Evie still couldn’t believe she was married or that her father had actually given her away to the groom. The drawing room at Threadbury Hall was nearly overflowing with well-wishers, many of whom worked next door at Witney Court. They were thrilled to see Gregory happily wed, and Evie was so glad Gregory could feel that, especially in the absence of any of his immediate family. Some of his aunts and uncles and cousins were in attendance as well. It was an almost overwhelming number of people.

Gregory had never looked happier, which was saying a great deal since he was perhaps the most amenable person she’d ever met—Sir Cheerful, indeed. He and Ada seemed to have been cut from the same cloth.

Ada and Max had come for the wedding, and he and Gregory had struck up a friendship, primarily over horses. Since neither Evie nor Ada rode, the two of them went riding together. That had left Ada and Evie to shop in the village, which had allowed them to discuss what was happening in London.

Unfortunately, the club was suffering. At least two dozen people had resigned their membership, and many more had simply stopped coming. The last two Tuesdays had been uncharacteristically quiet. Evie had asked how Lucien was doing. Ada said he was tense, but tried not to show it.

Evie felt a pull to return despite their plans to remain another week. She would hate to leave her father, but he absolutely loved Oxfordshire. He stood with Heloise, holding his namesake in his arms. Henry was enthralled with his grandpapa. Evie and Heloise had finally stopped crying about it.

Evie had waited to tell their father about their past work until she and Heloise could do so together. He’d sat silent while Evie and Heloise held hands, worried for his reaction. Tears falling from his eyes, he’d assured them both that he could never love them any less and that he was proud of them for not just surviving but flourishing. He’d gone on to say that he’d learned to leave the past behind. To focus on it brought misery and it was nearly impossible to look forward. They’d hugged one another tightly and vowed to live in the moment and anticipate the future—together.

Her mind returned to the club. Perhaps she oughtn’t return at all. She was, after all, the problem.

Ada sailed toward her. “Evie, why are you alone in the corner?”

“I just needed a moment’s peace. And this way, I can see what a good time everyone is having. Honestly, Ada, I can’t believe there are this many people who would wish us well.”

“There are many more back in London. I have quite the celebration planned at the club.”