Grace snorted with disgust. “He apparently felt you dealt well enough together last night when he consummated the marriage his brother got him into.”

“Yes, well, that may have been my fault,” Christiana admitted, flushing hotly. “I was trying to see his strawberry and . . . er . . .”

“And fell on his pole?” Grace asked dryly.

“Grace!” Christiana cried with shock.

“Well, listen to yourself trying to take the blame,” the maid said impatiently. “You were an untried girl ere last night, the blood on the sheets proves that.

And you were inebriated as well. And you thought him your husband while he knew otherwise,” she added grimly. “You are the innocent in this. It’s those two in the next room at fault for all that has occurred.”

“She’s right.”

Christiana swung around to see a grim-faced Richard in the connecting doorway to the master bedroom. He’d agreed to wait in the master bedroom while she explained the situation to Grace, but had apparently grown impatient. Christiana bit her lip as he now crossed the room toward them, worried that he might take Grace to task for what some would consider overstepping in even asking questions. However, Grace had been a member of her household all her life. While she was her maid, she was also like family to her. Christiana loved the older woman, and knew that love and caring was returned. It was the only reason the woman felt she could be so free with her tongue.

Fortunately, Richard seemed to understand that and gave Grace a nod of respect. “You are right. I am the one who decided last night that I would let the marriage stand.” He turned to Christiana. “I had no idea you were still a virgin at the time, but I did know the marriage probably wasn’t legal and that you were somewhat the worse for drink. I never should have allowed the situation to progress as it did.”

Christiana stared at him wide-eyed. Dicky had never taken responsibility for his actions or faults. He had always blamed any mistake made or insult given on someone else, usually her. As far as she could tell he’d blamed her for everything from his stumbling over his own feet to the rain falling.

“Well, what are you going to do about it, my lord?” Grace asked abruptly when Christiana just continued to stare at the man.

“We shall have another ceremony to ensure it is legal,” he announced solemnly. “We can tell everyone we wish to renew our vows to explain the need for it.”

“Well, thank God for that.” Grace stood abruptly and headed for the door. “I’d best go down and tell Langley and Lisa you are fine.”

“Tell them she’s fine?” Richard asked with a frown.

Grace nodded. “You’ve been up here a long time. Young Robert was worried, so I offered to check and be sure she was all right and report back.”

Christiana saw a shaft of irritation flash across Richard’s face, but he merely grunted and waited for the maid to leave. The moment the door closed behind her, he glanced to Christiana and gave a wry, apologetic smile. “I’m sorry. I didn’t ask if you were willing to allow the marriage to stand. Are you willing? Will you marry me?”