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The assistant nodded eagerly. “Certainly, Your Grace. Our in-house modiste specializes in all things bridal.”

“Now, we need to look for jewelry and other accessories.”

“I must have a little tiara on my veil,” Stella said.

“You heard the bride,” Ava said to the assistant.

Soon enough, they were standing in another part of the shop where there were all kinds of veils.

Stella snatched up one from the rack. “This is what I want.”

Next, she picked a rather expensive-looking necklace.

Soon enough, they stepped out of the bridal shop, having spent what seemed like a fortune.

“Papa will faint from shock when he receives the bill,” Ava said.

Stella shrugged. “He owes me a beautiful wedding dress.”

“And a beautiful wedding dress you shall have,” Ava reassured her.

Stella suddenly stopped in her tracks, her eyes narrowed as though deep in thought. “He cannot possibly cancel the order, can he?”

Ava shrugged noncommittally. She was not certain Stella would want to hear the truth.

“He certainly can, but I am sure he would not want to annoy you,” she offered.

It would not do to have her sister break down in tears in the middle of the street.

“You are right!” Stella clapped her hands together, her earlier doubt long forgotten. “Now, where shall we go next? Tea or… Is that your husband, Ava?” She pointed at the figure that had just stepped out of a carriage on the other side of the street.

Ava craned her neck and squinted her eyes.

Stella was right. It was her husband, and he was now straightening his coat.

What is he doing here?

Granted, Edwin had informed her that he was visiting Magnus before he left home. She was almost certain that was not the Duke of Blackmore’s residence. Therefore…

“Does he have business here?” Stella asked, giving her an almost pitiful look.

“Perhaps,” Ava murmured as she continued watching him.

He walked down the street. Without even thinking about it, she followed him down her side of the street, keeping her eyes on him.

“Ava, wait for me,” Stella called, struggling to keep up.

“Shhhh!” Ava motioned for her sister to keep quiet as she ducked behind a lamppost.

She did not quite want her husband to spot her yet.

He finally stopped at a house at the end of the street and climbed up the stairs that led to the front door.

Ava’s heart thudded in her chest.

That… bastard!

“I simply cannot believe it,” she seethed.