“Good. We will introduce her to the world as your distant niece. We shall raise her well and find the perfect husband for her in the future.”
Deerhurst chuckled. “Husband? What if she doesn’t want a husband, or have you forgotten your little discussion with Evie, Maddy, and Macy?”
“Well, I have changed my mind since then.”
“Oh? How have you changed your mind?”
“One needs a partner to share adventures with. Cats make good partners, they are also good to snuggle with, but they lack one thing.”
Deerhurst smiled. “And what is that?”
“Loyalty.”
He laughed, remembering she’d caught him and Puck red-handed earlier.
Ah, yes.Happiness.
All his moments with Phaedra were happy, even when they were at odds. A moment shared with her brought him happiness even when it brought him pain.
Happiness only ever needs a moment.
And he prepared to share all his with the woman he loved.
Epilogue
Two days later
“You wantmeto keep the book?”
Phaedra nodded, pushing the wrapped box across the tea table. “Yes, I believe you are the perfect person to keep it safe. You’re also the only one I could get hold of.”
Lady Harriet stared at the book wide-eyed. “What of Theodosia or Louisa?”
“I’m not that familiar with them. Selena hasn’t replied to my missive, so I can only hand the book over to you. If you wish to pass it on to one of them, you may do so.”
“What about you?”
Phaedra smiled. “I’m to wed tomorrow and will probably go traveling for a bit in a few days. I’m not confident in hiding things and I cannot travel with the book. It’s also best for it to stay in London, should it be needed.”
Lady Harriet nodded absent-mindedly. “You do realize my husband watches me like a hawk. That man is more protective than a bear over her cubs.”
“I do.” She glanced toward the door. “Which is why we probably don’t have much time before he comes in search of you.” Phaedra pointed at the box. “This agiftfrom me to thank you for cheering me up the other day.”
“You want me to take it today? In broad daylight?”
“How else?” Phaedra laughed. “Is it not the best way?”
“It’s the most terrifying way, to be honest.”
“Who would suspect a ribboned box? Besides,” Phaedra gave her friend a foxlike smile, “you haven’t read through all the wagers. Aren’t you curious about whether Leeds’s won any?”
“Leeds has wagers in the book?”
She shrugged coyly. “That is for you to discover, no?”
Lady Harriet pursed her lips as she glanced at the book.
A footman interrupted to announce. “My lady, the Duke of Mortimer.”
