“Your Rogue Rules had to have books, and I couldn’t resist stitching the beard and mustache up in the corner.” She winked at Ellis, who laughed again.
“May I see this?” Roman moved to stand next to his wife’s chair. She held it up to him.
“Pandora always embroiders a copy of the Rogue Rules for the bride,” Ellis explained.
“I’ll never wed, so I’m delighted to be the one to make them,” Pandora said with a mischievous grin
“Never say never,” Roman advised. “I think Ellis and I can both tell you that the best intentions don’t always happen.”
“Agreed,” the Duchess of Wellesbourne said. “I’m certain plenty of others here would say the same.”
Several of the ladies nodded.
Roman gestured to Margot. “I believe you’ve all met Miss Lacey.”
Min smiled warmly at Margot. “Yes, of course. We were remiss in not inviting you to join us.”
“It’s all right,” Margot said. “Mama and I did not come directly to the drawing room after dinner.”
“You must sit with us,” Lady Somerton, who was Pierce’s sister, insisted. “There’s always room for more. Just ask Iona. She’s the newest to our group and the only one besides Pandora who is left unmarried.”
Though Miss Shaughnessy smiled, Roman detected a hint of nervousness in her features. Margot sat down beside her. They appeared to be of a similar age.
Miss Shaughnessy turned to Margot. “Is it true you and your betrothed fell in love writing letters?”
“Yes, over several months, though I knew after the first letter he was special.” Margot beamed.
“And no one knew this was happening?” Miss Shaughnessy seemed most intrigued.
Margot blushed faintly. “No, but it did come out, of course, now that we’re betrothed.”
“It’s a splendid idea,” Miss Shaughnessy said, sounding almost contemplative.
“Well, I don’t think we planned it as an idea, exactly.” Margot’s brow briefly pleated before she smiled. “But it did work out rather wonderfully.”
Roman looked down at Ellis. “Would you join me for a moment?” He held out his hand to her.
“Of course.” She set the Rogue Rules down on her chair as she stood. “Pardon me, ladies.”
“And there she goes,” Pandora said with a sigh. “Choosing her husband over us.”
“Not entirely,” Ellis said. “You’re all of very great importance to me, and I’m sorry I didn’t rely on you sooner.”
“We understand.” Min gave her a caring smile. “And we love you.”
Ellis took Roman’s arm, and he led her to where Josiah and Harriet were speaking with Henlow and Mrs. Welbeck.
Mrs. Welbeck was a delightful woman and was, in fact, the granddaughter of an earl.
Josiah turned to Roman. “Ready?”
Roman nodded before addressing Ellis softly. “We’re going to make an announcement now.”
“What is this about?” she asked, appearing concerned. “I’ve already said I don’t want to be the librarian in Bath. I can’t do that.”
Josiah chuckled. “No, no, but you will be instrumental in helping us choose a location, if you agree to what we’d like to announce.”
Harriet beamed at her. “We’d like you to be secretary of Lacey and Company. You will have your own stake in the company and be an integral part of its operation and success.”
