“Better than the alternative of allowing that monument to stand.” Ethan grimaced. “I thought I would never hear the end of it, especially from James.”
“Speaking of James,” the marchioness said. “Has anyone seen him or Evie this morning?”
Everyone shook their heads.
Conrad had an inkling of what was delaying the couple, but as he was currently courting the family’s favor, he thought it wise to keep it to himself.
“Well, it is nice to see them together.” The marchioness smiled. “To see all my children happy.”
When she included Conrad in her warm, maternal gaze, he felt a pleasant jolt.
“I couldn’t be happier,” Gigi piped up. “Wait until you see the plans Conrad has drawn up for Chuddums?—”
“You deserve the credit, love.” He kissed her hand, seeing with satisfaction that his ring was back where it belonged, sparkling upon her finger. “From the start, you recognized the potential of Chuddums and have been its steadfast champion. Your scheme with the water has already brought recognition to the village, and I am merely following your example.”
“A toast,” her mama proposed, raising her teacup. “To Gigi, who is, and has always been, a force to be reckoned with.”
Gigi glowed as they clinked their cups in her honor.
“Thank you,” she said. “But, truly, you must see Conrad’s vision for the village. He plans to clean up the docklands and build a theatre?—”
“A theatre? Really, Godwin?” Ethan gave him an exasperated look. “Is there no limit to your husbandly generosity?”
“Not when it comes to Gigi,” Conrad said. “There is nothing I wouldn’t do for her.”
The Marquess of Blackwood sighed, addressing him for the first time today.
“A word of advice.”
“Yes, sir?” Conrad said warily.
“There is nothing wrong with indulging one’s wife. But mind you don’t spoil the chit,” the marquess said severely.
“Papa,” Gigi protested.
But Conrad took the gleam of amusement in her papa’s eyes as a good sign.
At that moment, James came in. He was alone.
“Good afternoon, dear. Where is Evie?” the marchioness asked.
Conrad didn’t know James very well, but he was no stranger to male frustration.
“Evie’s gone,” James said in flat tones. “She left early this morning.”
Epilogue
“Come out, come out, wherever you are.”
Stifling a laugh at Conrad’s exaggerated growl, Gigi raced merrily through the maze of hedges. The balmy summer night was made for adventures such as these. The sky was a stretch of black velvet, and the moon was round and bright, lighting her path. Owen had done a spectacular job with the landscaping at Honeystone Hall, and the labyrinth, in particular, was garnering him acclaim. Gigi followed the twists and turns until it took her to the heart of the garden where, at her request, Owen had left an ancient oak standing at its center.
Anticipation sizzled through Gigi when she saw that Conrad had beaten her to their meeting place. He must have taken a shortcut, for he awaited her by the tree, hands braced on his hips. With his shirt untucked and open at the collar, his eyes gleaming in the moonlight, he looked deliciously primal. Her husband, her duke, her mate who owned her heart, body, and soul.
Which was just as well since he’d entrusted her with his. Since their marriage, their bond had only grown stronger. Their love had given them the confidence to share their deepest dreams and desires with one another…and to play out those desires, no matter how wicked they were. To Gigi’s delight, being married had given her more freedom, not less. Her husband encouraged her to shed her inhibitions, which was why she’d suggested their game tonight.
Remembering her role, she pressed her hands to her chest.
“You found me!” she gasped.
