Page 97 of When the Viscount Seduces
EPILOGUE
Ten days later
Marriage Celebration Dinner
Gwen gathered with her friends in the library at her parents’ house following dinner. The other women were in the drawing room while the men were having their port. Gwen’s friends had insisted they needed a few minutes to share a private conversation—and a gift.
The best part of the dinner was the surprise attendance of both Persephone and Pandora. It was Persephone’s first social engagement since having her baby, and likely the only one she would make for the rest of the Season. She hadn’t wanted to miss the celebration.
But Pandora coming from Bath was the greatest gift. Gwen was thrilled to have everyone together, including the newest member of their set, Jo. She and Pandora had already become fast friends.
“It’s time for your gift, Gwen,” Pandora said with a broad smile. She handed her a wrapped parcel, but Gwen already knew what it was.
Tearing open the paper, she was thrilled to see her very own embroidered copy of the rogue rules. The design was decorated with books. “Of course you stitched books in the corners,” she said, trying not to cry.
“Of course,” Pandora said. “Now, how many of those did you break with Somerton?” she asked with a wink.
Scanning them though she knew them by heart, Gwen said, “All but the last.” There had been no reason to ruin Lazarus, for there was never any fear that he would ruin her.
“Naughty!” Pandora winked at her as she laughed, and everyone joined in.
“Will you be staying in London, Pandora?” Ellis asked.
Pandora nodded. “For a while. I’d come when Jonathan was first born, but I should have stayed longer, so I’ll remain with Persey and Wellesy for a few weeks at least. But do not ask me to attend anything. I amnotentering Society.”
Gwen could understand why. Still, she hoped that someday Pandora might be able to find a man she could love, who would treasure and honor her as she deserved.
Persephone looked to Min. “How is Sheff handling the loss of yet another dear friend to the shackles of matrimony?”
“Terribly,” Min said with a snort. “One would think Somerton haddied.” She paled suddenly and looked away from everyone.
“What’s wrong?” Persephone and Tamsin asked practically in unison.
Ellis patted Min’s arm and looked at everyone. “It’s best if we don’t discuss it.”
“Did someone die?” Gwen asked, thinking the word “died” had prompted Min’s reaction.
“Yes,” Min said quietly. “But no one you know.”
“You should tell them,” Ellis said. “Even Pandora.”
Gwen shot a look at Pandora whose jaw tightened.
“Who died, Min?” Pandora asked.
Min met her gaze. “Bane’s wife died in childbirth recently.”
“How awful,” Persephone said, her features stricken as she reached for her sister’s hand.
Pandora gripped her and swallowed. “That is truly sad. I am sorry for him. What of the babe?”
“She also died,” Ellis said. “We just found out yesterday and wondered if we should say anything. This is a happy occasion, and anyway, it’s Bane.”
“He still deserves our pity,” Tamsin said.
Everyone seemed to send tentative looks toward Pandora. She nodded once. “Yes, he does.” Taking a deep breath, she summoned a serene smile. “But let us do that another time. Tonight is about Gwen and Somerton and the start of their happy life together. We should return to the drawing room so we can toast their marriage.”
They all agreed and rose. Gwen looked at her embroidery once more, then gave Pandora a fierce hug. Her arm was still a little sore now and again, but the stitches had been removed and the physician had declared it was healing nicely.
