“She could be with child,” Flo answered. “And if it’s a boy, it would be Lushing’s heir and nothing would change at all. It won’t matter when we have our Seasons. We’ll still be associated with a great dynasty and men will flock around us.”

She had the rather maudlin thought that men should flock around them for themselves. They were smart, clever, and witty. Each had her own talents and interests. Why should the title with which they were associated or the residences in which they resided make a difference as to how they were perceived?

Aiden Trewlove had begun life cast aside with not so much as a farthing handed to him—and yet he’d worked hard to make something of himself, something to be admired. He was kind and liked to have fun. And his laugh, dear God, his laugh could lift the foulest of moods. He was a bastard, no man’s son, and yet still found it within him to laugh. And for a short time, he’d made her forget she was a widow. Then he had comforted her with more sincerity than she’d heard today from those who’d come to express their regrets and she suspected she’d hear from others on the morrow.

“Are you with child?” Alice whispered as though saying the words aloud would prevent them from being true.

“It’s possible. Too soon to tell.”

“Lushing would be pleased.”

“Only if it’s a boy,” Connie said. “Society cares only about heirs.”

“I care about girls,” Selena said. “I care about all of you. I love you dearly.”

And because she did, she’d do anything necessary to see them happy and well situated.

Chapter 9

Walking into the Mermaid and Unicorn was always a bit like coming home, and the atmosphere of the tavern had everything to do with Aiden’s sister Gillie. She’d worked hard to make the place a sanctuary for those facing hardships or in need of respite after long hours of laborious work. The tables ranged from the small square ones that seated four to the lengthy ones that would accommodate more than a dozen. Benches and chairs provided rest for weary bodies, and when those weren’t available an elbow planted on the counter in front of the barrels and taps sufficed to provide refuge, especially as Gillie spent most of her time behind it, constantly offering a willing ear to those who had troubles to whine about or joys in need of celebrating.