After arriving at the residence, still in somewhat of a daze from the fervent kiss Aiden Trewlove had delivered, she removed the key from her reticule and unlocked the front door. The expanse of gardens, brick walls, hedgerows, and trees surrounding her would prevent any prying neighbor from catching a glimpse of her. Although at this time of night, it was unlikely anyone was awake to peer out of a window. The only ones who knew she’d gone out were her lady’s maid, Bailey, who had helped her dress, and the driver who had taken her to the notorious club. She trusted them to be discreet and keep her confidence.

With the laces of her mask threaded through her fingers, she made her way up the stairs, her mind replaying those breathless moments spent within the arms of the club owner. Who would have thought that a kiss could be so encompassing?

She must have kissed Lushing a thousand times, but she’d never opened her mouth to him, and he’d most certainly never thrust his tongue between her lips and claimed everything within, claimed her. Was it because Aiden Trewlove was a commoner that he took such liberties? Were those in her station simply too civilized to respond in such an animalistic manner?

Opening the door to her bedchamber, she walked in, closed it, and leaned against the mahogany, remembering how Aiden had done the same. She glanced toward the bed, illuminated by a solitary lamp left burning on the bedside table. With a sigh, she realized she needed a moment to gain the wherewithal to prepare for slumber. She wondered what Aiden had been preparing for when he’d leaned against the door—not to ravage her perhaps. Her lips spread into the barest hint of a smile. She’d never before felt desired. It was an incredible—

“Did you have success at getting bedded?”

With a tiny screech, she jerked her gaze to the darkened corner where her brother sat, only his outstretched legs visible. She didn’t hide her displeasure as she marched over to her vanity, set the mask on it, and began tugging off her gloves. “What are you doing in here?”

The Earl of Camberley slowly pushed himself to his feet. All of twenty-seven, he was not a towering man, and yet he had inherited their father’s ability to appear intimidating. Although she had no doubt Aiden Trewlove would brush him away as though he were merely a pesky fly buzzing about. “Making sure you saw to your duty.”

She suspected her brother had mourned her husband’s passing more than anyone, because standing at the foot of the bed, watching as the Duke of Lushing drew his last breath, he’d looked over at her and said, “Pray tell me you are with child, lest we be ruined.”