“Aaron mentioned to me that you two enjoyed a lovely walk at the masquerade last year.” He watched her face closely as he referred to their romantic wanderings down the Dark Path. What he saw wasn’t reassuring. Her gaze grew dreamy, and her smile was private as she nodded.
“He was a gentleman with me in every way.”
Given her parentage, that was probably rare for her. And it was directly at odds with Aaron’s claim that he’d ruined her.
“No matter,” she quipped airily. “That was last year. This year—”
“You intend to take London by storm? Gwen has already plans for your gowns and the daffodils. She wants to make you this year’s sensation.”
Lilah’s smile turned indulgent as she shook her head. “I know she has plans, and I’ve told her they won’t work.”
“Of course, they can. We made her a sensation last Season. There is no reason we cannot do the same for you this year.”
“That is very kind of you, my lord, but I have other plans. Exciting ones that have nothing to do with the Season or even London.”
“Really? I’m intrigued.”
“Oh yes, I shall—”
Whatever she said next was lost beneath a great clashing of cymbals. He was sure his sisters were the cause, so he turned toward the sound with a feeling of indulgent dread.
Then he saw it. Gwen dressed in a gown painted like the sun carrying a basket of what looked to be painted flowers. So that’s what Bea had been working on. Gwen was at the far side of the lawn from him, and as she walked through their guests, she gave every woman a painted blossom.
He had no desire to wait for her to make it to him, so he joined her before she was even halfway through. And then he held the flower basket as she spoke to every guest. By the time they made it to the top table—the one set for bride and groom—he lost every thought in his head except that she was the most exquisite creature he’d ever known. “You are everything to me,” he said to her, as he set a painted daffodil into her hair.
“You are my love,” she returned. Then they kissed in front of everyone, and such joy filled his heart that he couldn’t imagine ever being happier. Unless it was the next morning when he woke with her in his arms. Or the next, and the next, through their entire life together.