Page 31

A shleigh, Ivy and Claire joined Tiffany for the final painting session. They wanted to go over the last-minute arrangements for the stall the day after tomorrow. Tiffany missed most of the conversation, distracted because she would be facing the ladies directly after the sitting, and she didn’t know what she would say to them. They were meeting at the Marlowe townhouse under the guise of the stall.

“I think Valora should be on the stall for the men’s clothing. Husbands will gravitate toward her table. You know how men are around her. She could sell a man poison with a smile and he’d drink it.”

Tiffany heard Wolf chuckle at Ashleigh’s words.

“I think Farah should join her. She will ensure Valora doesn’t get carried away with flirting. I don’t want men dropping down on bended knee and declaring their heart to her.” Claire’s words were said in jest—sort of. Valora tended to have that effect on men, except for the one man she wanted—Fane.

“I’m happy to be on any of the stalls,” Tiffany offered.

“You’ll be handling all the money,” Ivy said. “We need someone who can add quickly in her head. I’ve never seen anyone add up numbers faster. No one will be able to slip anything by us.”

Tiffany would like that job. She did love numbers, and raising money for such a good cause would help alleviate her guilt just a tad.

Suddenly Wolf stood back from the painting and looked up at the sky. “Just in time. Here come the clouds. I thought we’d been lucky to get a full week with no rain. If I were you, ladies, I’d help Tiffany change and get home before the heavens open up.”

Tiffany stood and stretched. “Wise words, my lord. Come, ladies.”

“No demand to see the painting?” Wolf teased. Tiffany could not look at him. She felt her face heat. “You’ve seen it,” he said, correctly interpreting her blush. “But how…” He paused, eyes narrowed, then answered his own question. “Yesterday, when Rockwell was hurt.” He sounded…disappointed.

“I had to collect my glasses… It helped me understand a few things, and it’s why I came to…” She almost let it slip that she’d gone to him last night. She looked at her three friends. Ivy’s mouth formed an O while Ashleigh simply shook her head.

Wolf coughed to cover her slip. “Then you are forgiven.”

“So we can see it?” Ivy asked.

“No. Not until I’m ready. It’s not finished.”

“Why are older brothers no fun?” Ashleigh said. She linked arms with Tiffany and the ladies made their way inside. “I’m not going to ask what that private conversation was about, but it would seem you are warming to my brother.”

“You sound as if that’s a bad thing.”

Ashleigh hugged her tight. “I’d love to have you as my sister-in-law. I just hope my brother deserves you.”

“I’m not sure any of the men we are related to deserve any of us,” Claire laughed as she and Ivy ran up the stairs toward the bedchamber.

Tiffany hung back, wanting to defend Wolf to Ashleigh, but the look in Ashleigh’s eyes made her hesitate. Was Ashleigh bitter about the fact Tiffany’s relationship with Wolf was going well, when Ashleigh and her brother’s relationship appeared strained? Was she scared Wolf would reveal the details of her scandal?

“I would never ask him to reveal your confidences.”

Ashleigh looked at her. “One day, when it doesn’t hurt so much, I’ll tell you.”

“I’m always here for you. And I never judge. For goodness’ sake, I have been funding a criminal when I thought I was being so clever. I’m in no position to judge anyone.”

“What does God say? He who throws the first stone…”

“Then why are you so worried for me? Is there something I should know about Wolf and his offer?” Tiffany pressed her friend.

Before she could reply, Claire leaned over the banister. “Hurry up, you two. I don’t want to get my slippers wet walking home and the clouds are looking blacker.”

The moment was lost, but Tiffany would have another conversation with Ashleigh. Something about her and Wolf was troubling Ashleigh. Tiffany didn’t want to gain a husband and lose a friend.

*

Soon the ladies were back at Marlowe’s and organizing afternoon tea in the drawing room.

As each of the ladies arrived, she didn’t sense any anger or blame, but it was hard to face her friends knowing what had happened.

