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They spotted the carriage near the bookshop, and Rhys turned his horse toward it. He handed the reins to the groom, who was waiting by the carriage, and hopped off the horse.

“Do you know where her ladyship went?” Rhys asked.

The groom blinked then slowly tipped his head toward the bookshop. “There, m’lord.”

Rhys took Millie into his arms and headed toward the bookshop, Button following them. He walked inside and stopped cold.

The little bookshop had a sitting area behind the bookshelves where Rhys used to read to children once every few weeks when he had spare time. Lady Isabel was sitting in his usual spot, a bevy of children surrounding her as she read. They were all so taken by her reading that nobody had paid Rhys any heed. Her melodic voice weaved around the bookshop, mesmerizing its inhabitants.

Rhys turned to Millie. “Do you want to wait outside?”

But his daughter shook her head and craned her neck, concentrating on the words coming out of Lady Isabel’s mouth. Even Button moved farther into the room and settled on the floor comfortably.

Rhys set Millie down, and she immediately sat closer to other children, listening to the tale. Rhys leaned his shoulder against the wall and watched as his wife read animatedly.

Yes, he had been absolutely unfair to her, comparing her to his late wife. She was nothing like her. And whatever misconceptions he had about Lady Isabel from her past, he must have been mistaken in them too. And suddenly, he had a burning desire to learn more about the woman who was his marchioness.

* * *

Isabel noticed the marquess the moment he had entered the shop. But who wouldn’t?

He was incredibly tall and broad-shouldered; the shadow he cast immediately enveloped the tiny sitting area in the book shop. Then his dog followed, just as huge and menacing, but instead of stealing attention from her, they settled on the edge of the room, listening to her read.

Isabel’s voice quivered for a moment as she tried to concentrate on the page. Millie inched her way forward, and soon she was sitting in the first row, leaning her cheek against her palm and dreamily listening to Isabel’s words.

Isabel finished the last sentence and flipped the book closed. “The end,” she said.

Children cheered and clapped, asking for another story.

Isabel smiled. “Perhaps another time. I am afraid I need to go back to my more boring duties.”

She stood, and Vane made his way toward her. “I hope you were not referring to us when you spoke of boring duties,” he said.

Isabel’s cheeks flushed. “I was referring to budget allocation for the next month that I need to discuss with Mrs. Ainsworth later this afternoon.”

Vane raised his brow. “Well, do you have a moment to spend with Millie and me?”

Isabel’s heart fluttered in her chest. “I would enjoy that immensely.”

They went outside, Isabel still limping lightly. Vane took her arm and weaved it with his without asking. Isabel did not protest. She needed a strong and sturdy presence to lean on.

Before Millie could run off with Button, Vane addressed her. “Millie, was there something you wanted to say to Lady Isabel?”

The girl looked at the ground shyly. “I wanted to apologize on behalf of Button. He didn’t mean to hurt you yesterday.”

“And?” Vane prompted.

“And I am sorry he tackled you because of me.”

Isabel smiled widely. “You are both forgiven.”

Millie smiled shyly before addressing her father. “Can I go play with others now?”

Vane tipped his head, and Millie took off in the direction of the playing children, Button on her heels.

“Thank you for making Millicent accountable for what happened yesterday,” Isabel said. “I wish we could spend a bit more time with her, though.”

“That is easily rectifiable,” her husband said.