Aiden couldn’t ignore the irony of the situation. Because he himself had not been recognized by an earl, his son could very well become a duke. Bittersweet retribution toward the blasted nobility who judged so harshly was threaded through the plan. He’d been denied a birthright but had the power to give his son another’s. The temptation to take was stronger than he’d have liked.

“And I thought Mick’s hotel was fancy. I’ve never seen the like such as this.”

“There is a good deal more.” Her voice was low, soft, as though it was forbidden to disturb the quiet of the place. “Come along.”

The massive residence was a warren of hallways, parlors, sitting rooms, stairways. Every bit of space was bold, larger than life, as though giants had once resided within these walls. Her portrait hung above a fireplace in a blue room, her gown a darker hue that contrasted with the draperies and furnishings. It was as tall as she was, had been painted true to her form. She was young, a lass really, but she held herself as though she carried a great weight on those narrow shoulders. “When did you have the portrait done?”

“A few months after we were married. I had barely turned eighteen.”

In the portrait, her eyes held no laughter, little joy. They belonged to a woman who had married out of love—to protect her family—but not for love. He knew she would do so again, would do whatever was necessary to see her sisters happy. The artist had captured her temerity in the firm set of her mouth, the angle of her chin, the square set of her shoulders. She stood there, a warrior prepared to do battle. She might as well have been wearing a suit of armor, a sword raised high in defiance. She would sacrifice herself on the battlefield of happiness for those she loved.

Sitting on the terrace, looking out over the elaborate gardens, she knew Aiden was impressed with all he’d seen. How could he not be?

She had heard of the splendor of Sheffield Hall but had not seen it until after she was married. It had overwhelmed her to realize she had become mistress of all that lay before her.