He raised a brow. “I have a feeling life with you will never be tedious.”
“Maddie! Catie! Where are you?”
Jack sighed. “See what I mean?”
Maddie peered over his shoulder and saw Josie rushing up the stairs, Ridgeley hard on her heels. “Madam, allow me to introduce you!”
Josie shook her head. “There’s no time for that!”
Jack released Maddie, and she stepped out of the alcove.
“There you are!” Josie said, pausing at the top of the stairs and panting. Her color was high, her red curls in complete disarray, and her gown stained.
“What on earth is the matter?” Maddie asked. Jack moved protectively closer, and his arm came about her waist.
“I ran all the way here,” Josie wheezed, still trying to catch her breath.
Maddie’s heart began to pound. “What’s wrong?”
But instead of answering, Josie said, “Where’s Catie? Is she here?”
“In the drawing room.”
“Good. She won’t believe this.”
“Believe what?”
“It’s Ashley,” Josie said, moving toward the drawing room door. “She’s back.”
“With Lord Nicholas?” Maddie asked.
Josie nodded. “Oh, yes. And they’ve been back for”—she fumbled with the doorknob—“three days.”
“Three days?” Maddie called after her. “Why hasn’t she come to see us?”
“Good question. You’ll have to ask her, and when you do, ask just how long she’s been involved with Lord Nicholas.”
Maddie frowned. “What does that mean?”
“According to my source, they were seen together numerous times before your elopement.”
Maddie exchanged a glance with Jack. They had both suspected Ashley and Lord Nicholas had a previous relationship. The nature of that relationship, however, was unclear.
“I don’t know what is going on, but I intend to find out.” Josie finally turned the doorknob and stumbled into the drawing room. Catie, already on her feet, rushed to hear the news.
Maddie stood outside, still holding Jack’s hand.
Finally, he said, “I suppose we had better call on them.”
She nodded. “I suppose. But it’s bound to be a horrible muddle.”
He considered. “Or perhaps it’s like you always say. Everything works out in the end.” He bent to kiss her, and Maddie, her heart full of love, kissed him back.
Epilogue
“Won’t you tell me anything?” Maddie asked.
Ashley pursed her lips, and the sunlight glinted off the long golden curls tumbling down her shoulders. They were strolling in Hyde Park, their white parasols bumping into one another. A few yards ahead of them, Jack and Lord Nicholas stood facing one another.
