“I believe so,” Diana said with a smirk. “I’m afraid if we leave it up to these two, it will take all night and all they will have packed is stockings and giggles.”
Grace snickered. Her sister-in-law was not wrong. She could maintain decorum in public, but in the privacy of their own room, Pru always brought out her silly side.
Pratt set to folding gowns and petticoats.
Diana placed a hand on Grace’s elbow. “Now that this is being taken care of properly, Bradley and I wished to speak to you in his study.”
“Oh?”
Prudence stepped around the trunk, concern on her face. “Just Grace?”
Grace cast her a sympathetic look. Ever since the events of last year, her sister had been adamant on not being left out of family discussions. She could not blame her. It had hurt Prudence terribly to learn of their eldest brother’s indiscretions through rumors instead of from her own family. They’d all thought to save her from that pain after his death, but in the end, it had caused far worse damage.
“You may come too, Prudence. If it is alright with Grace, that is. It is information for her after all.”
Pru’s shoulders relaxed. “I shouldn’t want to intrude.”
Grace glanced at Diana, but her face gave no indication of what they’d be discussing. While having Prudence along was sometimes a comfort, other times it was a drain. They spent so much time together already, especially after their oldest brother’s widow had moved out, taking her two daughters with her.
“I—”
“Actually, I think I should stay and pack.” Prudence rushed to their shared closet and flung it open.
Grace watched for a moment as her sister haphazardly threw gowns onto her bed. Had she somehow read her thoughts?
“Shall we then?” Diana said, pressing on her elbow.
Grace nodded and let her sister-in-law lead the way to the study.
Candles flickered in the room along with the cheery fire that filled the hearth. Bradley sat behind the desk, quill in hand. When they stepped in, he looked up, his eyes instinctually going to Diana first.
Grace smiled. After a year of marriage, her brother was still smitten with his wife. The look that passed between them filled her heart. It was equal parts love and camaraderie. Their relationship was everything she’d ever dreamed of. They talked, laughed, and probably even cried together. Her brother even included his wife in major decisions, which, by the serious expression he was casting Grace’s way, was probably why Diana was here for this discussion.
He rose to his feet. “Please have a seat.” He indicated the chair across from his desk. Another chair had been placed at the side of his desk for Diana. She took up her spot and waited for Grace to sit.
Bradley retook his seat and rearranged some papers on his desk. “I know you are busy getting ready for our departuretomorrow, so I’ll keep this brief. Do you recall the amount Father set aside for your dowry?”
Her dowry? She didn’t think she had one anymore. After their brother Reginald’s misuse of estate funds, she’d assumed it was lost. “I… er… Father had set aside three hundred pounds, but…” She glanced between Bradley and Diana.
Diana smiled encouragingly.
“I thought it was used up to pay Reggie’s gambling debts.”
Bradley tapped the papers before him with a finger. “Not according to this. Father had yours and Prudence’s dowries along with Mother’s jointure separated from Fallow Hall finances as per the wedding contract.”
Grace sucked in a breath, excitement bubbling up like a water fountain.
“What’s more,” Bradley continued, “Diana and I have decided to use a portion of the payment from Lord Brock to increase your dowry to five hundred pounds.”
Her eyes widened. It was not as much as some to be sure, but for someone of her station it was more than she’d hoped. “Are you certain? What of your own children?”
Diana blushed brightly.
Grace fidgeted in her seat. She’d not meant to embarrass her sister-in-law.
Bradley chuckled. “I’m sure by the time that blessed event happens we’ll have plenty to provide for them, that is, if we ever have a daughter.”
“Forgive me. I should never have—”