Tiffany sat in a chair by the fire, ignoring the happy chatter around her. Her stomach was clenched so tight, she couldn’t eat a thing. Once all the talk died down, Lauren, who had lost the most, spoke. “Before we begin, all of us have talked and we want to make it very clear that we do not blame you for the situation we are each in. As I’m the one most affected, I can’t stress your innocence enough. Sprat took in men much older and wiser than you. Each of us knew the risks involved in investing and we will not have you bear the burden of this situation alone.”

Tiffany could feel the tears starting.

“Please don’t cry,” Farah urged. “We have every faith in you to win the wager with the men and earn back our losses. Gaining access to Wolf’s stockjobber is a blessing. I bet you wanted to marry Wolf the minute he offered Mr. Lane’s services. A husband who would allow you to invest—that’s a man to admire. My brother barely lets me breathe without his permission.”

Claire handed Tiffany a handkerchief. “Tears won’t help us beat the men. Please tell us you have a plan to do that at least.”

She dried her eyes and tucked the handkerchief in her sleeve. “I do wish to apologize for being such a fool as to trust Sprat, but I thought my father valued the man. I just wish Father had told me of his doubts before that fateful trip to London—the trip from which he never returned. Sprat is smart. He told me he’d lent Father some money to help him, and my mother’s lady’s maid said she’d seen him do that, but then the highwaymen stole it. So I assumed he was an honorable man. It was all a trick. I think he set the highwaymen on my parents. I suspect my father, like Wolf, refused to play his game, and Sprat killed him and my mother.”

“Oh, goodness,” Valora said. “No wonder Wolf is being cautious. We should all be on our guard.” She added, “I’m more than happy to provide funds to help us win the wager if others are a bit short.”

“Me too,” Farah chimed. “I really want you to beat my brother.”

“Thank you, but I have already invested the one thousand pounds. I had some savings and extra pin money. It’s the least I can do for creating this mess.”

“There was no need to do that,” Courtney said. “We stick together when any of us are in trouble. This is not your fault. I wish you would stop implying that it is.”

“I’m happy to invest on your behalf at any time, but the one-thousand-pound challenge has begun, and I’m funding it and will share the winnings—if we win. I have taken a risky strategy, but I am monitoring it daily, and should anything change, I’m ready to move the investments around.”

“Are we still to listen in on those around us for tips on their strategies?” Ivy asked.

“Yes. I’ll adjust our risk profile depending on what we hear and learn.” Tiffany was not about to tell them of her concerns that Wolf might learn what she was investing in. Would Chester tell Mr. Lane, and would Lane tell Wolf? If Lane did, and Wolf chose to follow what she purchased, he would be their biggest competitor.

“We trust you. And if for some reason we don’t win, at least we will have given the men a good fight. That in itself will make them notice us as more than simply women to marry off.”

“Hear, hear, Claire,” said Ashleigh. “Well said. Tiffany, you are not to take this too seriously and feel pressure to win. If at any time we feel you’re getting upset or stressed, we will call the whole thing off. We help each other, and God knows the few dividends Sprat did pay out saved some of us. We are thankful for that at least. This is supposed to be fun and quite frankly, right now it doesn’t feel like that at all.”

The girls all nodded in agreement.

Claire said, “Moving on then. If you have any information to share, let’s hear it. Tiffany is ready to write it down.”

The ladies had managed to collect a fair amount of information. Tiffany learned that no one had mentioned the two shares she’d invested in: Armley Mill and Kilmarnock and Troon Railway. The railroad was a risk, but if the Marquess’s plan came to fruition, she’d earn a fortune.

An hour later the talk ran out.

Claire moved to pull the bell. “More tea, I think. Now that is over, who would like some of Cook’s fabulous strawberry sponge with cream? The charity stalls are all organized, but I think we should go over the plans for the day.”

Tiffany approached Lauren and pulled her aside. She pushed some money into her hand. “The shares I purchased for you would have earned this sum this quarter. Wolf made good on one of my investments. The money hadn’t been paid into Sprat’s bank. They found it at his office, so I’d like you to take it.”

