Page 109 of The Best-Kept Secrets

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“I sometimes wonder how long it will take us to even discover the extent to which we were prevented from simply being family to each other.” The more Duke realized the damage that had been done, the more heartbroken and disappointed he grew. But it also further demonstrated why caution was needed as he moved forward. He needed to make certain the life he built with Eve was placed on a sure footing, not the shaky one his parents had forced on him in the past.

“Once Nia is feeling well enough to return home, I’ll be making my way to Town,” Colm said. “We can work on closing that chasm then.”

“I’d like that.”

“As much as you’d like to dance with Eve? Because she has been watching you with unmistakable anticipation.”

“There are few things I would enjoy anywhere near as much as being with her.”

“I’m happy for you,” Colm said. “Both of you. You’ve found someone worth fighting for.”

“Remind me of that when you arrive in London,” Duke said. “By then, I’ll likely be nearly mad with missing her.”

“I will.” Colm set his hand on Duke’s back and shoved him out of his chair. “Now, go dance with your lady.”

Duke snapped a salute as if he were receiving orders from a commanding officer. Given that Colm had been an officer in the dragoons, it felt rather fitting.

He crossed to where Eve sat beside Nia. Illness had taken a toll on the younger of the sisters. She was clearly tired and had grown a little gaunt but was still eager to be among them, participating as much as she felt able to.

“Do you mind if I steal your sister for a dance?” Duke asked Nia.

“I don’t think you’ll have to ‘steal’ her.”

Duke held his hand out to Eve. “Dance with me?”

“Always.” She set her hand in his and stood.

Before they took a single step away, Nia spoke. “I’m glad you were the one who brought us here from Ireland.”

Duke set his free arm around Eve and, to both sisters, said, “So am I.”

Nia looked genuinely happy for them. “The O’Doyle family can be... overwhelming. I hope you’re ready for that.”

“More than ready.”

Toss began a reel. Nia shooed them away to join those who had gathered in the open space to dance. Duke took his spot opposite Eve, unable to stop smiling whenever he looked at her.

A snort beside him pulled his eyes in that direction. “Did you have something you wanted to say, Charlie?”

“Only that you might find it difficult to manage your feet in a dance with your head in the clouds.”

“And yet I predict I will execute the steps with greater skill than you will.”

Charlie pretended to be shocked. “I am anexcellentdancer.”

“When you choose to be,” Tobias said from his other side.

“Why choose excellent when comedy is so much more satisfying?”

And he lived up to that declaration. Within one minute of the first steps of the dance, chaotic hilarity had descended over the group. Charlie had managed to wreak more than the usual havoc. Scott, who’d not begun his time in the Pack as an obvious instigator of devilment, had shown himself of late to be a remarkably good match to Charlie and Toss in their tendency toward mischief. He did so again, helping pull the entire room into a state of uproarious laughter.

In the midst of it all, Duke set his arms around Eve, delighted at the wonderfully familiar sight of her smiling and laughing and being pleased with life. And she leaned into his embrace, so at home and at ease. They had a beautiful life to look forward to. Claiming it fully would take time. And it would be worth every moment of waiting.

* * *

February 1820

London