Page 180 of A Very Bellamy Christmas

“Crewe wishes to share the burden of supporting both our parents,” Aurelia said.

“Shaftsbury has said the same,” Selina agreed.

“As has Chatham,” Hy said.

They all turned to Phoebe.

She sighed. “Needham expected your offers of help and is pleased to accept them. He suggested we all assemble after the guests have gone and discuss what is to be done about Papa.” She grimaced. “He has repeatedly outstripped his allowance, which is shockingly generous. Mama, for all that she is impossible, at least is not profligate.”

“Shaftsbury says that Father will never be brought into line as long as he is one of the Regent’s set,” Selina said.

“That is Chatham’s opinion, as well,” Hy said.

Phoebe nodded. “Then let us ponder possible solutions and discuss them before we leave for London.”

“And before I leave for Eton,” Doddy added, not looking especially happy.

“You do not have to go back,” Selina said, giving their little brother—who looked to have lost weight and appeared even more fragile than ever—a concerned glance. “Shaftsbury and I would love to have you come live with us.”

Doddy smiled. “I appreciate your kind offer. But I need to go back.”

Privately, Hy agreed. Her brother was a peer and would one day wield political influence that would affect hundreds of dependents. A place like Eton might be brutal, but he would learn about his responsibilities there.

Phoebe patted Doddy’s hand. “Well, now that all that is settled—”

“There is one more thing,” Hy said.

The other five turned to her.

Hy cleared her throat. “Er, I suspect that we shall have a wedding to prepare for.”

Phoebe’s eyes bulged. “You think Miss Martin and Lord Shelton would agree to marry here?”

“Shelton has a special license.”

“That is where he went?” Aurelia asked, looking amused.

Hy permitted herself a slight smile. “Chatham said he made miraculous time to get to London and back. He did not look like a man who wanted to wait when last I saw him.”

“A wedding!” Phoebe breathed. “And with Wych Chapel just restored! Oh, but how will we ever manage a wedding and all these guests?”

Selina laughed. “Don’t worry, Phoebe, you won’t have to do it all yourself. We will all pitch in.”

“It will be a pleasure,” Aurelia said.

Hy wisely did not offer any assistance.

“Stacia has no father or mother to represent her interests,” Katie said, the grim look in her eyes made Hy wonder, yet again, what had happened to make her little sister so pragmatic.

“Needham will do it,” Phoebe immediately said.

When Selina and Aurelia looked prepared to protest, Hy threw her vote behind her younger sister. “I think that is an excellent idea, Phoebe. He is master here and the wedding will take place beneath his roof.”

The others nodded.

“Who would have believed that any woman could bring Shelton up to scratch,” Selina said, looking delighted.

“Chatham is still in a state of shock. Pleased shock but shock all the same. In my opinion, Shelton is the lucky one,” Hy couldn’t help adding.

Selina laughed. “You never did like him.”

Hy had never told her sister about encountering Shelton at the various London gambling hells and how badly the handsome marquess had behaved. “I do not dislike him,” she felt compelled to say.

Katie gave her a skeptical look.

But Hy was not lying. She was impressed that Shelton possessed the good sense to choose Miss Martin as his mate. Her husband’s too-attractive cousin had been lost in self-indulgent debauchery—and the past—for far too long. Mariah, the woman both Sylvester and Shelton had been in love with was dead and gone. It was time to move on. Past time.

“I think she is perfect for him,” Phoebe said, and then suddenly sat bolt upright. “Oh dear! I have quite forgotten it is Christmas and there is a ball in progress.” She laughed. “And I am the hostess.”

Hy had been hoping everyone might forget and they could all just retire to their chambers. But, accepting the new mantle that had been thrust upon her, she nodded at her sister and stood. “Let us rejoin the guests. There will be plenty of time to discuss wedding plans after we actually consult the bride and groom.”