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Leonidaspassed it to Althelia before giving Owen a considering look, the merest pleased smile teasing the edges of his mouth.

He knows.

Owenmet Fletcher’s and then Lucius’s eyes.

Theydid too.

Owendidn’t care who had discovered his secret. If all went well, his dearest friend in all the world would soon be his brother-in-law.

“I don’t think…” the duchess began, but her husband took her hand.

“A few minutes with the doors open shan’t hurt,” he insisted.

“We haven’t toasted Owen yet.” Fletcher’s droll reminder brought everyone up short.

“Can we not do so in the ballroom before decorating the tree?” ClodoveaWestbrook, the exotic Spanish beauty Lucius had married last year, suggested in her lilting accent. She’d accurately assessed Owen’s intentions as well.

“Brilliant, my love.” Lucius kissed her temple, and a becoming flush colored her cheeks.

“It’s settled then.” The duke gave Owen a severe look. One that said, I’m trusting you with my only daughter. Do not betray that trust. “You may walk her to the ballroom’s French window.”

Asan apparent afterthought, he added, “Simms can bring her repast to the ballroom. Cassius and Fletcher, please open all the draperies along the terrace and ensure lamps are burning high in those rooms to illuminate the veranda.”

Owenswallowed as he met the Westbrook brothers’ eyes in turn.

Hemight be huge, but they outnumbered him.

“Yes, Father.” Fletcher dipped his chin before he and Cassius went to do as bid.

Althelia’sfamily cherished her. They wouldn’t forgive anyone hurting her again, if PeterHartigan were an example.

“We’ll see you in the ballroom in a few minutes.” Althelia looped her hand through Owen’s elbow, allowing him to steer her to the door.

Onceoutside, the golden glow of the room behind them and along the terrace illumined the silvery landscape, turning it into a wonderland.

Giggling, she pressed into his side. “My word. That was quite intense.”

“I’ll say.” The tension knotting Owen’s shoulders eased as he breathed in the crisp, cold air.

Softlybut steadily, the snow continued to fall. It seemed Hefferwickshire would enjoy a white Christmas. There was already talk among the men of sleigh rides.

Onceout of earshot, Owen stopped and searched Althelia’s face. “Are you certain you are quite recovered—my darling⁠—?”

Hewished he had the right to utter the endearment he’d silently added. He hoped to have that right soon.

Nodding, she gathered the shawl’s corners tighter. “That’s only the second time in my life I’ve fainted.”

“Let me guess. The first was after the incident with PeterHartigan?” he asked.

Bloody rotter.

“It was, but let’s not waste our time alone talking about him.” Althelia turned soft, adoring eyes upward. “I’m happy you and my family are getting on well.”

Heput a finger beneath her chin, searching her beloved face and memorizing each precious feature.

Wasit too soon?

Orwas this an opportunity Owen could not let pass?