She could tell Lauren wanted the money. The way she was eyeing the food on the table made Tiffany wonder how much she’d had to eat of late. “Thank you. I’m not really in a position to say no.”

“I’ll ensure you soon will be. I have a sound share plan for you. Some that produce good dividends and others that may see some price growth.”

“Thank you. I don’t know what I’d do without this group. My brother only joined the army to earn some money. He just couldn’t get through to Father. I think Lucien dying in the Irish Rebellion only made my father’s fall into despair worse. He gambles and drinks even more to forget. He blames himself for Lucien’s death.”

So he should . The thought was unkind, but really, who would let their only heir join the army because pride would not let them divulge their need for money? The army had sent Lucien to Ireland never expecting the uprising to occur, and suddenly Lauren had lost her brother and the only person in the family earning any money.

She squeezed Lauren’s hand. “You and Madeline will always have a home with me if ever you’re in need. Please let me know if I can do anything. Anything at all. When my parents died, if I’d not had Lord Marlowe, I don’t know what would have happened to me. Sometimes we need to let others help us.”

Lauren hugged her. “I promise. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’d like some cake. And I may take some home for Maddy.”

It was early dusk as the ladies took their leave. “I shall see you tonight at Lady Stonewest’s ball,” Valora said. “Are we all attending?”

Only Lauren shook her head. “Stay for a moment, Lauren,” Claire whispered in her ear. Lauren hesitated but agreed.

Once everyone had left, Claire said to Lauren. “Come to the ball with us tonight. You can stay the night here and have Dayton’s room since my brother refuses to come home from India. Rest and then we will get dressed and have a quiet supper before heading out. I have a dress which would look gorgeous on you.”

“Oh, please do, Lauren. You deserve to have some fun. It would be nice to have the DD all in attendance for once,” Tiffany added.

Lauren nodded. “If I go home, Father may well find this money you’ve given me and tomorrow I need to pay what little staff I have left or they will leave. I’ll pen a note to Maddy and let her know.”

Tiffany flicked a concerned look at Claire. They should do more for Lauren, but they weren’t sure what. Money was what they needed, and that could have been achieved if not for Sprat. Perhaps she could swallow her pride and accept Wolf’s offer to make good some of the money Sprat had stolen from her. She’d give the money to Lauren. She prayed they would find some of her absconded funds so she could help her friend, but she wasn’t so stupid as to believe the money would solve all of Lauren’s problems. As fast as she earned it, her father found and spent it. Lauren had one goal—to see Madeline married so she was financially secure.

The DD needed to come up with a long-term plan to help Lauren. As Tiffany followed Claire and Lauren up the stairs, her mind worked. For once, the usual option available to a woman in dire financial straits—marriage—appeared to be a viable one. Lauren had no dowry but she was very pretty, and perhaps Wolf would have an idea of how to help her or, at the very least, Madeline.

It struck her like a cold blast of hail. She was turning to Wolf more and more, as if she was already his wife. And yet she could not bring herself to mind. Wolf didn’t force his opinions on her. He listened. Offered advice. He really would make a wonderful husband.

She hugged that thought to herself and, as she lay in her shift on the bed trying to get some rest before the ball, dreamed of their kiss from last night.

*

As usual, Fane escorted the ladies into the ballroom and then made a hurried escape to the card room. Claire led them toward Lady Vale and Valora, who stood with Courtney and her brother Lord Julian Montague and his wife, Serena. They had taken up position near the open doors to the terrace. Even though it was raining, the night was warm and the ballroom was stifling.

Serena fanned herself. She was with child and probably had only another month before she would have to cry off such engagements. If any couple was a walking recommendation for a love-match marriage, it was Julian and Serena. He was even keeping their investment challenge a secret. He thought it a hoot.

“I see your brother has deserted you again. He’s such a coward. Scared of the mothers,” Julian teased Claire. “And it’s lovely to see you tonight, Lady Lauren. We should see more of you.”

