“I wasn’t aware that we had primroses, duchess.” Godwin looked amused. “I’m not the sort of fellow who stops to smell the flowers.”
“Maybe you ought to,” Gigi said lightly.
“I have no objection to exploring the outdoors with you, my sweet. In fact, it has become one of my favorite hobbies,” he drawled.
Evie sensed the flirtatious undertone. Gigi confirmed this by turning a telling shade of pink. Xenia smothered a giggle, and Mama’s lips were quivering.
Ethan, James’s handsome middle brother, sighed. He had dark hair, indigo eyes, and the sort of brooding intensity one associated with artists. Indeed, he’d once been a renowned piano maestro, whose career had been tragically ended by an injury to his hand. Since his marriage to Xenia, he’d taken up composing music, and he’d never looked happier.
Ethan lifted his brows. “Must we be subjected to the two of you flirting like newlyweds?”
“We are newlyweds. What is your excuse for flirting with Xenia?” Gigi retorted.
Ethan shrugged. “It is not my fault. If you must blame anyone, blame Xenia.”
“Me? Why?” his wife squeaked.
“Well, it is your fault, pet. For being irresistible.”
He flashed a wicked grin, and Xenia’s cheeks turned as red as her hair.
“Really, Ethan,” she protested. “What will everyone think of us?”
“They will think that I learned the art of flirtation from the best.” Ethan paused, before adding innocently, “Didn’t I, Papa?”
“Do not drag me into this, son.”
At Papa’s grimace, Mama pealed with laughter.
“Come now, Marcus,” she teased. “You are charming with the ladies. Admit it.”
“Only with you,” he replied gravely. “My own lucky Penny.”
When she blew him a kiss, the marquess lost his stoicism, responding with a lazy smile that made Evie’s heart pitter-patter. Once upon a time, James had smiled at her in that fashion. But he hadn’t done so for months…not since the loss. Not since she’d been forced to accept that she was cursed by the sin she’d unknowingly committed—and if she wasn’t careful, she might bring James down with her.
“Marrying for love is the Harrington way,” Gigi said brightly. “As family traditions go, we could do worse.”
“A lot worse.” Godwin’s tone was wry. “Trust me on this.”
Given what Evie knew about Godwin’s bloodthirsty lineage, she couldn’t disagree.
“We are your family now, darling,” Gigi said. “Therefore, our traditions are yours.”
The tender look Godwin bestowed upon his wife caused a collective sigh.
Evie made the mistake of glancing at James. He’d been silent during the banter, and his gaze was trained on his wine glass. Twin furrows dug between his brows, and Evie could read his thoughts.
If every Harrington marries for love, how did I get so unlucky?
Anguish trickled through her, chilling her heart. The chasm between them felt vast and insurmountable. Surrounded by couples blissfully in love, she had never felt more alone.
“What about you, dear boy?” Mama was also watching her eldest, her gaze astute despite her light tone. “As we are celebrating love, haven’t you anything to add?”
The playful and unsubtle nudge had Evie squirming in her seat.
“Some matters are meant to be private, Mama,” James said.
His curtness fell like ashes on a fire, snuffing out the merriment in the room.
