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“Oh look, there’s the Duke of Norwick.” Seth leaned in. “I hear his engagement did not work out. Perhaps he is heartbroken that he has lost out on you, Angel.”

Angel made a dismissive noise. “If he could not see what was in front of him, it was his fault. He can keep his dukedom.”

“Because you have something so much better,” Minerva said with a smile.

For what he expected was the first time in her life, a blush appeared on Angel’s cheeks. Theo pressed his lips together so as not to laugh. He was certainly happy that his sister had met Mr. Hunter. Though it would take a lot to calm Angel, the man did have a good influence on her.

“Well, you would know a lot about marriage,” Angel said to Minerva, a coy smile on her lips.

Minerva had surprised them all—apart from their mother, apparently—by eloping with a Scotsman.

Though perhaps surprised was putting it mildly. The mere fact that Minerva had almost enjoyed her trip to Scotland, not to mention repeated it and then wed herself to a Scotsman, had rendered them all practically speechless. Even Angel.

However, Minerva made it all the way back from Scotland and even to this ball with the aid of her new husband. His sister was happier than he’d ever seen her, and the fears of her past were now that—in the past.

“You are not the only spontaneous one in the family,” Minerva commented.

Angel laughed. “Yes, Min, but I never eloped with anyone! I do not think Roo would allow it.”

“That was Mama’s fault. She snuck a note in my luggage and told me if I did not come back wed, she would be angry at me.” Minerva’s lips curled. “Which was amusing because she made me promise I was not eloping.”

“I imagine she wanted to be certain you knew exactly what you were doing before giving her blessing,” Theo commented. “I would have rather liked to have met the man before you married him, however.”

Angel pressed a finger to his lips. “Oh shhh, Theo. Min is no fool. She’d never choose a silly man, and Lachlan is a darling.”

“I do not think any man wants to be called a darling,” Seth murmured.

“Well, I am glad you are happy,” Theo told his sister sincerely.

And it was not the most scandalous thing to happen to the family, though he rather hoped it might be the last. With all these sudden marriages and engagements, their family had become quite the subject of gossip. But at least it was positive gossip. Far better than being the subject of derision for their financial difficulties or because of his late wife’s activities.

“You will be remaining here for my wedding, will you not?” Seth asked.

Minerva nodded. “Yes, we are treating this as somewhat of a honeymoon. I intend to take Lachlan to the house on the coast, but we shall be back in plenty of time for your wedding.” Minerva peered around. “Where is Prudence, by the way?”

Seth’s lips curved. “I abandoned her in the library.”

Angel gasped. “How could you do such a thing to your fiancée?”

“Believe me, she prefers it that way. I shall drag her out briefly to join me for a dance and then push her back in there amongst the books. I know she has already found severalvolumes that she is likely to steal out under her pelisse, Theo, so be warned.”

“I must make sure I catch her before we leave. I can check the library at the coast house to see if there is anything useful for her research there,” Minerva suggested.

“No doubt she would love that.” Seth tugged out his pocket watch and glanced at the time. “In fact, I shall tell her now. It is about time I hauled her out for a brief public appearance.”

Angel shook her head with a smile. “Whoever would have thought you would marry a bluestocking. I am glad you have finally met your match, though, Seth.”

“Or perhaps she has met her match,” he shot back.

They watched Seth move through the ballroom in search of Prudence. Angel turned to Theo. “Should you not go and search for your bride-to-be too? It is about time we saw you two dance together.”

“I will shortly.” He kept his posture rigid, lest he give away exactly how keen he was to have Lucy in his arms.

Angel took his arm and leaned her head against it. “Oh, dear Brother, you know you are allowed to show emotion, do you not? We are your siblings, after all. Lucy is an excellent woman and has done a wonderful job with this house. It is so nice to see it used again.”

Theo could not deny that. Seeing it full of people, enjoying it and using it as it should always have been, made even his heart feel a little strange and warm. And it was all thanks to Lucy.

“I intend to use it a lot more, as father would have intended.” He sighed and allowed himself a smile. “Lucy would not have it any other way.”