He escorted her through the grand foyer, out the door, and onto the bricked walkway. Even with a destination in mind, she ambled slowly, her heels barely making a sound while they traversed as though she hadn’t the energy to lift her feet properly. She was saddened, melancholy, a woman quite possibly only a few days into her mourning period.

Either that or she was embarrassed and ashamed for falling apart in his arms the night before. But if that were the case, would she have returned?

When they neared the familiar black coach, the driver opened the door and she whispered something as he handed her up. Aiden resisted the urge to snap the man’s fingers in two. He was merely doing his job, but Aiden didn’t much like the notion of anyone touching her, which he knew was not at all rational. Following her inside, he settled on the seat opposite her, where he would remain until she indicated she wanted him beside her, holding her. Black curtains were drawn at the windows. A lit lamp inside provided him with the light by which to see her.

With a lurch the vehicle took off. Reaching up, she removed the mask and set it beside her on the seat. “No one is likely to see us where we are going.”

“Where would that be?”

“A cemetery. I do hope you’re not afraid of ghosts or hauntings.”

“I fear very little, sweetheart.” Not giving her what she required to be happy came to mind. “I’m going to take a wild guess here that you’re the Duchess of Lushing and the sorrow I sense coming from you has to do with the duke being laid to rest today.”

“How clever you are. Although I’m relieved that you figured it out because now you understand why it’s imperative no one else learn I’ve been to your club. I suppose you saw his obituary in the Times.”

“No, actually. I went to see my sister, who told me her husband was spending the day engaged in somber business.”

“Of course. Thornley came to show his respect. You should know that I’d have welcomed your sister into my home had she come, although I was not at my best. I didn’t expect it all to hit me so hard. Lushing had always made it a point to be at my side when guests arrived, to greet them and make them feel welcome, and today I felt his absence keenly. It struck me that he would never be there again. For some reason tonight, I had an overwhelming urge to go to the cemetery. Naturally, Kit would accompany me tomorrow—”

“Kit?” Another man who might need his fingers broken.