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“Well, then,” she said with a sigh. “Lead the way.”

Despite her father’s assurances, Gwen could not help casting nervous glances down the hallway as they walked. With every step, she half-expected Aidan to appear. His presence always managed to catch her off guard. She was not ready for that yet. Not tonight.

On the main floor, they passed the closed door of the small drawing room. Her eyes lingered on it. Was Aidan within?

They reached the study. Gwen sank into a deep, upholstered armchair by the hearth, the familiar shape of it cradling her weary form. The fireplace stood empty, but it remained the most comforting spot in the room, far preferable to the formal space across her father’s desk.

Papa settled into the matching chair beside her, tapping his knee lightly with one hand as he gathered his thoughts.

“These past few weeks have been quite the whirlwind,” he said at last.

Gwen thought of the illness that had nearly claimed her life, of waking up with a sense of clarity and determination to make something meaningful of her second chance. She had wanted to adopt, to mother a child who needed love. And then everything had changed.

One moonlit night, she had found herself enchanted by a stranger’s poetry. Only to discover he was a man of startling beauty who would soon steal her first kiss and, shortly thereafter, her entire life’s course. A scandal, a rushed marriage, and then the shattering truth that it had all been founded on a deception.

So yes. A whirlwind indeed.

She merely nodded.

“I have spoken to your husband at length,” her father said carefully, “and we have resolved our misunderstanding.”

“That may be,” Gwen replied, her voice tight, “but it does not change the fact that he was dishonest with me.”

Her father moistened his lips before replying. “I think it does, Gwen. Aidan is a man caught in a tangle of duty and desperation. His sister was attacked in her own home mere weeks ago, and he believes she remains in danger. He was frantic to uncover the truth, and he made a mistake. He accused the wrong man.”

Her father leaned forward, resting his forearms on his knees, his gaze steady and full of quiet reflection. “But here is what matters … I was not forthcoming either. I had secrets, too. Had I spoken plainly, much of this might have been avoided. My own silence made things worse.”

“You mean about the artwork and the properties?” she asked.

“I do. I have plans, Gwen. My income had plateaued, and I saw a chance to build something new. Something lasting. I am going into business.”

“The shipping company.”

He blinked, clearly startled. “You knew?”

Gwen nodded. “After you sold the northern estate, I became concerned. I needed to know whether you had taken leave of your senses.”

He huffed a laugh. “And how did you work it out?”

Gwen gestured toward the desk. “I went through your office. I found the notebook in the bottom drawer. You had written down details about the ships. Load capacities, journey dates, information about captains and officers. I concluded you were evaluating them for purchase.”

Her father blinked in surprise. “And yet you said nothing?”

She lifted one shoulder. “What was there to say? I approved of your plan. You seemed to have everything well in hand.”

“And the consequences?”

“There will be a scandal,” she said evenly. “That is why you insisted we host the ball. You wished me to marry before society discovered you were lowering our family’s standing by entering trade.”

He inclined his head. “Aidan noted certain inconsistencies … enough to suspect I might be the man he was seeking. But once he learned the truth, he took action. He arranged for support. The Duke of Halmesbury, Lord Saunton, Lord Moreland, and Lord Filminster have all pledged to back me. Quietly, of course. It means I can proceed with greater ambition and far less risk. Their involvement is more than I could have hoped for, and Aidan made it happen. Because he is committed to this marriage.”

She turned her face away. “He has no choice. He is bound to me now.”

Her father gave a quiet sigh. “A man always has a choice, Gwendolyn. And Aidan chose you.”

Gwen fidgeted with the edge of her sleeve, her fingers twisting the fabric in agitation. “I have tried to imagine what it was like for him … to be caught in the middle of a family crisis. I can even appreciate the desperation that drove him. But it does not erase the lies.”

He sat forward, his expression firm. “And I believe you have allowed your past to cast a long shadow over your future. Those cruel words at school, the senseless mockery, they do not deserve this power over you. You are no longer that girl.” His voice softened. “Those girls are gone. Their opinions matter not at all. What matters now is your life. Your marriage.”