“You were never an intrusion, Kit. I can’t imagine how difficult it must have been for the two of you to never let the world see what you meant to each other. For a while, I kept Aiden and my love for him a secret and I’ve never known such despair. While I am certain that Society will not embrace us fully and challenges await, at least we will face them together. I’m so sorry that you and Lushing could not have had the same opportunities.”

“At least they no longer hang men who love each other, but imprisonment remains a possibility. Neither of us wanted that.”

But still they’d been enclosed by a prison of Society that never truly allowed them to be free.

“The secret of your love remains safe with me. Should anyone ask, and it’s none of their business, you were helping me out of a spot of bother by purchasing a plot that would otherwise go unused.”

“He did love you.”

“But he didn’t desire me.”

He shook his head. “He tried to, for the sake of an heir.”

“I do miss him. He was quite possibly the kindest man I ever knew.” She wound her arm through his, and they strolled on. “You will come to the wedding, won’t you?”

“I wouldn’t dare miss something that’s going to be the talk of the ton.”

It had been a small, quiet ceremony with only family and friends present. After all, she was still in mourning and wouldn’t publicly disrespect Lushing any more than she already had with the kiss at the Elysium. That had been required in order to make her point: she was not ashamed to be seen with Aiden Trewlove.

It was a good thing indeed since her name was now Trewlove.

“Come here, Mrs. Trewlove.”

Wearing only his trousers and a shirt partially unbuttoned, Aiden stood beside the huge four-poster bed in an incredibly well-appointed room that was part of a grand suite at the Trewlove Hotel. He hadn’t wanted their first night as husband and wife to be spent at the club. He’d wanted her to have a special memory. She couldn’t help but believe that every night with him would be special.

As she neared, he drew her into his arms, buried his face in the curve of her neck, and began nibbling. She moaned softly.

“Your brother seems to have grudgingly accepted me.” He trailed his mouth over to the other side, creating delicious sensations as he went.

“That probably has to do with you and your brothers going over his books and suggesting ways for him to increase his income. I also think you lot terrify him, and he decided it would be wiser to dance with the devils he now knows.”

He chuckled low, his breath tickling her ear. “Your sisters will make good matches, Lena.” He straightened. “I swear it.”