Ash bounded up the stairs, and Evie bent down to hug him, bringing him to her chest. “I have missed you so!” She nuzzled his head, and Gregory realized the last month of separation hadn’t diminished anything he—or apparently Ash—felt for her.

After a long moment, she looked down toward the butler. “Foster, will you have tea sent up to the drawing room?” She rose, scooping Ash into her arms as she went. “My goodness, you have grown very big. Soon, I may not be able to lift you this easily.” She turned and disappeared.

Lord Lucien started toward the stairs. “I think that’s our cue to go up.”

Of course. Gregory was too busy trying to overcome his elation at seeing her. Swallowing, he willed his heart to calm its frantic pace as he followed Lord Lucien up the staircase.

Evie’s drawing room was as feminine and beautiful as one might expect. There were floral patterns and a gorgeous arrangement of actual flowers—in late January—on a cabinet. And another smaller one on a round table near the windows that overlooked Charles Street.

She’d situated herself on a rose-colored settee with Ash on her lap. The dog was quite content to be with her, and that made Gregory inordinately happy. He considered taking a chair, but ultimately decided it would be best if he sat on the other end of the settee. That way, Ash could move to him if he wanted. Or, perhaps more accurately, Gregory just wanted to be near Evie.

“Apparently there’s a story here as to how you found this dog?” Lord Lucien prompted, addressing Evie.

“I suppose there is. We discovered him caught in a hedgerow. Lord Gregory determined where he came from, but they were happy to allow him to keep Ash.”

“Who named him?”

“Mrs. Renshaw did,” Gregory answered. “There was an ash tree along the hedgerow.”

“How charming,” Lord Lucien murmured, his eyes twinkling as he looked at Evie. “I’m surprised you didn’t tell me about it.”

Evie’s brows arched briefly. “Didn’t I?” She stroked Ash’s head. The dog stared up at her adoringly, and Gregory wondered how he was going to get him to leave.

“Looks as if you’ve quite a bond,” Lord Lucien observed. “I never would have taken you for someone who would have a pet.”

“And I do not,” Evie said, though she grimaced faintly as she glanced at Ash and now used both hands to pet him.

Foster entered with the tea tray and set it upon the round table near the windows. “Shall I pour, Mrs. Renshaw?”

“Yes, please. Lord Gregory takes milk but no sugar.” She turned her head toward Gregory. “Did I remember that correctly?”

“Indeed, you did,” Gregory said, having no doubt she was saying that for Lord Lucien’s benefit. There was no way she didn’t recall how Gregory liked his tea.