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“Can we not pretend it already happened?”

“Absolutely not,” Grandmama said, her tone making it clear her word was final. “You will have a proper ceremony. Everything will be done as if this union is above board. I will obtain a special license that we will conveniently let expire. I will ensure whispers start. Once Raffy is in better health, you two will need to be seen. Fortunately, most have retired to the country already, so Miss Dawson need not worry. It will not be a big to do. Roderick and Olivia will join you and show their support for the new duchess.” She arched a brow. “We will leave very little for the vipers to sink their teeth into, understood?”

“Diabolical,” Theo murmured.

Grandmama’s attention landed on Theo. Her lips curved. “Thank you.”

Theo grinned and turned to Rafe. “I quite like her.”

“Psh. Of course you do, dear. Everyone likes me.”

Rafe bit back his amusement.

Theo’s smile faded, her eyes narrowing. “You’re exhausted,” she said softly.

His leg was throbbing from standing for so long and pressure had built at his temples. But this conversation was too important to cut short. And there was still more to discuss privately with Theodora. The thought of making his way back to his chamber, of being separated from Theo again, sounded like the worst form of torture. He’d rather take another spoke to his leg.

Her eyes flicked toward her bed and back at him, her invitation obvious.

“I’ll stay the night here.”

“Raphael,” Grandmama scolded. “It is one thing to have time alone with your future duchess, but to spend the night prematurely?”

A loud snort came from the right, and all eyes turned toward Sebastian. “The man was huffing and puffing just from me carrying him up the stairs. He’s not capable of anything scandalous, if you catch my meaning.”

Rafe glared at his brother. Sebastian might have a point. The exhaustion was settling like a lead blanket over him, and there was absolutely no chance of anything happening. But still, the audacity of the lad. Everything was still in perfect working order.

Abigail let out a sigh. “What am I to do with you, Sebastian?”

Sebastian looked around the room. “Why does everyone always say that to me?”

“No idea,” Theo drawled, and Rafe had to bite back his smile. “I think we are past rumors anyhow. I shredded my reputation to pieces when I took on the staff and stormed a wedding breakfast, waving a pistol. What is a night spent with the Duke at this point? They’ve already assumed that’s why I was here.”

Rafe gritted his teeth. He was still seething over how his staff had treated Theodora.

Abigail stood. “After everything these two have been through the past few days, I think we can all agree to look the other way. Dorothea, might I persuade you to join me for tea? I should love to catch up and have you become acquainted with Sebastian properly.”

She walked up to Rafe, green eyes soft and searching. “I’m so glad you’re well, Raphael.” His heart squeezed at the faint hoarseness in her voice.

“We have much too much time to make up for for me to go anywhere,” he murmured.

A small smile tilted her lips. “I’m looking forward to it.”

Grandmama appeared at her side, taking Abigail’s arm. She glanced between him and Theodora. “We will discuss more details on the morrow. I will have our solicitor visit so we can begin working on the contract. And I have a future daughter-in-law to get to know.” She swept her gaze over him. “Do you need any assistance? You’re leaning quite heavily on that crutch.”

“I just need to lie down.” His leg was starting to shake, and the pain was sharpening.

“I’ll have your laudanum brought here.” She gave his good arm a small squeeze, then she and Abigail made their way out of the chamber.

Sebastian stepped up to them. He shifted on his feet, fingers fidgeting with the hem of his waistcoat. “So…”

Rafe’s lip quirked.

His brother’s eyes were trained on his fidgeting fingers. “This is kind of nice. We’re all family now.”

“We were always family, Bash,” Theo said softly. “But, yes, it looks like you got your wish.”

He glanced up, a wide smile painted on his face. Too wide. Too forced. “Appreciate you two doing this for me.”