The next few days, as they traveled back to London, passed in much the same manner. Lyra and Alister learned more about each other during the day and explored the pleasures of their bodies at night. Even though they didn’t go to some exotic place, it was the best honeymoon that Lyra could have ever imagined.
Because she was deliriously happy.
And in love.
She believed that Alister felt the same, for every moment they were together he proved his devotion time and time again, but he had yet to say those three little words that she longed to hear. So what was holding him back? She considered laying her heart bare, but after a lifetime of feeling unloved and undesired, she wasn’t quite ready to take that risk. Not yet.
They finally pulled up in front of Eversleigh House, and Lyra couldn’t help but feel a little bittersweet at the homecoming. After a week of tender exploration, what happened now? However, when the front door burst open and a woman squealed and proceeded to run down the steps to greet her, she couldn’t help but cry happy tears.
“You’re finally here!” Mara said in breathless delight.
Lyra smiled as her sister-in-law embraced her tightly. Mara’s green eyes were shining with true happiness and, for the first time in her life, Lyra knew what that felt like. She just feared how long it would last. “It’s good to see you,” she returned in all sincerity.
“I brought you back some things from Greece and Italy, but Roarke says I have to wait until after dinner to give them to you.” She rolled her eyes. “But I guess he has a point. ItisChristmas Eve.”
Lyra’s mouth dropped open. She’d been so preoccupied with Alister that she hadn’t even thought of the upcoming holidays.
Until that point, Alister had been standing by silently, but now Lyra took the opportunity to introduce him. “Mara, allow me to present my…husband—” She nearly stumbled over the word, still finding it hard to imagine. “—Alister Ayles, the Duke of Albright. Alister, this is Mara Garrott, Viscountess Eversleigh.”
“It’s an honor, my lady.” Alister bowed low over Mara’s hand, whose eyes widened perceptibly. “I’ve heard a lot about you.”
“Oh, dear, now I’m concerned,” Mara teased.
Alister’s mouth twitched. “Don’t be. It was every bit complimentary, I assure you. In fact, I feel I must thank you for being such a good friend to my wife all these years.”
Mara blinked. “I…uh…”
Lyra’s lips twitched as she threaded her arm through Mara’s. “We can reminisce inside. I’m freezing!”
They handed their outerwear over to the butler. Roarke strode out of his study, but stopped short upon seeing them in the foyer. “I didn’t even hear the carriage, but I see my wife was dutifully watching at the window like an eager spaniel.” He gave Lyra a kiss on the forehead and nodded to Alister. “Your Grace. Would you care for a brandy after your arduous journey?”
“It was a rather long journey,” Alister agreed before he turned to Lyra, where his eyes warmed considerably. “But I certainly wouldn’t call it arduous.”
Lyra felt a decided flutter in her stomach at his words, but it quickly turned to one of uncertainty as her mother came downstairs to join them. Lavinia instantly rushed forward and hugged her daughter. “I’m so glad you are home safe.”
At first, Lyra didn’t know how to act, for she had never seen Lady Eversleigh anything less than studiously in control of her emotions. She had always been the firm voice that kept her children in line and who carried the face of society when her husband had been doing everything possible to ruin their good name. But as she pulled back and tears were evident in her gaze, Lyra felt a decided lump in her throat and more than a touch of guilt.
“I’m sorry, Mama. I hope you aren’t too mad at me?”
Lavinia looked horrified. “Of course not! We were all beside ourselves with worry when you didn’t return to Harville Manor, but then after Roarke returned with the joyous news…” She shook her head. “I couldn’t be happier for you both.”
At that point, Alister strode forward. “I did promise you that I would look after her, my lady.”
Lady Eversleigh lifted a brow, although her eyes danced with merriment. “So you did, Your Grace. That reminds me…” She turned to the butler. “Do we still have a copy of yesterday’s newspaper?”
“We do, Your Ladyship.” He disappeared for a moment and returned with the requested item.
Lavinia flipped to a particular page in theTimesand handed it to Alister. “I think you will find this article of particular interest.”
With a frown, he took it from her, only to mumble, “I can’t believe it.”
“What is it?” Lyra asked, instantly curious.
He chuckled richly and handed the paper to her, where she read a rather interesting announcement. “Euphemia and Sir Bowly are gettingmarried?”
Lavinia smiled like the cat that had found the cream. “Apparently, the two got on rather well at the Harville house party before all the commotion took place. It really is a match made in Heaven. She says she doesn’t wish for children, and Sir Bowly had no issue from his first marriage. Not only that, but I hear he is as rich as Croesus.”
Lyra shook her head. “Unfathomable.”