“You are most kind, my lord. I am hoping to dance if not my troubles away, then at least the evening.”

Scarcely had she finished that statement when a few young men encircled the ladies to fill their dance cards. Tiffany had never known the men to have so much interest in her. Wolf had raised her popularity. Or was it that they wanted to learn what Wolf saw in her? She did keep the two waltzes free for him just in case. Speaking of, where were Wolf and his sisters?

For the first hour Tiffany danced with a few young men, but for the most part she kept her attention trained on the top of the stairs, waiting for Wolf to arrive.

“Do stop staring. Many are noticing. You know what Ivy’s like, she’s always late,” Claire whispered in her ear. “I’m happy for you. Happy that you seem to like Wolf’s attentions. From the way he’s behaving, he’s obviously enamored of you—”

“Enamored? I hardly think so. He likes me, that’s true. Desires me? I think he does. But you and I said we’d not marry unless it is for love.”

Lauren came to stand next to her. “Well, judging by the look on his face, I’d say he’s more than ‘in like’ with you. He’s searching the ballroom for you. Look.”

She looked up and there he was at the top of the stairs. He looked so handsome, she almost forgot to breathe. His hair shone blue-black in the candlelight. His jacket hugged his broad shoulders. And his eyes… They found her in the crowd and burned for her. The look he sent her had Claire and Lauren sucking in a breath.

“Oh, I agree, Lauren. That’s the look of a man completely smitten,” Valora said.

Tiffany stood as if turned to stone as Wolf made his way through the crowd until he stood before her. She couldn’t tear her gaze from his handsome face, not even to greet Ivy and Ashleigh.

The music played for a waltz. “My dance, I believe,” he said, holding out his hand. The path to the floor seemed to clear before them, as if all present were aware of the significance of this dance.

She placed her hand in his and he enclosed it possessively, pulling her closer than was truly respectable. Then he preceded to twirl her around the floor. But it wasn’t the dance that made her dizzy—it was the look in his eyes. You belong to me, they screamed. And for the first time in her life, she wanted to belong to a man. This man.

“You look delectable,” he whispered in her ear. “I see I’m going to have to stake my claim before other men turn your head.”

She laughed. What other man could ever turn her head? “Perhaps. I suspect you’ll head to the card room with the other men. Cowards, all of you. Hiding from mere women.”

“I shall be by your side all night, sweeting. I want to spend more time with you, even if it is under prying eyes.”

“I won’t complain about that. I like being in your company. Preferably in private,” she added wickedly, knowing she was safe in the crowded ballroom.

This time he laughed. “You think you’re safe to tease me here at the ball? I’m sure I can find any number of private spaces to grant you your wish.”

Her pulse skipped as she considered the idea. She could not deny it was tempting. Very tempting. She thought it best not to poke the wolf when he was in hunting mood, however. She didn’t wish to find herself compromised. Even if she was beginning to see him as husband material, the choice would be hers and hers alone.

The dance was coming to an end, though she wished it could go on all night. “There is one thing you could do for me, if you don’t mind. Could you dance with Lady Lauren this evening? It will do her social standing a world of good.”

Wolf looked over his shoulder as the final strains of music played. “Her brother, Lord Lucien, was very close to Rockwell. My brother took Lucien’s death hard. I think he has been keeping an eye on her father, Lord Danvers, but I agree, we should do more for Lady Lauren.”

“This is why I like you so much. You are kind to others without judgment.”

“I’m hardly in a position to judge anyone.” He escorted her back to her friends and Lady Vale, and true to his word he asked Lady Lauren to dance.

Valora took her aside. “I still want to sneak into Mrs. Buchanan’s. Will you come with me? I can’t ask anyone else. With Lord Wolfarth courting you, you’re likely to be forgiven if we are caught.”

“If we are caught, both of us could be ruined.” She gentled her words. “Can you not see that this is not the way to gain Fane’s attention. Besides, if you have to work so hard, is he worth it?”

Valora chewed her bottom lip. “I don’t know of any other way to gain his attention. He comes to the balls but never dances. I never have a chance to be in his presence.”

