Her smile turned mischievous. “Really? I’ve takencareof you? I thought I broke you.”
He exhaled a laugh. “No. I was wrong.” He planted a kiss on her temple. “You did not break me. I was a broken man long before we met. Youmendedme. Without you, I never would have been whole.”
She smiled up at him as he pulled her into his arms. She leaned against his chest. “You’ve given me more than I could ever tellyou,” she murmured. She closed her eyes. “I think I’m more tired than I initially thought.
“You’ve had a long day, my river lady,” he said, chuckling. “Let’s get you to bed. You’ll have a long day of rest and relaxation tomorrow.”
Epilogue
Marina looked around the ballroom at Pemberton Manor, unable to keep the grin off her face. It had been practically abandoned for years. The doors had been kept locked with the empty space hidden underneath.
That was no longer the case. Now it was open, lit up, and filled with guests. A string quartet filled the air with music as people danced. Marina went around, greeting the guests, who all seemed very happy to be here.Apparently, that punch two weeks ago had not deterred many people.
After several minutes, when her cheeks began to hurt from smiling, someone tapped her on the shoulder. She turned to see Evan. “May I have this dance, duchess?” he asked, holding out his hand.
Her smile grew wider. “Absolutely, my love.”
His gaze heated up at her words, but he did not say anything as he led her to the dance floor just in time for a waltz to start playing.
Marina sighed with contentment as they started to dance together.Finally.“I am glad so many people came to the ball,” she said. “It was such a good idea.”
“Apparently, the punch was not too scandalous,” Evan said. “Either that, or everyone was too curious about the inside of Pemberton Manor to care.” He grinned. “Honestly, it didn’t matter to me how many people showed up. I just wanted the excuse to dance with you.”
She giggled. “I’ll always accept a dance from you.”
“Good.”
They reluctantly parted when the dance was over. Marina almost wanted to ask for a second one, but she had caught Bethany and Amelia off to the side of the room. For the first time all night, neither of them had a dance partner. “Excuse me. I must say hello to my sisters.”
He nodded. “Absolutely.” He turned to mingle with some of the guests. Marina watched him with a smile. Evan had been making an effort to talk with everyone for at least a few seconds.He’s going to be exhausted after tonight. I’m so proud of him.
She joined her sisters in the corner of the room. Amelia grinned at her. “I’m so glad you convinced your husband to open up this ballroom. This place is magical.”
“Isn’t it? I’m so happy I get to share it with both of you.” She grabbed Amelia’s hand and then Bethany’s.
Her younger sister smiled. “You are practically glowing, Marina. I don’t know if I’ve ever seen you this happy before.”
“Of course I’m glowing,” Marina said, laughing. “I’ve been walking and dancing all night. This is the first time I’ve had a chance to stand still.”
“All anyone can talk about is how the duke defended your honor two weeks ago,” Bethany said, her voice dropping to a whisper. “Enough people heard what the Baron said about you before Evan punched him. The ton is divided on whether the punch is warranted—it most certainly was—but everyone is certainly curious about the most scandalous couple of the Season.”
Marina rolled her eyes, but not even the thought of being part of the scandalous couple was enough to spoil her mood. “I do not mind, as long as everyone forgets about it in time for Lilly’s debut Season. If only everyone were as lucky as I am, to possess a husband willing to defend one’s honor.”
Amelia giggled. “I’m so happy for you. Truly. Marrying him was the best thing you could have ever done.”
“Absolutely.” She squeezed her sisters’ hands. “Next Season, I promise to help both of you find love as well.”
“Perhaps for Amelia,” Bethany said. She looked around the room, looking unimpressed. “I’m willing to wait a little longer.”
“If you had it your way, you would be a financially independent spinster,” Amelia said, amused.
“I would not go that far,” Bethany said, grinning. “I’m just not ready to settle down and have children yet.”
“Speaking of children.” Amelia gestured to somewhere past Marina’s shoulder. “I believe there’s a late arrival to the ball.”
Marina turned around to see Lilly walk into the ballroom. The little girl was scanning the crowd, looking for her parents. “Excuse me a moment,” she said, leaving her sisters. She caught Evan’s eye as she did so, and he nodded. They both started walking to Lilly.
The little girl grinned and waved when she saw Marina. Her charm bracelet—covered with charms of different kinds of fish and dogs—jingled and glittered in the light as she did so.
