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Grace fidgeted in her seat. Over the past two weeks, she had grown weary of the countless visits from the ladies pretending they were paying their congratulations, when they were eager to learn more gossip to spread amongst themselves. Mothers had arrived, clucking their tongues in disapproval of Calum choosing her instead of their daughters. When Grace attempted to draw the young ladies into conversation, they either snubbed her or their mothers pulled them away. They didn’t want Grace to influence them with her low upbringing.
She tried not to let it bother her, but it became difficult when no one attempted to be friendly to her. Her mother-in-law refused to tolerate anyone not accepting Grace once she noticed their cold behavior. Lady Lockhart would call an end to their visits if they weren’t courteous. After the first couple of days, Calum joined them, which only caused the ladies to be more adamant about not accepting her. He did not shy away from his devotion and showered her with his affection. Cameron would join them if Calum wasn’t available. He sat by her side and regaled her with more of his adventures.
The guests would look upon them with envy. After a while, Grace no longer cared if society accepted her. The only people who mattered were her family and friends. Vivian had visited her the next day after they arrived home from Gretna Green, gushing with excitement at Grace’s happiness. She promised to bring Sara and Flora for a visit soon.
When not entertaining visitors, Lady Lockhart filled her days with a variety of merchants to outfit Grace worthy of her title. Lady Lockhart wanted to spare Grace from visiting the shops and the rumors spreading about how she had trapped Calum. If Grace learned anything from the false rumors she and her friends had suffered from in London, it didn’t matter how innocent you were. People would form their own opinions regardless of how you defended yourself. She had learned from Vivian that you must hold your chin high and not allow anyone to defeat you with their pettiness.
Grace craned her neck to gaze out the window and saw Gayre and Effie skipping along the path in the garden. She sighed with boredom, wishing she could join them. How much longer must she endure these ladies prattling on?
“They could go on for hours,” Cameron murmured next to her.
Grace covered her mouth. “Please tell me I did not say that aloud.”
Cameron chuckled. “I fear so. But do not fret. I do not believe they heard you. If so, they must focus on someone other than themselves.”
Grace kept her hand over her mouth to hide her giggles. “You are incorrigible.”
Cameron sighed with pretend boredom. “I do what I can to amuse my sister-in-law. After all, ‘tis not her fault she has become a sideshow. Whatever was my brother thinking about by making you his bride?”
“That he was hopelessly in love and had to marry his governess to put himself out of his misery,” Calum answered from behind them.
Grace jumped in her seat. She had not seen him sneak inside the parlor. She turned her head, beaming in joy at her husband. Grace laid her hand on his sleeve because the need to touch him was a constant state whenever he was near. “I missed you.”
Calum pressed a soft kiss against her lips. “The feeling is mutual, my love. ‘Tis why I abandoned my paperwork to find you.”
They ignored the soft sighs from the unmarried ladies and the snarls from the snippy mothers. Only the two of them existed. Lady Lockhart sat proud of herself and enjoyed watching her son show his love for his wife. She had grown tired of these visits and had appeased their peers long enough. She nodded at Cameron to help her rise. With his help, they ushered the visitors to the foyer, leaving Douglas to contend with them.
Calum waited until they were alone to pull Grace from the chair and into his arms. “Another trying afternoon?”
Grace frowned. “I hope you do not think too terrible of me when I say I hope no one else pays a visit anytime soon.”
Calum settled them on the sofa, tucking Grace into the curve of his arm. “I will speak with Mother about turning away whoever is not a friend. We have satisfied everyone’s curiosity long enough.”
“I agree,” Lady Lockhart said as she returned to the parlor with Cameron.
Cameron stretched his legs out, tugging on his stiff cravat. “Finally. These visits were uncomfortable to suffer through.”
Calum laughed. “How so?”
Cameron shuddered. “Because once those mamas realized you were a lost cause, they turned their interest in my direction.”
“There were quite a few pretty girls to choose from,” Grace teased.
“It would do you good to settle. Give you a purpose,” Calum offered his opinion.
“No!”
“I agree with Cameron. ‘Tis not the best moment for him to marry.”
Cameron nodded at his mother. “Thank you, Mother.”
Rhona smiled at her son. “A mother must look after her child’s best interest.”
Calum scoffed. “Even if they do not require her interference.”
Grace twined her fingers between his and squeezed. “If not for your mother, we never would have found one another.”
He brought her hand up to his mouth and kissed her knuckles. “I would have searched the end of the earth for you.”
Cameron groaned. “How long must we endure your sappiness?”
Calum pointed to the door. “You are free to leave. I would not complain about spending time alone with my wife.”
Grace smiled at their bickering. “The day will come when you shall act no differently than your brother.”
Cameron threw his hands across his chest. “Never.”
“Soon, my son. I have the perfect girl in mind. However, she is too young for you right now.”
Cameron jerked upward. “Is she still in the cradle?”
Rhona brushed out her skirts, avoiding Cameron’s curious gaze. “No. She is just under the influence of her mother who makes misguided decisions on her part. However, soon I shall introduce you to her.”
“Absolutely not,” Cameron refused.
“If Mother has already chosen your mate, then you have no other choice but to accept your fate,” Calum suggested.
“Never.” Cameron rose and strode out of the room, swearing.
Rhona laughed. “That should keep him on his guard and cross our fingers out of trouble.”
Grace tilted her head, scrutinizing her mother-in-law. “You have chosen a lady for him.”
Rhona didn’t answer. However, a devious smile swept across her face. “Enjoy these quiet moments before the children descend on you.”
Calum chuckled at his mother’s antics as she left them alone, closing the doors behind her. Cameron didn’t have a chance if his mother had already chosen his prospective bride. He might as well accept his fate.
“Finally, Lady Lockhart, we are alone.”
Grace turned, wrapping her arms around his neck. “You had best kiss me this second before we miss our chance.”
“Lady Lockhart, you cannot rush my show of affection. A kiss must linger upon our lips so we can savor one another.”
Grace’s eyes twinkled with mischief and a hint of impatience. “My apologies, Lord Lockhart. I am allowing my craving for your sweet kiss to steal away my patience.”
“Then allow me to accommodate your needs.” Calum brushed his lips against hers in a whisper-soft kiss. “I would not want desperation to take hold of your senses.”
“You are truly exasperating, Lord Lockhart,” Grace murmured against his lips.
“I try, my love.”
Grace lost patience with his teasing and kissed him. His laughter mingled with hers as they lost themselves in the kiss. Their lighthearted teasing laid the foundation of their marriage. The kisses they shared that afternoon made them forget about the obstacles in their path. Their happiness far surpassed anyone’s critical regard. Only the love they shared mattered.
Their love would protect them from the evil lurking nearby.