It made sense. For the past year, Daniel had focused solely on revenge. He would often spend time in his study or lurking at the docks. The twins had been the most persistent of his visitors.
“You will hopefully see more of me, Jamie. Of course, I will see Clara and William, too.”
The two younger children were busy studying their new aunt, giving her their best smiles.
They like her.
“You look like a piece of art, Lucy,” Elizabeth murmured as she embraced her new sister-in-law.
Lucy noted how Daniel’s older sister looked young for her age. She had heard about her troubles when she was younger, and how the late Lord Grisham liked to accompany her to balls to introduce her to his various colleagues.
“And you, Duchess,” she replied.
“Oh, darling. We are family now. Call me Elizabeth,” the older woman said with a smile. “And the sketches you sent last week were marvelous. I saw your range. It goes beyond sketching my brother.”
“Elizabeth!” Lucy spluttered, giggling.
“I knew it was him, but I didn’t tell anyone. But I meant what I said about your sketches and talent.”
“Thank you, Elizabeth. Your critique was helpful and appreciated. I needed that guidance from someone who knows art not only as a mere hobby. Joshua never truly gave me a chance to explore what he thought was a frivolous pastime.”
“Of course. I would do everything for the sake of art. It is the language of the soul, after all. I would want to see your latest creation soon.”
“Soon?” Daniel echoed, joining them. “Do remember that my wife might be engaging in other creative pursuits in the meantime.”
The insinuation was clear.
Lucy blushed and swatted him with her fan, while Elizabeth chuckled.
They moved toward the head table for the actual breakfast. While the day was all about love and happiness, it was inevitable for the conversation to shift to something darker. People were curious.
Daniel had rightfully invited his main investigator, Silas, to celebrate with them. The man seemed uncomfortable in his formal attire, but had managed to act just like the rest of the ton.
“A final report as a gift, Your Grace,” he announced, causing everyone else to fall quiet. “The magistrate has announced his ruling. The Earl of Marsleigh will spend the rest of his life in acell. There was some talk about the gallows, but it was quickly dismissed.”
Lucy felt a sharp sting in her chest. She was not mourning the monster Joshua had become in recent years, but the brother she had lost. Perhaps he was as good as she had thought him to be. Only he knew if he ever did some self-reflection.
She let out a sharp breath.
Daniel squeezed her hand.
“What of Moses Gordon?” he asked.
“Two years,” Silas replied, to which murmurs of surprise followed. “He received leniency in exchange for information not only about the Earl but also about smuggling routes. He will be transported to the colonies, as planned, after he survives his time in a cell.”
Sighs of relief rose around the table.
“Good. Neither of them would trouble us again,” Daniel said, his jaw clenched.But when he met Lucy’s eyes, he softened.
“I am so sorry, Lucy. We will refrain from such talk. Today is about us. The two of us.”
Later in the afternoon, the last of the guests finally left. The carriages rolled away, and Stonewynn House settled into the peace Lucy had been craving. She and Daniel went to his study, with him promising another gift.
“From you?” she asked as they reached the room.
Now she was curious.
“No, love,” he replied. “It’s from Valentine St. Clair. Oh, I see you are amused. Well, we invited him, remember. However, he felt his presence would cause a stir and provide the wrong kind of excitement on our wedding day. But he did send you something he believed you must have.”
