Grace hadn't slept all night. She tossed and turned in bed. Her mind swirled with thoughts about last minute details of the wedding, embarrassment about the incident with Mrs. Pugh, her father's confrontation with Oliver. On top of it all, the ache between her legs refused to quiet. "There you are, Mrs. Pugh. I've been looking everywhere for you!" The older woman looked up from scrubbing the dishes.
"Miss Farrell, you look a fright! Help yourself to some breakfast, dear."
Grace was wringing her hands, her stomach churning. "I can't eat. I'd like to have a word with you about what you walked in on last night. I can't imagine what you must think."
The older woman lowered her voice but didn't look up from the sink of soapy water, "Miss Farrell, you do not owe me any kind of explanation. I did not witness any behavior unbefitting a couple mere days away from their wedding. What you and that handsome man do behind the privacy of closed doors is absolutely none of my business. But if it were my business ……I'd tell you that I have watched the two of you make eyes at each other every day for 10 years. I'm happy to see you finally together. You've both waited long enough. I'd tell you to enjoy yourself. You remind me of myself and Mr. Pugh, God rest his soul. What I wouldn't give for one more day with him. If I may offer a small piece of advice: be sure to lock the door. You are running an empire, entertaining guests, not to mention parenting a certain precocious youngster who may appear at any moment. Lock the door. That's what I would tell you if it was any of my business, which it most certainly is not."
Grace released a breath she hadn't realized she was holding.
"Thank you. I have one small favor to ask of you: please don't mention this to anyone. I don't want my father finding out that we have been anything less than chaste."
"I would never betray your privacy, my lady. Now, as far as your parents are concerned, I will tell you that a father does not need to know every little thing that his grown daughter does. Certain things are better left unsaid."
"Thank you. I really appreciate your discretion. And your advice."