“I couldn’t help feeling he was more affected than he let on by what happened,” Evie said, thinking about the day they’d departed London. “When Gregory and I saw him before we left town, he seemed…unsettled. Is that how you saw him?”

Ada was slow to respond. “Yes, I think so.” She grimaced. “It pains me to say it.”

“We aren’t being critical. We just want to help, if we can.”

“Yes, it’s high time someone helps him for once.” Evie pondered how they might do that. “If there are forces in Society who are seeking to ruin the club, we need to find a way to counteract that—if we can.” She wasn’t sure that would even be possible since those forces might very well hold majority ownership in the club. She wished she’d asked Lucien for specific information.

It seemed she had a reason to return.

“All right,” Evie said. “You’ve convinced me to return as scheduled.”

“Brilliant! Now, it’s time for you to stop lurking.” Ada looped her arm through Evie’s.

“I wasn’t lurking. I was counting my blessings.”

Ada gave her the brightest of smiles. “My dearest friend, I couldn’t be happier for anyone. Ever.”

Evie laughed. “Thank you. Let’s go talk to my father. He likes you immensely.”

“Does he? He might turn my head. Don’t tell Max.”

Laughing again, Evie strolled across the room to her family. To most of her family—Gregory was now speaking with some of the people from Witney Court.

“Puppy!” Henry wriggled in his grandpapa’s arms as Ash trotted into the room. He wore a bright blue bow around his neck and looked quite dashing. Henry adored Ash, and now Heloise and Alfred were discussing getting a dog of their own.

Evie’s father set his grandson down, and Henry immediately went to play with Ash, who was more than happy to oblige.

Turning to Evie, Papa smiled. “There you are, ma fille. Such a lovely day. Your mother is smiling down on all of us.”

“I hope so,” Evie said, glancing at Heloise, whose expression was bittersweet.

“I know so,” Papa said, beaming at his daughters. “Now, when can I make a toast to my beautiful daughter and her new husband?”

Heloise patted his arm. “Right now, Papa. I’ll have the footmen bring the champagne.”

Later that evening, Evie slipped into bed with her new husband, delighted that at last they could officially share a chamber. Ash had taken turns sleeping in their rooms, but more often than not, Evie and Gregory spent at least part of the night in the other’s chamber.

Worn out from the celebrations, Ash was currently snoring softly in front of the fire.

“He is so cute,” Evie said, watching the dog sleep.

“He was especially so in that bow. Where did you get that?”