Page 140

“And, of course, now that we have our inheritance, you need not work yourself to death any longer.” Angel disentangled herself from Theo. “Oh, I see Lady Savage. I must go and speakwith her.” She lowered her voice. “Apparently, her brother was caught with quite the high-ranking lady recently.”

Minerva closed the gap between them once Angel scurried off. “I suppose even marriage will not change Angel that much,” she commented.

“I suspect that is not a bad thing. She needs to make up for my seriousness.” Theo turned to look at his sister, who looked healthier than ever. Though still pale, one could see where her skin had been touched by the sun. Gone were the constant little creases of worry around her eyes. “The marriage has changed you indeed.”

She smiled and nodded. “Yes, for the better.”

Theo took Minerva’s hands in both of his. “For that, I am grateful. Will you enjoy life in Scotland? I hope it will not make you a stranger to us.”

“Never. But yes, I enjoy life in Scotland very much. I think it suits me better than life in London.”

“I am glad.”

Minerva pursed her lips. “Do you think Grandpapa could have known that we would all fall in love? I mean, what are the chances?”

“I think the chances are slim. But I also think Grandfather was no foolish man. He knew these tasks would change our lives one way or another.”

“When I saw my task, I thought I might die. But instead, I have started living.” Her eyes shimmered with tears, and she gave a little sniff. “I will always be grateful to Grandpapa for making us do these tasks.”

“As will I.” Theo caught the eye of Lachlan. “I think your husband is ready for a dance now. If I were you, I would take it. He is quite popular with the ladies I have noticed.”

Minerva giggled. “I cannot blame them, but I suppose I had better go and stake my claim.”

Once his sister was safely ensconced in the arms of her husband, Theo scanned the room for Lucy. He found her by one of the doorways, conversing with a footman. Theo had brought in a full household of servants now, and he intended to keep it fully staffed in the future. He would still have to go to London, and Lucy had agreed to accompany him so long as the visits were short.

And he thoroughly intended to keep them short. Looking around at the busy ballroom, he could not imagine wanting to be away for long. Indeed, he had little intention of hosting balls every month, but to see the house lit with laughter and light reminded him that this house was not just for himself—it was not a house that should be hidden away and closed up. He glanced around at his siblings and allowed himself a satisfied smile. It would be a place that his family could always congregate as their families grew. It would be the sort of house that his grandfather and father had always intended it to be.

He made his way over to Lucy and took her hand as she twisted away from the servant.

“Theo!”

“Enough working. It is time you enjoyed the fruits of your labor. Come and dance with me.”

Her gaze trailed up and down him, and she smiled. Lord, their wedding could not come soon enough. He could not wait to lay claim to her properly as his wife. Unfortunately, with the upcoming nuptials of Seth, their own had to be delayed a while. But it would not be long. At least that’s what he told himself. Now, he would have to satisfy himself with stolen moments and public dances.

“Very well,” she agreed, letting him take her over to the dance floor as the Master of Ceremonies announced the next dance.

A dance, of course, that Theo had been saving specifically for her. A waltz. One that allowed him to take her in his arms and show her off to everyone. There had been a little trivial gossip about their relationship, but one of the benefits of being a marquis was he could get away with almost anything—including marrying his ward. It was shocking, however, for a man like himself who everyone considered quite stalwart.

A little scandal, he could manage—so long as he could marry Lucy.

“Everyone seems to be enjoying themselves.” Lucy set her hand on his shoulder.

Theo pulled her close, perhaps closer than he should have. “They certainly are, and it is thanks to you.”

“You were the one who insisted on a ball, remember?”

“Well, technically, it was my grandfather who wanted the ball.” He moved with the music, spinning Lucy around the dance floor. “I will admit, he was entirely right in wanting one. Especially when I get to hold you in my arms like this.”

“You can hold me like this in your arms anytime. Especially once we are married.” She beamed at him.

“Believe me, I will, Lucy. Every chance I get,” he vowed, pressing a kiss to her forehead. “I promise.”

THE END