Then she straightened and gestured to Alec and Lottie. “The children have something to tell you.”

Sir Alfred turned to them, a knowing little smile on his face. “And I’d like to hear it.”

Lottie, who had been as still as stone the moment they entered the room, suddenly burst out in a surprised laugh and went to him. Sir Alfred hugged her close for many minutes, murmuring words of regret. Then he shook Alec’s hand and simply said, “Take care of our girl.”

A few days later they were married in the back garden of the South Kensington town house in front of Sir Alfred, Mrs. Houston, and Rafe. Alec formally resigned from Crown service, and he spent the following month mostly in Sir Alfred’s company, where together they worked to heal from the pain of their shared past until he suffered another, more debilitating apoplexy. Lottie, Alec, and Mrs. Houston were by his bedside when he took his last breaths, and the tears they spilled for their former guardian were genuine.

But the enigmatic man still had one more surprise left. Though most of his fortune was left to Lottie, he provided a generous settlement to Mrs. Houston, and also to Alec. His will had been updated only once—when Alec had first become his ward. Neither could fully make sense of his motives. Sir Alfred remained a puzzle until the very end. But they already had plans for his money, beginning with the founding of a Venetian orphanage and a large donation to a London-based charity that provided aid to women and children.

After the last paper was signed and filed, they headed back to Venice. Signore Cardinelli had finally crossed the wrong official and was promptly arrested, so Alec felt comfortable resuming his teaching post in the fall. But first came a lengthy stop in the village. For where else would Lottie learn to paint her sunset?

“Will you tell Marta to make custard tarts for tea?” Alec asked as Lottie approached. “I’ve another craving.”

“Again? That will be the third batch in as many weeks.” Her lips curved as she came beside his chair. “You’re in danger of becoming predictable, Professor.”

“I might as well, now that I’m a properly married man.” He grinned and reached for her hand. Alec still felt that spark every time they touched. He would never take it for granted.

“Well, I’m afraid it will have to wait for tomorrow,” Lottie said. “She’s left for the day.”

Alec raised an eyebrow. “So soon?” It was barely the afternoon. Marta usually stayed to make the evening meal.

“I thought we could fend for ourselves tonight.”

“Are you sure that was all?” Alec murmured seductively, as his mind filled with the image of having Lottie for dinner instead.

A most becoming blush stained her cheeks. “I confess I may have ulterior motives.”

“Ah, you shouldn’t have admitted that so easily. I would have quite enjoyed extracting the truth from you. I’ve a few tactics in mind.”