D iana frowned as she stepped out of the carriage.

She’d always wanted to visit the Den but hadn’t brought it up to Sebastian yet.

They’d been preoccupied with their news.

Yesterday, Wescott gave Sebastian his blessing, and this morning, Diana explained to Robert that he hoped to be a permanent part of their lives.

The joy that had crossed her son’s face caused her great sadness and happiness. The sadness came from knowing Robert didn’t really remember his father. Stuart had not been far from her mind lately. She missed him but knew he would be happy that Diana found love again with Sebastian.

A butler approached her and bowed. “Lady Hensley, Lord and Lady Derry are waiting inside.”

She nodded and followed him in. As she stepped inside, the building had an opulent small foyer, leading to a massive grand hall.

It was as if the foyer was made intentionally small to highlight the staggering size of the next room.

The grand hall was empty except for the marquess and marchioness.

The butler said, “Lord and Lady Derry, Lady Hensley has arrived.”

Diana knew both as her sister was married to Lady Derry’s brother, but they were no more than acquaintances. Lord Derry nodded to the butler. “Thank you, Donahue.”

“I appreciate the invitation to tour the Den, Lord and Lady Derry.”

Lady Derry beamed at her. “Please, you must call me Sophia and my husband Malcolm. We are to be family.”

Warmth coursed through Diana at her kind words. “Thank you.”

Malcolm sighed and his wife frowned at him. Diana wasn’t sure what to make of the two of them. “Is something amiss?”

“My husband would like to speak with you, but first, we want to show you this place.”

Diana nodded. “Of course.”

Malcolm looked around as if to see where to go first. “We shall start on the second floor that overlooks the grand hall.”

Diana followed Malcolm and Sophia up a grand stairway, leading to a second-floor landing, running the length of the massive room.

The view of the grand hall from the second floor was breathtaking.

It was clear this was the spot where Sebastian and his brother watched over their business.

It was a kingdom they’d created with great care.

“It’s stunning,” Diana said.

Malcolm nodded. “It is. While Sebastian and I created all of this together, it was his vision and determination that made it the best gentlemen’s club in all of London.”

Diana turned to him. “Why do you want me to know this?”

“First, let’s finish the tour, and then I will explain.”

Sophia squeezed her arm. “Let him show you.”

Diana nodded.

A few hours later, she sat with Malcolm and Sophia in an expansive study.

They’d walked through the entire building and the grounds that housed several decadent cottages used for liaisons by lords and ladies.

Malcolm handed her and Sophia a glass of wine before taking a seat in a wingback chair while holding a brandy for himself.

“Thank you for letting me walk you through the club.”

Diana frowned. “I only wish Sebastian would have joined us. Does he know we are here?”

Malcolm sighed. “No. I asked you here, specifically, without him. He is planning to sell his shares in the Den.”

Diana gasped. “Why?”

“He fears this business may impact your reputation and social standing,” Sophia explained.

“I would never ask him to do that,” Diana said, upset that Sebastian would think he needed to give any of this up for her.

Malcolm took a sip of brandy. “My brother has always had the stigma of being born out of wedlock hanging over his head. Even though we grew up with much love, society still judged him because my father chose to openly embrace him and his mother. I think he is trying to make up for the fact he can’t change that. ”

Diana took a large gulp of her wine. Anger emanated through her. Did Sebastian really think she would care? She loved him. Both Malcolm and Sophia studied her. She raised the glass to her lips again, attempting to control her emotions but they wouldn’t calm. “That daft man.”

Her hosts’ eyes widened in shock, and they burst out laughing. Sophia smiled at her kindly. “You don’t care if he keeps the club?”

“Of course not. I’m insulted that he would think I don’t accept him wholly. I didn’t choose Sebastian with demands he should change. It isn’t that I don’t care. I do care. I want him to keep this club.”

Relief filled Malcolm’s face, and Sophia gave him a knowing, triumphant grin. The marquess smirked. “My wife believed you would say something to that effect.”

It almost made her burst into tears that Sebastian would give this up all for her, but it also made her sad that he thought he needed to. “When is he planning to do this?”

“After the Ball of Sin,” Malcolm answered.

Diana shook her head. She would not let the man she loved so much think she had shame for any aspect of his life. “This will not do. When is the Ball of Sin?”

Sophia looked at her curiously. “In two days, but Sebastian will not be attending.”

“Can you get him there?” she asked Malcolm.

He nodded and asked, “What is your plan?”

*

Celeste finished explaining the entertainment for the Ball of Sin.

It appeared everything was ready to go for the scandalous event taking place tomorrow evening.

Sebastian had done his best to stay hands-off, knowing he would not be a partner in the club for much longer.

The Ball of Sin started the season, and the Ball of Misdeeds ended it.

If Sebastian had to pick one, the Ball of Sin was his favorite.

“Great job, Celeste. This year’s ball will be the most elaborate yet. ”

Malcolm nodded. Celeste smiled. “Thank you. I know you will not be in attendance, but can I have your reassurance that if something is amiss, we can have a staff member fetch you?”

He frowned at his brother. Their other partner, Miller, wasn’t at the meeting. “You and Miller will be there, won’t you?”

“Of course, but sometimes you are the one the staff needs.”

Sebastian nodded, knowing that if they needed him, he would be there. “Send word to my townhouse and I will come straight away.”

An attendant stuck his head in the door, motioning that he needed Celeste. She excused herself. Malcolm frowned at him. “Do you really want to give this up?”

“It doesn’t matter. I want my soon-to-be wife to be happy. I want her to not lose her place in society because she is married to me.”

“Times are changing, Sebastian.”

He scowled. “Not fast enough.”

The Duke of Wescott had implied the same thing.

Yet the lords and ladies of the ton appeared to be moving at a much slower pace.

Those untitled and who earned money were still viewed distastefully from the higher echelons of London society.

His soon-to-be stepson would be one of those lords someday.

People would always question why his mother married a bastard and the owner of a gentlemen’s club.

He couldn’t fix one of those things, but he could change the other.

“Have you mentioned your plans to your betrothed?”

“Leave it alone,” Sebastian bit out.

“I think the lady loves you enough that none of what you are worrying about will ever matter to her. You are not the first untitled person or bastard to marry someone who is considered above their station.”

“I don’t need the club. I have plenty of money and other investments to live without it.”

Malcolm shook his head. “This business holds a piece of your heart and if your lady loves you, she will want you to not lose it.”

Sebastian rose. “I don’t have time for this today. I’m leaving.”