She caught sight of the Trewlove Hotel first, grand and majestic, dominating the street, the neighborhood. Lushing had planned for them to spend a night in one of the well-appointed rooms upon their return to London for the Season. His appearance there would have done much to ensure other noble families visited. He’d always been humble regarding his influence but had used it where he could to the betterment of others. From afar, he’d admired Mick Trewlove for his efforts in improving areas of London. “Where others see decay, he sees the potential for brilliance,” Lushing had once told her. “We shall offer our support and hasten his acceptance among the ton.” He was wont to accept those others did not.

Then she spotted the man leaning against the lamppost across the street from the hotel and all thoughts of Lushing fled her mind. The coach came to a halt, and before the footman could climb down and see to his duties, Aiden was opening the door and extending his hand to her. Even as she placed her palm against his, she feared her sisters could hear the wild pounding of her heart. He helped her disembark and then immediately reached back to assist each of the girls.

Once they were all standing on the bricked walkway outside the Fancy Book Emporium—the letters stenciled elaborately and with a flourish in gold on one of the windows—Selena said, “Mr. Trewlove, it was so thoughtful of Lady Aslyn to invite us. Allow me the honor of introducing my sisters.” Even as she knew she should be introducing him to them. He was turning her life inside out, and to be honest, she didn’t care.

“Lady Constance and Lady Florence.”

He bowed his head slightly. “Ladies, it’s my pleasure.”

“You wouldn’t know it to look at them, but they are twins.”

“Like my brother Finn and myself.” He winked. “Although we were born six weeks apart.”

“Your mother held one of you in her womb for six weeks?” Flo asked.

He grinned. “No. We have different mothers.”

“Then you’re not twins.”

“I suppose not in the classical sense, no.”

It wasn’t going to serve her well if Flo continued to argue with him. “And this is Lady Alice,” she interrupted, striving to steer them back to important matters.

His smile for Alice was devastating in its tenderness, its kindness, as though he recognized that the losses in their lives were hardest on her because of her young age. “The lover of books.”

Alice’s eyes widened, and her jaw dropped. “How did you know that?”

“I no doubt mentioned it when I met Mr. Trewlove at Lady Aslyn’s wedding.” Her lie came so easily and swiftly that it was a bit unsettling.

“Do you like books?” Alice asked.