"Then let me."
He nodded. "What do you intend to do?"
"Attend the next London gathering."
"That is your plan?"
"Yes."
"Why?"
"Because if they are going to discuss me, they can do it while I am present."
Nathaniel smiled. "That sounds dangerous."
"Our marriage happened."
"You keep using that against me."
"Because it works."
The London gathering was crowded. Evelyn entered on Nathaniel's arm. The room became quieter; she felt every eye. Nathaniel leaned toward her.
"Would you like to leave?"
"No."
"Are you certain?"
"Yes."
"Good."
"Why?"
"Because I am proud of you."
She looked at him. He kissed her forehead. Then they entered the room.
Lady Rosamond approached first. "Your Grace."
Evelyn smiled. "Lady Rosamond. I hope London has been kind to you."
"It has. I imagine some things are difficult—such as being accepted."
Evelyn looked around the room. "I am not sure I require acceptance."
Lady Rosamond smiled. "Of course. You seem disappointed."
The woman's expression tightened. "I simply meant that society has standards."
"So do I."
"And what are yours?"
Evelyn looked directly at her. "Honesty." Several people nearby became interested. Lady Rosamond's smile disappeared. Evelyn continued, "And kindness." Someone coughed. "And the ability to mind one's own business."
Nathaniel turned his face away. She glanced at him.
"You are laughing."
"I am not."
"You are."
"I am trying not to."
Lady Rosamond left. Nathaniel whispered, "I am beginning to understand why people fear you."
"Good."
The evening should have ended there. Instead, Sebastian approached Nathaniel with a sealed envelope. "You should read this."
Nathaniel opened it. His face changed. Evelyn noticed.
"What is it?"
"My father's signature."
"On what?"
"A codicil."
The document claimed that if Nathaniel married a woman without a recognized family background, the succession could be challenged.
Evelyn read it. "This could be real."
"Yes."
"Then why have you never seen it?"
"Because my father never mentioned it."
Sebastian smiled. "Perhaps because he knew you would marry wisely."
Nathaniel looked at him. "You forged this."
"Can you prove it?"