“Yes, those are definitely Ash’s puppies.” Gregory sent an amused look toward Evie, who stood beside Mrs. Kirby. Mr. Kirby wasn’t with them in the small sitting room where Bess and her puppies were ensconced.

“Do you think he’d like to meet them?” Mrs. Kirby asked.

“Probably. We’ll bring him by whenever you say it’s convenient.”

Mrs. Kirby glanced toward Evie. “I’ll send word when Mr. Kirby isn’t at home. I think that would be best.”

Gregory wasn’t surprised to hear it. Kirby was likely disappointed the puppies were not purebred miniature greyhounds.

“They are absolutely adorable,” Evie said, crouching down next to the three-sided crate where the mother was currently feeding her brood of four babies. “Gregory and I wondered if you and Mr. Kirby might let us have two of them—one for us and one for our nephew who fell in love with Ash.”

“I’m sure Mr. Kirby would like it if you took all four of them, but one of the neighbors down the street did ask to have one. Their young daughters love dogs. Might your nephew want two puppies instead of one?”

“I’m confident he would,” Evie said with a laugh. “I’d say we should let my sister and brother-in-law decide, but I think they would also approve. Give your neighbors the first pick, and we’ll happily take the rest.”

Mrs. Kirby exhaled with relief. “Wonderful. This will please Mr. Kirby. I’ll let you know when you can bring Ash over.”

They chatted a few more minutes before Gregory escorted Evie from the house for their next appointment. They walked down the street to Evie’s house where Gregory’s coach awaited them. Gregory had moved in when they’d returned to London a few days earlier.

“Should we fetch Ash before we go?” Evie asked.

“We could, but I confess I was looking forward to having you alone in the coach without him.” Ash had been an energetic presence during their journey from Witney to London, requiring frequent stops.

Smiling, Evie said, “All right. Just you and me, then.”

Gregory handed her into the coach. “It’s not a terribly long ride to Richmond, but it will be pleasant to have the coach to ourselves.”

Evie sat on the rear-facing seat, and he snuggled in beside her, reaching for the blanket to drape over their legs. As the coach moved forward, Gregory kissed Evie’s cheek.

She turned her head. “What was that for?”

“Do I need a reason?”

She pressed herself against him. “Never. Do you really think it’s wise for us to look at this house in Richmond? Perhaps we should make sure we have enough to found the ladies’ club first.”