‘I think that should be plain enough. They love each other.’

‘Well, of course,’ he spluttered. ‘I have known that for years. But I thought he would at least have the decency to court her as he should, make an offer and wait for the banns to be read. Instead he has rushed my little sister over the border like some lust-crazed animal. And he has done it while she was in my care. What am I going to tell Morley? I suspect when he hears of this he will burst from apoplexy.’ Harry considered for a moment. ‘Which means that some good has come of it, I suppose.’ He stared down at Elise. ‘You are taking this surprisingly well.’ And he smiled at her, in joy and relief, and forgot all about Rosalind.

Elise supposed she was. After all they had been through perhaps she should feel something other than joy at the prospect of Tremaine happily married to someone else. But she could not.

‘It was time for Nicholas to marry as well. He is a dear man, but he can be a bit of a nuisance. Now that there is someone to watch out for him, his character will be much improved.’ She leaned on her elbow and stared at her husband, the love of her life, and fingered the heart at her throat. She gave a theatrical sigh. ‘While I cannot begrudge your sister her happiness, I confess that it makes me feel somewhat undesirable.’

‘Never,’ he breathed. ‘Not while I live.’

She held out her arms to him as he walked back to her. ‘Show me.’

Christine Merrill

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