How marvelous it must feel to have such independence, to actually own something of value that simultaneously added to one’s personal worth and esteem. She was suddenly struck with the realization that she didn’t really own anything. Oh, she had her clothes and a few pieces of jewelry, but a home, coaches, horses—she had use of them, but they weren’t hers. Even the dower house was not hers to sell, merely to use.

In silence, they crossed the street. Aiden led them down an alleyway and into some gardens that she thought would soon be bursting with spring colors as it was evident that they were well maintained. Several benches where one could rest lined different pathways. She would have liked to explore the area, but he escorted them to a door—the staff entry—opened it, and shepherded them inside.

Her sisters’ eyes were wide as they traversed through the kitchens, and it occurred to her that they may have never before visited kitchens. Certainly they’d been trained to manage a household and staff, but had they ever seen servants at their labors? Doubtful, because in retrospect, she had to admit that she met with the housekeeper to discuss matters but had never actually visited her below stairs.

People carried on with their work, which most certainly would not have happened if they realized a duchess was walking in their midst. But the Trewloves had no airs about them. Aiden and his sister greeted those they passed, made a few inquiries regarding health and families, and continued on barely breaking their stride. They were comfortable here within their brother’s dominion, and she suspected they were each equally at home within their siblings’ businesses. She recalled Aiden telling her how they all shared everything they learned, all they knew. Each worked to lift the others, and in so doing lifted themselves. Seeing all of this firsthand, she could not help but believe that he could equate what she was doing for her family with measures he’d taken regarding his own siblings. It gave her hope that tonight she would return to the Elysium Club and continue in her efforts, with him being a willing partner in her desire to get with child.

He shoved open a door that servants used to enter the dining room, and she led her sisters through it. A long table with a white tablecloth had been set up on the far side of the grandiose area, away from the door and the wall of windows that looked out into the foyer. She was rather certain the door was locked, but even so a footman stood at attention on the other side of it, no doubt to explain to people that the room had been reserved for private use this evening. The draperies at the windows that faced the street were closed, cocooning them in, creating a rather intimate feel for a gathering of so many.