Hence, the publicly besotted couple had…“That is damned fast work, even for Stephen. I might have to have a word with him, Jane. Miss Abbott is nominally under my protection, and Stephen is a strutting cocksman, canes or no canes.”

“When has Stephen ever asked us for anything, Quinn?”

“He doesn’t have to ask. We all hop to anticipate his needs.”

“Did he need to travel up to York this spring to keep an eye on Althea for us?”

“He was restless.”

Jane rose and leaned across the table. “Did he need to assist Rothhaven and Constance with their situation? Did he need to travel out to Berkshire in the winter mud and slush when Duncan and Matilda were in such difficulties? Did he need to come armed to the party when you and your old friend the viscountess were having a rather dangerous reunion?”

Jane never threw that situation at Quinn, and she wasn’t exactly throwing it at him now.

“I’ve conceded that Stephen is loyal.”

“He’s loyal, he’s brave, he’s fierce, and he’s in love with Abigail Abbott, but he won’t offer for her. If I had given birth to a boy, even one boy…”

She subsided into her chair, and Quinn reached for her hand. “Never say that. Never ever say that. You and the girls are my entire happiness, and I wouldn’t have it any other way. Tell me what to do regarding Stephen and Miss Abbott, and I’ll do it, and the perishing title can go hang for all I care.”

She kissed his knuckles. “I do love you, Quinn, and if I knew what to do about Stephen and Miss Abbott, I’d be doing it.”

Quinn linked his fingers with Jane’s. “You let them scamper off on a shopping expedition and declined to send Matilda as their chaperone. I’d say you’re abetting the cause of true love rather vigorously.”

Jane brushed her thumb across his palm. “But will that be enough? Stephen might get up the courage to offer for Miss Abbott, but very few women of modest birth step into the role of future duchess if they have any sense.”

Quinn kissed her wrist. “Being my duchess has been hard, I know. I would not be a duke were you not my duchess, Jane. I’d be just another titled nincompoop with too much money. I showed Miss Abbott the room Stephen used to have.”

Jane came around the table and subsided into his lap. “Clever of you, Quinn. I accepted an invitation to the Portman ball on Stephen’s behalf.”

“He never attends social gatherings if the occasion requires dancing.”

“For Miss Abbott’s sake, I believe he will.”