“Your only sin is eating too many strawberries,” Alice said cheerily, which might have received a chuckle or two under different circumstances—if all eyes hadn’t dropped suddenly and swiftly to Selena’s abdomen. While initially they may have been looking for evidence of her gluttony, the speculation mirrored in their eyes indicated their curiosity had abruptly careened into another direction: the possibility of her being with child. Of their own accord her hands spread out over her belly as though she did indeed have something in need of protection.

“Is it possible?” Lady Josephine whispered, confirming Selena’s interpretation of their intense stares.

Before she could respond, Florence announced impatiently, “Anything is possible. My dear sister is in mourning, and you’re all being frightfully inconsiderate with your inappropriate conversations.”

“When you’re out of mourning,” Lady Cecily whispered, leaning toward her, “you really must visit the Elysium. The relaxation room is just the thing. I’ll be more than happy to accompany you to spare you feeling awkward at the place.”

“Thank you. I shall keep your offer in mind.” But regretfully, once Aiden Trewlove fulfilled her need for him, she would never again cross the threshold into his establishment.

She’d found the oppressiveness in the front parlor unbearable, but then the men arrived once Lushing was laid to rest and the somberness became too much. It was an odd thing, but an overwhelming urge overcame her to dart out of the residence, race through the mews, and run as fast as her legs could churn to the Elysium—to Aiden Trewlove. To once again be in his arms, to have his whispered words of reassurance echoing in her ears. To feel safe, secure, and protected. To draw strength from him in order to face all the challenges that awaited her.

Instead she did the proper thing. When condolences had all been offered and received, when those gathered in the parlor finally wandered into the dining room where refreshments awaited them, she snuck out into the gardens and sat on a wrought-iron bench where roses would bloom in a couple of months. Lushing had so enjoyed his flowers. Envisioning him strolling among the spring blossoms brought her a measure of peace.

A peace that was disturbed by the harsh sound of boot heels on the stone bricks that comprised the path wending its way through the grounds. Glancing over she was disappointed to see the Earl of Elverton. Kit she would have welcomed. Even her brother, but she was not in the mood to deal with others of the nobility, hoped he would see he was intruding and reverse his course.