The dowager studied her intently. "As you wish. I shall join you, if you do not mind the company."

"Of course I do not. Here, let me get you a chair."

"No, no. I can do it. You are tired and I am not yet in my dotage, even if I do have eight grown children and more grandchildren than I ever dreamed I might."

Ava Byron pulled a small side chair near and sat down.

Both their gazes moved to Leo where he lay in the bed.

It had been three days since Thalia arrived. Three long, sleepless days and nights filled with endless worry and creeping despair. Rather than improving, Leo's condition had worsened until a mournful pall hung over the room.

But she'd held her fears at bay, refusing to believe that he would not come through the worst. Despite a bone-deep exhaustion, she'd refused to leave his side, tending to him through the dark, endless hours.

Finally, early this morning, his condition had improved. His rapid heartbeat slowed to normal and the color had come back into his cheeks; they'd been white as death for the past couple of days.

She'd held back tears of relief when he'd roused long enough to take a bowl of beef tea, then again as he'd drifted into an easy peaceful slumber for the first time since she'd arrived.

The doctor had visited a few hours later and shaken his head with happy amazement. He'd p.r.o.nounced Leo definitely on the road to recovery. Quiet cheers had gone up throughout the entire household.

Even with the certain knowledge that Leo was no longer in danger, she'd stayed with him. She'd given her promise and she would not break it.

She and the dowager sat silently for a time, each content to simply watch Leo sleep.

His mother was so kind-all the Byrons were-far kinder than she had ever expected her to be. She had been uncomfortable at first, waiting for harsh looks and cruel words of indignation at their finding Leo's former lover tending him at his bedside. But the Byrons had been all gentle smiles and shared commiseration. None of them had questioned her presence. Not one had treated her with anything but respect.

"You love my son very much," Ava said, her soft words breaking the silence.

Rather than looking at the dowager, Thalia gazed at Leo, caressing his beloved face with her eyes. Her chest swelled with so many emotions that they seemed almost impossible to contain.

"Yes, I do," she said simply.

"And he feels the same about you. Lawrence told us. It explains a very great deal. Leo has not been himself these past few months and I had wondered what was wrong. I don't believe I have seen him smile once since I arrived in Town, and of all my sons, Leo is the one who is never without a smile or a laugh. I think you broke his heart."

Thalia swallowed past the lump in her throat. "I didn't mean to."

"I am sure you did what you thought best, but for all your good intentions, you have made him quite miserable."

"He wants to marry me, but it is not possible," she said dully. "Did Lord Lawrence tell you that as well?"

"He did. Along with the fact that he and Leo and Edward all tried to move heaven and earth to find a way past the legal impediments of your divorce decree, but to no avail."

Thalia's gaze flew to the dowager's. "The duke tried to help break my decree? And Lord Lawrence? I did not know."

Ava Byron nodded. "Leo was quite distraught when he realized he could not free you. But it makes no difference to his feelings. Lawrence told me what Leo did with his will. He also told me he overheard the two of you talking and that Leo considers you his wife, even if you cannot legally wed."

Thalia's hands tightened in her lap. "Lord Lawrence should learn not to eavesdrop or tell tales."

"Now, now, do not be overset." The dowager reached over and patted her hands. "He only tells me things because I am his mother. Normally, he is quite circ.u.mspect. By the way, he loves you too, like a sister."

"I didn't think he greatly approved of me."

"He loves his brother and wants him to be happy. You make him happy. I want Leo happy again as well."

She met the dowager's eyes. "So you don't mind if your son and I live in sin?"

Ava frowned. "Well, I admit, it is not an ideal situation and there will be many who disapprove, but I am not one of them. You will find the rest of the Byrons feel the same, in the immediate family at least. We're used to making waves. What's a few more?"

All Thalia's defenses crumbled at the dowager's show of support. "Are you sure, ma'am? I would never wish to shame him."

"Yes, so I can see."

"And I cannot give him children," she said, her voice low and rushed. "He says he does not care, but he is young. He may change his mind."

"If there is one thing my son knows, it is his own mind. And his own heart. Do not try to make it up for him." Ava sent her a soft smile. "As for children, I am truly sorry, since I can see how it pains you. But perhaps G.o.d will bless you after all. Nothing is ever as certain as we like to think."

Thalia smiled back. "I pray you are right."

Ava leaned forward and kissed her cheek. "You are a sweet girl. I can see why he loves you."

Silence descended again as Thalia worked to hold back sudden tears.

On the bed, Leo shifted, his eyes opening slowly. "Thalia?"

She leaned forward, taking his hand. "I'm here. Right here."

He studied her with concern. "You look tired."

Jubilant to hear him so lucid, a laugh burst from her lips. "So do you," she said,with a smile.

His gaze moved past her. "Mama?"

Ava was beaming. "h.e.l.lo, dearest. How are you feeling?"

"Better." He paused as if considering. "Much better."

"I'm so glad. We'll talk later. For now, I'll leave you and Thalia alone."

He waited until his mother left the room, closing the door behind her. "Why do I have the feeling I've missed something?"

Thalia stood and leaned over to straighten his sheets. "Your mother and I have come to an understanding."

His brows furrowed. "What kind of understanding?"

"She has given her approval for us to live in sin."

"Really?" His brows shot up this time. "And how do you feel about that? The two of us, living in sin?"

Leaning down, she brushed her lips over his. "Fine. Wonderful. If that is what you want as well."

