Lounging in a thickly padded armchair in the Marquess of Fairhaven’s library, sipping his excellent scotch, Matthew could well imagine it, but then his sister had always garnered attention. Her dark hair and green eyes that matched his guaranteed it.

“All the ladies are calling on me, seeking information about you.” She gave him a pointed look. “And what am I to tell them, I ask you?”

It was the same question she posed each time he visited. “I’m still in mourning. I’ve taken a sabbatical from Society. I’ve flown to the moon. I don’t care, Sylvie. Tell them whatever you like.”

She downed her sherry like a sailor hitting his first pub after arriving in port following years at sea. A footman hurried over and refilled her glass. “You’re not taking this seriously. I don’t even know where you’re presently residing. Are you living on the streets?”

“Don’t be dramatic, darling,” Fairhaven said, his tone offering comfort and reassurance. He had to give his sister credit. Following their mother’s example, she’d gone after her husband’s title. He recalled once overhearing his mother chastising his sister shortly after she had her coming out. “You’ve fine cleavage, my dear girl. Use it to your advantage to lure in the gent of your choosing.”

Apparently, she had done just that. But unlike their mother, Sylvie had managed to win her husband’s heart.

“His appearance should reassure you that he is taking care of himself, even if it does appear he’s misplaced his razor.”

He almost smiled at that. He’d always liked Fairhaven.

“Have you a valet?” she asked.

“No.”

Her face crumpled as though he’d admitted to using opium.

“I’m enjoying the independence, the solitude.” Besides, his terrace was too small to house live-in staff. It was working out quite well to have Mrs. Bennett pop by each morning to tidy up after him.

“I daresay, darling, he looks healthier now than he did when he came to London two months ago. He was so pale and wan then.”

“And thin. Yes, I know. You do look as though you’ve filled out a bit. You were wasting away, and I was so worried. I know Elise’s passing was difficult, but then so was your marriage. I wish you’d been able to find it within your heart to forgive her for placing you in a position of having to marry her.”

He had to an extent, although he’d told Elise he had forgiven her completely, in hopes of easing her journey from this world into the next. While he no longer harbored the anger at her betrayal, neither could he forget how easily he’d been manipulated. Elise had sworn she’d not planned to trick him, but then a guilty person once caught always claimed innocence.