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Lady Moreland was staring at her with brimming eyes. Eyes that reminded her of Aidan. Gwen’s heart twinged in sympathy to see her mother-in-law so troubled. “Of course! Aidan is a perfect gentleman. What happened between us was an aberration. We were overcome by the majesty of the moon, and such exquisite poetry … so now we are married. He did right by me.”

“I am glad it is you, my dear. You seem resilient. Intelligent. You are a good match for my boy. When I first learned of this, I did not know what to think, but after meeting you, my mind has been at ease. At least … regarding your suitability for my scholarly son.”

Musing over the revelations, Gwen stood to move around the table and place herself on the settee next to Lady Moreland. “Lily and Aidan are honorable people. Lily stepped forward to help Lord Filminster, and Aidan did not hesitate in offering for me. Your children are a credit to you, La—Mama Abbott. You raised them to stand by what they know in their hearts to be right, and they did so. The fact that their scandals were so close in time is … a coincidence.”

“You think so?”

“I do.”

It was not altogether true. Gwen wondered if Aidan’s proposal was because he did not want to see a young woman ruined as Lily had been. Perhaps his resolve to marry her had not been so much about their mutual attraction, but merely his conscience driving his actions. He certainly was in a strange and distant mood now that their wedding night was over.

Yet … their wedding night had been sublime. Something from a gothic novel or a poem by Lord Byron. Surely he must entertain feelings for her if he could spend so many hours in her company? It had been like they were marooned on a remote island, the only people left in the world. The way he had spoken to her had implied a deep regard.

One thing was certain. There were secrets to Aidan that he was not disclosing. His sister had been engaged in a scandal just a few weeks earlier, and this was the first she knew that he had blamed himself for what had happened.

And one more thing was certain. Gwen had been so absorbed by her own issues, her own needs and wants, that it had not struck her to think what Aidan might need.

Learning he was shouldering guilt over his sister made her realize her own selfishness over the past two weeks. What of her husband’s needs?

He had stepped in to save her from scandal when he could have walked away. His family had been generous in negotiating financial terms because her father did not have the funds for a large dowry.

Instead of moping around, she needed to forge a true connection with Aidan. To become his partner and assist him with his burdens. They were to traverse life together, so she must stop feeling sorry for herself and demand her place at his side.

“You are a good girl, Gwen. My son and my future grandchildren are fortunate to have a woman like you to steer their lives.”

Gwen was touched. When she first met Lady Moreland, she had thought the viscountess would be like the other mamas of the ton, dismissive of Gwen and her appearance. But from their first meeting, she had been warm and welcoming, embarrassing her and Aidan with talk of babes.

“You are a good mama, Mama Abbott. Watching over your children.”

Lady Moreland sighed. “I do wish they would not keep secrets from me. They think I cannot handle the truth, and I confess it has been a trying time, especially after Sophia’s troubles last year. I will allow them their privacy for now, but it does not prevent me from visiting you to secure your promise that you will take care of Aidan while we are gone from Town. He is a true gentleman, but he needs you. He attempts to carry his burdens without assistance, but do not allow him to do so.”

Gwen took hold of Lady Moreland’s hand and squeezed. “I promise to assist him.”

Lady Moreland nodded. “Then I shall leave you to it. I hope to hear news of a prospective grandchild soon.”

Gwen smiled, not precisely sure what came next, but determined to figure it out somehow. She must convince Aidan to talk to her about his problems.

Upon arriving at Ridley House, Aidan was greeted by utter chaos. Servants bustled through the hall, trunks hoisted, instructions shouted across the floors. The air was thick with tension.

Michaels caught sight of him but did not stop, only nodding toward the staircase before striding off to handle yet another unseen emergency.

A sharp bolt of dread struck Aidan, spurring him up the stairs two at a time. He raced to the drawing room, breath caught in his throat, and burst through the doors, only to find Lily in her husband’s arms.

“Lily!”

Her delicate face rose from Filminster’s chest. “Aidan, please do not panic.”

But her words did nothing to quell the rising alarm within him.

“What is happening?” he demanded.

Filminster stepped back, his manner calm but grave. “There was another attempt to breach Ridley House.”

“I know. Your letter said as much.” Aidan gestured wildly to the tumult outside the room. “Why are the servants packing?”

Lily turned away, moving to the window that overlooked the street. “We have decided it is no longer safe to remain here,” she said quietly. “I went to the library early this morning to fetch a book before breakfast. It was still rather dark … I was in there for several minutes before I noticed a draught. When I looked toward the window …”

She swallowed.