“I hardly think that attending an entirely unsuitable soiree will increase your chances of him looking on you favorably as wife material. You know he’s not thinking of marrying soon. The ton would be a hive of twittering mothers if anyone thought he was wife hunting.”

“I just…I just look at you and Wolf. Wolf never looked at you until that carriage ride. You were able to spend time alone with him and you piqued his interest. I want that chance with Lord Marlowe. Tell me how I can find time alone with him.”

“You won’t find him alone at Mrs. Buchanan’s soiree. There will be women there looking for protectors. Do you really want to see Fane scouting for a new mistress?”

Valora’s bottom lip trembled and Tiffany could see the tears forming in her eyes. She took her friend’s arm and led her toward the retiring room, away from prying eyes.

They weren’t in there for long. She hoped she’d made Valora see sense, though she wished she could help her friend find the happiness she craved. But, like Claire, she wondered if Fane was the right man for Valora. She loved her cousin—he’d been very good to her—but he was quite selfish.

As they strolled back through the crowded ballroom and drew nearer to their friends, Tiffany heard Ashleigh say, “Oh, for goodness’ sake. I’m sick of all this talk of romance and love. My brother has offered for Tiffany so that Fane will offer for me and take Wolf’s scandal-ridden sister off his hands.”

“That’s not true,” Ivy cried.

Claire shrugged. “Sounds like Fane.”

Tiffany stood rooted to the spot, and it took the other ladies a few seconds to realize she’d overheard Ashleigh.

“I’m sure that’s not true,” Valora whispered in her ear.

Ashleigh turned and saw Tiffany, and her face went deathly white. She stepped toward Tiffany, her hand outstretched. “I’m sorry you had to hear it this way. I’ve been trying to find a time to talk to you. I hate what my brother is doing.”

Tiffany’s mind raced, her thoughts all jumbled. Ashleigh’s words made sense. Wolf had yet to tell her why he’d decided to pursue her. But the way he treated her, the way he looked at her… It couldn’t only be about protecting Ashleigh—could it? Her heart started to put up its fortress. The one thing she’d learned about Wolf was the lengths to which he’d go to protect those he loved. If he thought Ashleigh would be left on the shelf…

There was only one way to find out. She needed to talk with Wolf. Where was he? She searched the room and, as if he knew she was looking for him, his eyes locked with hers. He smiled, but she didn’t smile back. Instead, she turned and moved toward the rear of the room. She couldn’t go outside, it was still raining, but she knew a corridor ran along the back of the ballroom and led to a small orangery. Would he follow?

She’d barely made the corridor when strong arms drew her back against a solid chest. She held herself stiff. “What’s happened?” he asked.

“Not here. I’m not having this conversation in a corridor.”

He took her hand in his and strode toward the orangery, but then turned left and entered a small study. He closed the door behind him.

“What has happened?”

“Ashleigh had an interesting theory as to why you have suggested I become your countess. I’d like you to tell me why you decided on me for that role.”

He groaned and ran a hand through his hair. “I didn’t think anyone had overheard Marlowe’s stupid conversation.”

“Apparently your sister did and she’s very angry.”

“Well, she can’t have heard the whole conversation, because if she had, she would have heard me saying no.”

“So you did discuss this idea with Fane?”

“It was well before I really knew you. Dayton jokingly suggested it and Marlowe grabbed hold of the idea, saying he’d marry Ashleigh regardless of the scandal surrounding her.”

“Why did you say no?”

He groaned. “Bloody hell. Because if you must know, I don’t think Marlowe would make Ashleigh happy.”

She let out a breath. So it wasn’t because he didn’t want her. “Then why did you suddenly decide I would make you a good countess?”

“I didn’t suddenly decide you were the woman for me.” He drew up to his full height. “You really want to know what made me offer the stupid wager to marry me?”

She nodded, her lip sucked between her teeth. Did she want to know? Would it shatter the bond forming between them?

