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The Viscount scoffed. “If she marries a titled man, then she will grow to love him. Just as you and Eveline have grown to love your husbands.”

“But Papa, I only married William because I wanted to. He would never have married me if I did not want to,” Eveline argued. “Stella and the young Baron are truly in love.”

“I only want what is best for her,” their father uttered firmly.

Ava almost rolled her eyes. The Viscount had never done anything simply out of the goodness of his heart.

“If you want what is best for me, then you will let me marry Thomas,” Stella pressed, growing frantic.

“Finally, I found you,” Ava heard before she felt her husband’s shoulder brush hers.

“Ah, Your Grace,” the Viscount greeted, bowing his head. “It is a pleasure to finally have you with us.”

Ava rolled her eyes. Her father had not even greeted her, and yet there he was, excited to see her husband.

“Is anything the matter?” Edwin asked. “You all seem rather solemn.”

“Father does not want me to marry Thomas because he is a baron!” Stella blurted.

“Is that so, Notley?” Edwin turned to his father-in-law.

“The girl does not know what is good for her.” The Viscount waved a dismissive hand. “A baron could not possibly make a good husband.”

“I say you let the girl marry who she truly wants,” Edwin said. “I know many dukes who have wasted their families’ fortunes, and I know barons who have built beautiful lives for their families. Your title does not matter. It is what is in the heart of a man that matters the most.”

“Fine!” The Viscount threw his hands up in the air. “Tell the boy to pay me another visit, Stella. You can marry the Baron, but it is only because of what the Duke said.”

Stella’s whole face lit up, and she squealed. “I will, Father. Thank you! Thank you!”

Ava threw her arms around her husband in excitement. She caught herself a moment later, and she quickly released him from her embrace.

“Now, if you will excuse me, Your Grace,” the Viscount said, before walking away.

“Thank you so much, Your Grace,” Stella said, hopping up and down with excitement. “Now, I must look for Thomas and deliver this good news to him.”

With that, she left.

“Isn’t that Lily?” Eveline asked, pointing somewhere in the crowd before leaving in search of their friend.

Ava was finally left alone with her husband for the first time since their arrival at the ball.

“How was your discussion with the Italians?” she asked.

Edwin regarded her for a moment. “If you could see my face now, you would see me grinning happily.”

“I am glad it went well.”

“And it is all thanks to you,” he said. “Any reservations they had were forgotten the moment their wives took to you. We have struck a deal. Business will commence soon.”

“You do not have to thank me. It is why you married me, after all,” Ava reminded him, before turning on her heel and walking away.

She had barely taken a step when he grabbed her hand and pulled her back.

“What is the matter?” she gasped, startled.

“You have been acting quite strange all evening,” he remarked.

“Is that so?” Ava feigned ignorance.