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JUNE 1828 ~ NEARLY MIDNIGHT

Hada mortal ever been this happy?

Dariusglanced down at his wife of two days. Stunning in an emerald-green gown with a shimmering overskirt that changed colors when she moved, she fairly took his breath away.

Mama’slady’s maid had tamed Araminta’s curls into an elaborate coiffure from which three artfully placed peacock feathers perched. A wedding present from his parents, an emerald pendant nestled between her breasts, and matching teardrop earrings hung from her dainty earlobes.

Severalladies had exclaimed in awe over her elaborately embroidered white elbow-length gloves and asked where she had acquired them. However, Araminta’s days of embroidering for a commission were over. In the future, she could use her talent because she wanted to, not because she had to.

Thestrains from the string quartet his mother had arranged drifted into the bookstore from the coffeehouse as guests waited for the next author to read an excerpt. Many more patrons stood around the perimeter, and there wasn’t an unoccupied spot anywhere in the store.

“I’d say your grand opening is a rousing success.” Having already shared from one of his travel books, Leonidas had removed his mask. He slapped Darius’s shoulder. “Congratulations, little brother.”

ToDarius’s surprise, Layton had arrived in Woodhaven in time for the wedding. He’d sold his commission in HisMajesty’sArmy and, for the first time since his youth, was free to come and go as he pleased.

Laytonwinked at Araminta. “All set, LadyWestbrook?”

Dariuslooked between them, then glanced at Cassius, who had never looked smugger.

Leonidashad a cunning gleam in his eyes too.

Whatwent on here?

“Yes, I am, Layton.” Araminta inhaled a slightly unsteady breath, then laid her hand on Darius’s arm. “Do you trust me?”

Withhis life. “Always and forever, my love.”

“Have a seat by Papa, please,” she said. “He may need moral support in a few minutes.”

Moral support?

“Where will you be?” Darius brushed her shoulder with his fingertips. Married just two days, he couldn’t get enough of touching her.

“It’s a surprise.” She fairly sparkled with suppressed excitement.

AsLayton and Leonidas led her away, Darius joined his father-in-law.

Giventhe late hour, Araminta’s sisters hadn’t attended. It came as no slight surprise that ReverendWeldon had come. Araminta said her father wasn’t inclined to participate in social events outside church.

Apuzzled frown wrinkled the reverend’s forehead as Darius settled into a chair beside him.

Grandmamasat on the reverend’s other side, chatting happily with OpalMulbury.

“Where is Araminta?” his father-in-law asked.

“She and my brothers had something they had to do,” Darius said.

Oncue, the orchestra music faded away, and the Duke and Duchess of Latham stood together to announce the next author.

Hisparents exchanged a glance, their eyes glowing with suppressed eagerness.

Dideveryone in his family know something he didn’t?

“The program does not list our next guest author because we wanted to keep it as a surprise.” The duke caught Darius’s eye and grinned. Actually grinned. “Tonight, we have the privilege of welcoming MadamQuillheart.”

Acollective gasp echoed around the crowded room.

Darius’smother, whose smile could have lit the entire street, continued the introduction once the audience had calmed down. “MadamQuillheart has authored four romance novels, and she plans to publish her fifth early next year. Please join us in welcoming Woodhaven’s very own MadamQuillheart.”