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Ash bit his lip to keep from cursing. Naturally, it was their luck that Robert’s irritating aunt would discover them.
“Where’s the other one?” Robert’s aunt demanded.
“Other what?” Robert asked with an insouciance that belied the situation they were in.
“Hawksworth,” Lady Eleanor seethed.
“He’s not here.” Robert cocked his head and studied his aunt. “Why would he be?”
“The three of you have run around this village like ruffians. Always together.” Her disgust echoed around the four walls.
Robert’s widowed aunt was the busiest busybody in all of Wickford. Ash fisted his hands and debated what to do. He couldn’t let Robbie and Lizzie be responsible for the consequences of Eleanor discovering them together.
“You’ve made your bed, nephew. You’ll have to marry the chit. She’s the daughter of the most powerful earl in all of Essex. He’ll ruin everyone’s reputations. Understand me?”
As he made to take a step forward, Robert held up his hand to his aunt. “Let us dress. Then we’ll have a conversation about our futures.” He took Lizzie’s hand in his and squeezed. “It’ll be all right. I’ll protect you.”
The words were meant for Ash also, but they offered little comfort. The three of them hadn’t thought of their futures except in their idyllic perceptions of how their lives would continue to be carefree. They’d naively believed that they could make their own rules and live as they always had. This moment proved how wrong they were.
The only way Robert could protect them was if he married Elizabeth in a church. That meant a vicar would call the banns. Everyone would know that Elizabeth was Robert’s love.
They wouldn’t know about Ash and his love for Robert and Elizabeth.
This was not how it was supposed to be for the three of them.
As the old harridan continued her tirade, it was apparent that Robert and Elizabeth’s lives were changed forever.
So was Ash’s life, and he had no idea how the three of them could live the life they wanted.
Chapter One
EIGHT YEARS LATER, LONDON
“Darling!” Elizabeth called out from the terrace.
Robert smiled at his wife’s exuberance.
Every day, she went outside and tended to the flowers that she’d brought with her from Wickford. She’d created a massive garden, and its beauty reminded him of home. When Elizabeth volunteered at her favorite foundling home, she always brought several bouquets as a treat for the staff. For the children, she always brought candy and iced biscuits that Cook had made. Needless to say, Lizzie was a favorite at the home on those days when her schedule allowed her to visit.
“Winter found me in the garden and gave me this.” She waved a letter in her hand as she swiftly glided into the room. “It’s from Ash.”
Robert immediately dropped the ledger he was reading and rose from his chair. Estate business could wait, especially when his wife hadn’t displayed such excitement in months. In two strides, he was around the desk and hauling her into his embrace. “Open it, love.”
Elizabeth tipped her face up to his and laughed. “You should. It’s addressed to both of us. Look.” She handed it to him.
Squeezing her waist tightly with one hand, he examined the letter with the other. Sure enough, it was in Ash’s masculine handwriting. There was no mistaking the bold right-sloping loops on the “L’s” and the distinctive curves of the “O’s. “To Lord and Lady Overton.” Robert caught Elizabeth’s sparkling gaze and smiled.
“Hurry, please. I can hardly stand it.” Elizabeth quivered in his arms, dancing from foot to foot.
He took her hand and led her to the sofa at the far end of the study. It was a quiet and private area where the servants wouldn’t see them as they passed by the door. As soon as they were seated, Robert broke the wax seal on the foolscap. Quickly unfolding it, he scanned the familiar handwriting. He closed his eyes and released the breath that he hadn’t realized he’d been holding.
“Robert?” Elizabeth asked hesitantly. “Is it bad news?”
“No, darling. It’s the best news.” He cleared the emotion from his throat so he could read aloud.
My dearest Lord and Lady Overton,
The time has finally arrived for me to return to London and to you. Since my brother’s marriage to his beautiful and talented viscountess, the former Miss Molly Easton, now Lady Hawksworth, I find my assistance is no longer needed at my brother’s estate. The new viscount and his viscountess have assured me that under my tutelage, they are equipped to handle any unforeseen emergencies on their own. If they’re in need, they will write to me at your address.
