You can add that to your list.”

Louisa scribbled on the foolscap. “Special license?”

“Matt has it,” Charlotte said.

“Wedding present?”

“I had an emerald tie pin made for him. It almost matches his eyes and my ring.”

Louisa’s lips formed a moue. “He will not have anything for you.”

“It doesn’t matter.” Charlotte shrugged. “I am sure he will make up for it later.”

“I for one am amazed you have been able to keep this a secret,” Dotty said. “Dominic figured it out but promised not to tell anyone. I believe he thinks it is slightly roguish.”

“Poor Constantine hasn’t had much time to think about it.” Charlotte was relieved her cousin had agreed to keep her betrothed busy. “With you and Louisa spending so much time with me, Rothwell and Merton are spending time with him.”

“By this time tomorrow you will be married.” Louisa blinked rapidly. “When I wed, I was worried that you were the last one left and would be lonely. I am so happy you have found a man to love.”