She stepped to the front of the stage. Guests were still milling about, but they were recovering from their shock. By tomorrow, most would be well pleased to have attended such a newsworthy event.

Raising her voice, Kendra said, “I hoped that today’s performance would bring justice. I did not expect violence, and I’m sorry for how upsetting this has been.

“But I must offer my deepest thanks to all of you who helped me to find justice, not only for myself, but I hope for other women in the future. Many of you were strangers when my campaign to restore my honor began. Now you have become friends. You are all a gift beyond imagining.”

Her gaze moved around the stage, taking in Molly, her lawyers, and Aphrodite, who gave her a wink. Kendra smiled and winked back. Her gaze moved to the audience. Simon and Suzanne, the Kirklands, the Fencing Females, the men who had guarded the doors to prevent Denshire from leaving.

Mariah Ashton climbed the few steps to the stage. “You’re very welcome, Kendra. I’d expected an interesting evening, but not quite this interesting!”

Mariah was known as “the Golden Duchess,” and now that bright sweetness soothed away her guests’ last ragged edges of shock. She continued, “I don’t think it’s appropriate to return to dancing tonight, but supper will be served in the dining room. Please stay and partake of the food and relax by talking with your friends.”

She looked down and saw that her husband was just below her, giving quiet orders to servants to remove Denshire’s body. “Most of all,” Mariah said, “hug the one you love!”

She caught Ashton’s hand and pulled him up a step so that he was the perfect height for hugging. Their arms went around each other in an embrace that was tender, comforting, and quietly passionate. Other couples around the room did the same.

Lucas saw that tenderness and passion among the loving couples and wanted it for himself. As guests filed out of the theater, many were arm in arm or holding hands, so Lucas caught Kendra’s hand and drew her through the curtains to the room behind. Once there, he turned so they were facing each other, still holding hands.

“You’re free now, Kendra. Your divorce decree forbade you to marry while your former husband still lived. Now he doesn’t.”

“I hadn’t thought that far ahead yet,” she said, a little startled.

Damning common sense, he said, “This is surely far too premature, but would you consider marrying me when you’re ready? Please?”

She froze. “Are you sure this is what you want? You are my white knight who has transformed my life. I have my reputation back, freedom, amazing new friends, and justice. You are under no obligation to marry me because you feel that you should.”