“It was a spur of the moment offer because I’d had bad news from Mr. Lane about some investments, and I suddenly felt out of my depth. Everyone assumes I have the ability to make money as if it falls from the trees, but I struggle with the decisions every day.”

“Oh, dear God. You offered because you thought I could help you with investments.” And she burst out laughing. “I never knew my talent would land me a husband. I invested so I wouldn’t need one.”

“It’s not funny. Besides, it may have started out that way, but as I got to know you, I grew to like you. Admire you. Hell, I think I love you.” He was almost yelling at this point.

She stopped laughing and looked into his handsome face and saw the truth. He wasn’t lying. “You love me?”

“I’m just as surprised as you. I thought my heart was so broken it would never spring free and love again. But then I got to know you.” He cupped her cheek. “How could I not fall in love?”

She turned her face and pressed a kiss into his palm. “I think I love you too.”

“Think?”

“I’ve never been in love before, so I’m not sure what I’m feeling. But I like it. I like how you make me feel when you look at me. When you pull me into your arms and when you kiss me,” she added breathlessly.

He smiled and her knees went weak. He gathered her close and slowly lowered his head until his lips took hers in a soft, tender kiss. Her arms slipped to his shoulders and she ran her hands down his back, feeling the strength coiled there. The kiss soon swept them both away. Her hands wound into his hair while his roamed her body as if he had every right to it.

The kiss grew in passion and soon all she could hear, and feel, was the man who was making her wild with uncontrollable desire. A man she was pretty sure would become her husband—and that didn’t frighten her. It thrilled her. She clung to his broad shoulders, swept along by the sensations his tongue created as it conquered the inside of her mouth.

Tiffany got lost in the kiss, bombarded by his fresh sandalwood fragrance and his ruthless lips, which demanded her submission. A groan rumbled deep within his throat, echoing the cry she held back; she badly wanted to let the sounds escape.

He drew back. “You know you’re mine. Since I caught you at Capel Court, you’ve belonged to me.”

Her gaze focused on his lips. She watched, mesmerized, as he drew in another breath. He opened his mouth to speak again but she silenced him.

She stretched up, drew his head down, brought her lips close to his and murmured, “I’ve always been yours. Since the day I came to live with the Marlowes and you carried me up the stairs. You were my prince, keeping me safe in my new home.”

“I barely remember that night. I wish I did.”

“I remember it plenty for both of us. I wanted you to kiss me, but that was the longing of an infatuated and scared young girl.”

“You’re not a young girl now. And I hope you’re not scared.”

“I’m never scared when I’m with you.”

With that he covered her lips with his, kissing her voraciously, all consumingly. Hands splaying, sliding over her person like a whispered caress. Reverent. Worshipping. Claiming…

He closed his arms about her, pulling her close, molding her to him. Any thought that he might stop died the instant she set eyes upon his face, on all he said with just one hot, burning gaze.

Soon she found herself scooped up and carried to the small chaise longue near the fire at the other end of the room. He gently laid her on it, following her down. She loved the weight of him atop her as she clung to his shoulders. She couldn’t wait for him to pleasure her, but instead he stopped kissing her and simply cuddled her into his side.

“Not here. Not like this. The first time I make love to you, I want it to be in my bed, as my wife.”

“I don’t want a big wedding.”

He ran a finger down her cheek and lifted her chin. “I’m the Marquess of Wolfarth. Society will expect a big wedding. If we don’t have a big wedding, it may look as if we have something to hide.”

“They’ll think that anyway. Why else would you marry a woman like me?”

“Don’t keep saying that. You’re beautiful. Besides, all will be perfectly clear when they see my wedding gift. The painting I created of you. Every man will envy me.”

“I thought that was for the Royal Academy auction to raise money for the society. You said no one would recognize me.”

“It is, and how else could I get you to see how beautiful you really are? But who do you think is going to buy it? I’d not let anyone else hang that on their wall. It shall hang in my—our—bedchamber.” He pressed a kiss to her lips. “When can I announce our betrothal?”

