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“She is a fine woman,” Everett praised. “Very fine indeed.”

A flare of possessiveness shot through Hugo and he narrowed his eyes at him.

“Of course she is,” he snapped, “It is only a fool who thinks otherwise.”

Everett’s eyes widened with surprise as Tristan shifted uncomfortably on his feet. Dominic, however, chortled into his drink and murmured something about words and their accuracy.

“We have come to steal the Lord Merrivale away from you,” Theo stated, breaking up the tension as she, Seraphina, andthe other women joined them. “We have yet to make a formal acquaintance and are most curious.”

“By all means, take him,” Everett replied readily, then smiled wolfishly down at Theo.

“My, my Miss Briarwood. Don’t you look ravishing in that dress.”

Hugo caught Tristan shooting their friend a glare but it was Theo that spoke first.

“Trust, my Lord, with your lithe figure I am sure it would look better on you than me,” she stated quickly, smiling prettily at him.

Dominic choked on his whiskey as he let out a burst of laughter, and even Hugo smiled with Tristan at the woman’s quick response.

“Go away now,” Theo said, her tone sweet as shooed Everett away, “Save your words for someone who will actually pay attention to them.”

“Hugo, may I formally introduce my dear friend, Miss Theodosia Briarwood,” Seraphina giggled, waving her fingers toward the bold woman. “And these are my other dear friends. Miss Rosamund Gravesmoor, Miss Ophelia Wexley, and Miss Amelia Hollowcraft. Ladies, may I please introduce my husband, Lord Hugo Fenwick, Duke of Merrivale.”

“Ladies,” Hugo stated with a cordial bow to them all. “It is a true pleasure to meet you all. Seraphina has done nothing but sing your praises. Please know that you are always welcome in Merrivale and my home.”

Hugo caught the intimidated glance Rosamund threw toward Seraphina first. The poor woman looked as if she was barely containing her fear of him, and he immediately noticed how his wife caught her hand, giving her a comforting squeeze and a calming glance.

“We would have so much fun,” Seraphina told her gently. “It is truly a beautiful place.

“Well I was quite disappointed that my brother did not bring me along on his visit two days ago,” Theodosia stated, casting her brother an annoyed look before smiling warmly at Hugo.

“Do me a kindness and insist he bring along the next time he does so,” she said to him.

He bowed his head, taking a liking to her immediately. She was as strong headed as Tristan had mentioned.

“I will be sure to do so,” he assured her.

“Seraphina has mentioned some discomfort with your staff’s behavior,” Amelia stated, eyeing him up and down. “I trust that you have helped remedy this situation?”

“Amelia!” Seraphina gasped, but Hugo only chuckled.

“I assure you my wife needs no help from me,” he replied. “She has done quite well and from what I understand she is nothing short of adored.”

“Well of course she is,” Amelia sighed, looking at him intensely. “She deserves no less.”

“I could not agree more,” Hugo stated with equal insistence.

A small, brief smile touched the woman’s lips then, and she gave him a small nod, as if signifying her approval.

“Speaking of adoration,” Ophelia said, speaking up next, “You two cannot seem to keep your eyes off of each other. Is it possible that the scandal that brought you together has grown into a love match?”

“Oh, good heavens,” Seraphina sighed, covering her eyes as a deep red blush consumed her face.

Hugo’s smile widened. Seraphina in distress stirred his rage, but Seraphina in playful embarrassment was adorable.

“My poor wife has found herself married to a beast,” he replied, “But I cannot deny that her kindness and patience have begun to strip some of my more feral parts away.”

Slowly, Seraphina lowered her hands, hope glittering in her eyes.