But now she had the result she’d wanted above all things. A few weeks before, finding Christopher had seemed impossible. Instead, her brave boy had traveled half the length of England to reach her, and now he was in a safe, supportive school where he could learn and make friends for life.

And on top of that, she had discovered her beautiful young daughter. Though she regretted not raising Caitlin herself, her girl had been loved and cherished, and in the future Kendra would be part of her life.

Joy bubbled through Kendra, so intense and wonderful that it must be shared. And who better to share it with than the man who had been with her every step of the way? Lucas and his friends had made this all possible, and she wanted him to know how much she appreciated that.

She also wanted him.

Not bothering to tie back her hair, she silently stepped into the corridor. Light showed around Lucas’s door, so she tapped on it, hoping he was still awake.

Before she could have second thoughts, the door opened and there was Lucas, his powerful frame silhouetted against the lamp light and his hair glowing gold. He’d removed his coat and cravat and boots, and he’d unfastened the buttons at the throat of the shirt. There was intimacy in his dishabille and from the flare in his eyes, her nightwear had a similar impact on him even though every inch of her body was covered.

A little uncertainly, she said, “Since you’re still awake, may I come in? As I was brushing out my hair, it really sank in that the worst of my problems are over. I feel like Atlas after the weight of the world was removed from his shoulders. Christopher is no longer lost but here in a safe place! A few weeks ago, this was a result almost beyond hoping for, and so much of this I owe to you. I feel like dancing for joy!”

For a moment she feared that Lucas would smile, offer congratulations on a job well done, then politely send her back to her own room. Instead, expression a little rueful, he stepped back so she could come inside. “Alas, we have no musicians, but you do have much to celebrate.”

“Everything has become so much better since we met, Lucas.” She cocked her head to one side as a thought struck her. “I just realized how much of our early relationship revolved around dancing.”

He considered. “You’re right. That year when you were presented to society to find a husband and I was in London to gather a bit of polish before going off to sea. We met what, perhaps a half dozen times?”

“Yes, and danced each time. Not all formal balls, several were more informal romps for young people. But I was always glad to see you, and glad when you asked for a dance.”