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Out of all of the siblings, Seth’s had to be the hardest task. He wasn’t sure whether he really wanted Seth to even fulfill it. Marriage to a woman he did not know? He wanted more for his brother than that.

“Seth has indeed fulfilled his task.” Mr. Barton’s smile widened. “In fact, he is only just engaged. We are preparing to apply for the wedding license and will need your signature.” The lawyer pushed a piece of paper across the desk.

Theo squinted at the name of the woman. Prudence Hastings. He could not recall the woman at all. So, Seth really was marrying a stranger.

He blew out a breath. “And Seth is…happy about this?”

“I do believe the man is in love.”

“In love?” Theo spluttered. “My God, she must be quite the woman.”

“I had the pleasure of meeting her yesterday. I believe she is.” Mr. Barton assured him.

“So, we’re just waiting for news of Angel?” Theo asked.

“My nephew shall travel down to Berkshire promptly and report back to me. As soon as I have received that report, I can verify that all clauses are complete, and I can release the inheritance to you.” Mr. Barton stood and presented his hand. “I do believe congratulations are in order.”

Theo stood and took the offered hand. He shook Mr. Andrew’s too. “And once you have confirmed my sister has fulfilled her task, may we speak openly about this?”

“Certainly. I shall send word as soon as we know. Until then…”

Theo nodded. He would have to wait to tell Lucy exactly why he had returned.

“Well done, my lord, you can be proud of what your family has done.”

Theo waited until both men had left and sank down into the chair. Seth was to be married. With any luck, Angel had suffered no problems and had potentially learned the value of hard work, and for some reason, Minerva had decided to travel to Scotland again, which must mean she had conquered her fears, but it still had him unnerved.

He would have to go to London as soon as possible and speak with his mother to find out what happened with Minerva. He couldn’t fathom what would bring his sister to make such a journey all over again, so it had to be something important.

Once that was done… Well, he could tell Lucy exactly why he had been here and why they were planning a ball. And then he could plan their future.

Lord, he hoped she wanted a future with him. It was hard to believe a woman as beautiful and vivacious as her might want to settle down with someone almost old enough to be her father.

He picked up the letter from his grandfather and went to press open the seal when a creak outside his office made him stop. “Lucy?”

He smiled to himself. When would she stop skulking outside of his office? He sort of hoped never.

She stepped in hesitantly, biting down on her lip. “You are going to London?”

He let out a slow breath. “Yes. I need to speak with my mother.”

“It sounds important.”

He groaned inwardly. She’d already been curious as to his reasons for being here—so him dashing off soon would not make her any less suspicious. He could tell her everything, but Lucy was a smart woman. She knew he was keeping secrets.

It was bad enough they were keeping their relationship secret. But he just had to confirm all this inheritance stuff wassettled—he had to ensure he could actually look after her in the future.

“Perhaps I could come,” she suggested.

He shook his head vigorously. “You should stay here.” The last thing he needed was for Lucy to find out what was going on. They’d vowed to keep the will a secret, and he wouldn’t risk jeopardizing it now.

Her gaze narrowed, and she placed her hands on her hips. “Are you ashamed of me?”

Theo scowled. Where the devil was this coming from? “Lucy?”

“Are you trying to rid yourself of me?”

“Damnit, no.”