Earl of Baxter (Lords of Scandal 8)

Mason nodded. “It was my hesitation too. But this place…”

“It’s perfect.” Alnwick glanced around him, beaming with approval. “I agree.”

Mason smiled back. He hadn’t actually said the words out loud, but they were in agreement. “It is. Tucked just enough off the beaten path to keep us anonymous while still keeping us and our guests…safe.”

Alnwick gave a jerk of his chin and then turned to leave. Just before he stepped out the door, he turned back. “I like that you invited the old members, even if they did give up on our way of life.”

Mason chuckled. “We’re all earls. Every one of you will marry eventually.”

Alnwick cocked a brow. “Not if I can help it, I won’t.”

Mason’s grin broadened. Perhaps one of the old earls could think of a potential bride for Alnwick. The man was in desperate need of reforming.

But that project could wait.

He knew a man who needed his help even more.

His brother.

The Duke of Decadence.

He and Clarissa had stayed up late last night discussing that very topic.

His brother looked to all the world to be the happy-go-lucky duke, but they knew better.

The door clicked closed as Alnwick left and Mason rose from his chair. He’d go greet the guests. Introduce them to the new club. Then he’d leave at a respectable hour with the rest of the former Wicked Earls to return home to his wife.

Clarissa.

Even thinking about her now made him ache with need to hold her close.

He spent hours every night holding her in her arms, his hand covering her growing belly.

A child.

One he’d love with every fiber of his being. That child would grow up knowing that he or she was loved every day.

He pushed open the door, eager to greet the earls and then get home.

Back to his heart.

He barely made it an hour in the company of those men before he slipped out the back into his waiting carriage. The dark London streets surrounded him like a blanket as he made his way home.

He found Clarissa where he always did. In their favorite sitting room, a fire roaring in the grate.

She grinned as she saw him. “You didn’t make it very late.”

He shook his head. “We’ve got an orphanage to open tomorrow. I need my rest.”

She rose and wrapped her arms about his neck. “Natty is over the moon you’re going to allow her to cut the ribbon.”

He hugged her close, kissing his wife’s lips. “Are you sad you won’t be living with the orphans?”

“No,” she gave him a bit of a push. “I’ve already told you. What we’re doing, starting homes for children, is just as important.”

“I agree,” he murmured, holding her even closer. “And you were right. We’ll prove both our fathers wrong.”

She smiled at him cupping his cheek. “We already have.”