"Of course it's what I want." He laughed, then groaned, clutching his abused ribs. "Come here."

"Where?"

He reached for her hand. "Here on the bed. If my mother doesn't mind us being together without the sanction of clergy, then I doubt she'll mind us sleeping here together."

"But I might hurt you."

"You couldn't," he said, urging her to stretch out next to him. "Not unless you go away again."

Carefully, she climbed onto the bed, curling close to him. Then she kissed him again, light as a feather. "Don't worry, my love. From this day forward, I'll be with you. I'll never go away again."

Lying together, heads close on the pillows, they went to sleep.

Chapter 35.

"Are you certain you feel up to this? We can always go another time," Thalia said.

Leo took up the reins from where he sat next to her in his curricle. Over the past six weeks, he'd made a remarkable recovery, his health improving quickly and steadily until only a few aches and bruises remained.

He gave her a knowing look. "No turning coward on me now. I promised long ago to take you to Gunter's for ices and to Gunter's we shall go. Don't you want to shock the old harpies?"

"I believe we shocked everyone quite enough when I moved into your town house."

She brushed a gloved hand over her new cerise-and-cream-striped silk afternoon dress with matching spencer and chip-straw bonnet. Now that they were as good as married in all but the eyes of the law, Leo had insisted on buying her a new wardrobe. He'd gifted her with Athena again as well as a lady's touring carriage. And lastly a diamond tiara so beautiful it had made her gasp. It was for evenings at places such as Holland House or entertainments with his family. He was pampering her in the most lavish of ways, and having lost all her former resolve, she was letting him.

Still, there were looks and mutterings wherever she went-not that that was anything new. But now that Leo was back on his feet, the sight of the two of them together would just add more kindling to the fire.

"Tilly told me the most dreadful rumor the other day. Apparently people are saying that you and Lawrence are sharing me."

He laughed. "Anyone with half a brain would know that was a ridiculous lie."

"Because you and Lord Lawrence are too honorable for such lurid shenanigans?"

"No," he said, chuckling again. "Because I don't share!" Leaning over, he pressed his mouth to hers for a heady, heart-hammering kiss.

She kissed him back, forgetting all about the fact that they were right out on the street where anyone might see. And honestly she no longer cared. She was just too deliriously happy. Happier than she'd been in her entire life.

Her nerves were humming when he finally let her come up for air.

"Shall we continue on to Gunter's or do you want to go back inside?" he asked in a husky voice.

"Gunter's," she said after a moment. "Your ribs are still tender. I don't want to risk reinjuring them."

"I could always lie quietly and let you do all the work," he whispered into her ear. "You've learned to do amazing things with those hands of yours. Not to mention your very clever tongue."

She met his eyes. "I had an excellent teacher. Now, are we going to Gunter's or not? I'm suddenly in the mood to scandalize some old tattlemongers."

With another laugh, he flicked the reins and set the team and curricle in motion.

"One black currant ice for you, my love," Leo said as he took the dessert from the waiter and pa.s.sed the painted china cup to her. "And maple hazelnut for me."

As was the custom in summer, couples remained in their carriages while they indulged their sweet tooth and took note of the others gathered to do the same.

Her head held high, Thalia ignored the frequent surrept.i.tious glances that came their way and concentrated instead on savoring the cold treat and Leo's wonderful company.

As she'd told him on that long-ago day at Tattersall's, it had been years since she'd visited Gunter's. Despite the expected disapproving looks from some haughty matrons, it was good to be back. And she realized to her surprise that she really didn't care what anyone thought. Her life was her own to do with as she liked.

She gave a little chuckle, feeling liberated.

"What is funny?" Leo asked.

"Nothing. I'm just happy. And the ice is good. I'd forgotten how delicious they are."

"Then I am glad we came."

She smiled and ate another spoonful.

A slight breeze rose up, the cooler air refreshing on a late June day. The waving feather on a lady's hat caught her eye and she glanced toward it.

That's when she noticed its wearer, a pretty young woman with pale blond curls and roses in her cheeks. She looked very young and very innocent.

Too innocent.

She frowned and looked away.

"What's wrong?" Leo asked.

"Nothing." She ate another spoonful of her frozen black currant confection.

Leo raised a chiding brow. "Again, what is wrong? No secrets, remember."

Inwardly, she sighed, wondering if she should tell him. Wondering now how she could not.

She'd seen the girl a couple of weeks ago when she and Mathilda had gone shopping on Bond Street. They'd all been at the same modiste and she'd been unable to keep from overhearing two of the shop a.s.sistants discussing the "delicious" fact that Lord Kemp's new fiancee, Lydia Duxworth, just happened to be in the dressing room right next to his former wife, Lady Thalia Lennox.

Thalia had taken pains to make sure she and Miss Duxworth did not meet that afternoon. Still, she'd observed the young woman long enough to realize that Lydia Duxworth was shy, sweet and obviously far too easily controlled by her rather domineering mother.

Money. That must be the reason for the engagement-not that Lydia necessarily realized that. Gordon could be charming when he put his mind to it. He might even have convinced young Lydia that he loved her. And perhaps some small part of him did. Still . . .

Thalia had not been the only one whose reputation had suffered due to the divorce. For years, matchmaking mothers of the Ton had steered their daughters away from Lord Kemp. However rich he might be, no respectable family wished to align itself with a divorced man. And such things as having a wife with good lineage meant a great deal to Gordon, so he had waited rather than marry beneath him.