She pushed out of his hold and sat up, her head spinning. “Gosh, this is moving very quickly. You know I’ll help you with your investments without becoming your wife.”

“When I’m with you, my investments are the last thing on my mind. Right now my driving need is to get you naked and make you mine. I don’t care about your financial skills. I’m not marrying you for those. I’m marrying you because I think you and I will make a perfect love match.”

“Thank you. What about Sprat? Can we marry with him still out there? Or should we wait until he’s caught?”

Wolf lay back upon the chaise longue, a delicious feast for her eyes. At the mention of Sprat, he suddenly looked tired. “You’re right. I would prefer to have Sprat dealt with. Rockwell’s off to Ireland in a few days. I think the key to finding Sprat is to follow the money. If the money is in Ireland, so is Sprat. He has too many people hunting for him here.” He stood up and held out his hand to help her rise. “We should return to the ballroom before there is too much talk. We can still announce our betrothal. May I call on Marlowe tomorrow to organize the marriage contracts? And I’d like to host a ball at my home to make the announcement.”

“Can you wait until after the charity stall tomorrow before speaking with Marlowe? I’d like to be present for the conversation.”

He tapped the end of her nose. “Don’t you trust me?”

“It’s not that, it’s just… This is my life. I think I should have the right to be part of the process.” She held her breath. If Wolf was who she believed him to be, he’d—

“If you want to be there, I have no objections.”

She hugged him tightly and let love flood her heart. “I feel like the luckiest girl in the world.”

Wolf beamed. “As my wife, I’ll make it my goal to ensure you feel like that every day.”

They rejoined the ball and Wolf didn’t leave her side all evening. If society was in any doubt of his intentions toward her, those questions had been answered.

Ashleigh tried to talk with her, but Tiffany merely hugged her friend and said it didn’t matter. Tonight she basked in the glow of being wanted and finally feeling as if she belonged in the world she inhabited.

Wolf walked her to the Marlowe carriage. As he helped her ascend, he kissed her hand and said, “You’ll never be invisible again. You will be forever in my heart.” He turned to Marlowe. “If it’s convenient, I’ll call on you tomorrow evening after the ladies are back from the charity stall.”

“You are not attending Mrs. Buchanan’s soiree?”

“No. Rockwell and I plan to help the ladies at their stall. I shall escort them home.”

“Then I shall see you for a light supper.” Marlowe looked at Tiffany and smiled. “Are you happy for me to have this conversation with Lord Wolfarth?”

She leaned over and pressed a kiss to Fane’s cheek. “Thank you for asking.” She smiled over her shoulder at Wolf. “Yes. I’m happy.”

“Then tomorrow it is.”

Wolf stood watching them until the carriage left the drive, and then Tiffany finally sat back and turned her attention to her cousins and Lauren, who were all smiling at her.

“Congratulations,” Lauren said. “He’s a wonderful choice for a husband.”

“If I have to lose you to anyone, I suppose Wolf is better than many.”

“You’re not losing me, Claire. I’ll only be living a few doors away.”

Claire shook her head. “Not all the time. Our estates are miles apart. Cornwall to Yorkshire takes days to travel. And how will we run…” Claire looked at Fane, who appeared to be asleep.

“I’m too happy to think about all of that right now. Can’t you let me bask in this glow for a few hours?” She reached and squeezed Claire’s hand. “We knew this couldn’t last forever. We are grown woman who have to live the lives we want. I want to become his marchioness. I will be happy with Wolf.”

She sat back and tried to relive how she’d felt in Wolf’s arms, but the sadness on Claire’s face ruined it. They had talked about being spinsters together in a little cottage in Cornwall.

She wished Claire could find a man to love. Try as she might, Tiffany couldn’t think of a single man of their acquaintance that Claire favored. Fane’s behavior made Claire view marriage with distaste. Maybe Tiffany’s marriage to Wolf and Serena’s marriage to Julian could change those views. She hoped so. She didn’t want her friend to end up alone and miss out on the joys of motherhood and family.