Evie turned toward her, unable to keep her concern buried even though it was her wedding day. “Are you sure that’s wise? I’ve been thinking about everything you told me, how the club has been affected. I wish I could be there to support Lucien, but I’m wondering if I should stay away.”

“He wouldn’t want you to. In fact, he told me to make sure you came back, at least by April.”

That was in a few weeks. It wouldn’t be a hardship to remain in Oxfordshire awhile longer with her newly expanded family. And Gregory would do whatever she wished. He was incredibly supportive and almost irritatingly adaptable. Almost nothing ruffled him.

Almost.

They’d visited Witney Court on a few occasions so that he could pack some things he wished to take to London. He truly didn’t plan on returning. This upset the retainers, and that, in turn, upset Gregory. It was clear they all preferred Gregory to his brother, particularly since the marquess planned to add a large ostentatious wing to the back of the house. There was simply no need for it, other than extravagance, and the work would cause considerable disruption.

“What do you think I should do?” Evie asked.

“I think you should do whatever makes you happy. Who cares what anyone thinks or does? Lucien doesn’t. I don’t. Gregory doesn’t.”

“That isn’t the issue—I don’t want to cause more trouble for the club. Lucien has worked too hard to see it fail.”

“I don’t think we’re anywhere close to that,” Ada said.

Evie couldn’t tell her what she knew, that Lucien didn’t own the club, that he’d gone against the other owners by allowing Evie to stay. What if they forced him out somehow, and the club was no longer his?

“I’ll discuss it with Gregory.” Evie glanced toward him at the same moment he looked at her. Even from across a large room, she could see the love and heat in his gaze. She hoped it would never fade. She loved him with every part of her being, so totally that it frightened her.

But it seemed love lost could sometimes be found—not that she thought of her father’s return as anything other than a miracle. She was so thankful.

“You’re happy, aren’t you?” Ada asked, sounding concerned.

“Of course. Why wouldn’t I be?”

Ada shook her head. “Forget I asked. You’re worried about Lucien.”

“I am. It’s an odd sensation.”

This made Ada laugh. “He’s always taking care of everything and everyone. He eases worries, but I suppose in doing so, he may carry the largest burden of all.”