One Night Scandal

Without waiting for an announcement, he stomped down the hall toward his father’s study. He walked into the room without even a knock. His father looked up from his book with a grimace.

“Good evening, Anthony. What brings you arou

nd at this hour?”

“I just arrived back from Portsmouth.” He walked to the whisky and poured a large glass. “Don’t you want to know why I was in Portsmouth?”

“I have no idea,” his father drawled.

Anthony gulped down his whisky and poured another glass before finally taking a seat. “I was taking my sister there so she could travel to Venice.”

“Your sister is upstairs.”

Anthony tightened his grip on his glass. He hated how his father would not acknowledge Sophie even to him. “My sister is on her way to Venice with no help from her father. Well, Father”—he stopped to sip his drink—“I think you should know that tomorrow I shall announce the fact that Sophie is my sister.”

His father laughed coarsely. “Why would you do that? She is gone. Making that announcement now will do nothing but cause the entire family embarrassment.”

“Ah, but you see, I am quite certain a well connected marquess is about to travel to Venice, too. Since I doubt his intention is to live in Venice, I can only assume he proposes to bring her home.”

“What have you done, Anthony?” his father demanded.

“Nothing yet. If Ancroft doesn’t already know Sophie is on her way to Venice, by tomorrow he will. I am done with the lies you have forced me to keep. If you think to stop me, just remember the one secret I still carry with me. At this point, I would have no issue letting all of Christendom know that my mother is still alive and running the most renowned brothel in Mayfair.”

“You would never do such a thing. It would ruin you and Genna.” His father rose and walked to the brandy decanter. After pouring a glass, he turned around with one dark brow arched. “Do it, Anthony. No one will believe you, and your mother shall hate you for it.”

“Claim her as your daughter. For once do the right thing.” Anthony sipped down the rest of his drink. “Do it for your daughters, not for me.”

His father shook his head. “I cannot, Anthony. I have spent my life telling others how to live their lives properly. If I now stand up and say I have a bastard daughter and my dead wife is actually Lady Whitely, people will despise me.”

Anthony rose and stared at his father. “The only opinion you should care about is what your family thinks of you. Not strangers. Good evening,” he said with disgust.

Nicholas rode to Lord Witham’s home eager to be done with this mess. While his head still ached from far too much brandy yesterday, at least his mind was finally clear. Armed with the report of Justine’s actions, he knew what had to be done.

As the carriage slowed to a stop, he readied himself for the confrontation. Witham would be furious, but Nicholas knew it was the right thing to do. He could never make Justine happy when he loved Sophie.

Slowly, he climbed down from his carriage and made his way to the door. The butler opened it before Nicholas had put his foot on the first step.

“Good afternoon, my lord.”

“I must speak with Lord Witham. It is urgent.”

The butler muttered something about more urgent business under his breath but allowed Nicholas entry into the receiving salon. He sat down but just as quickly rose and started pacing the room. He knew exactly what he would say to Witham. Nevertheless, anxiety built within him.

The quiet house suddenly turned to chaos as shouting erupted from the far end of the house. Nicholas raced out of the room and followed the sound toward Witham’s study.

“My lord,” the butler said behind him. “Lord Witham will see you in just a few moments.”

Nicholas waved him off as he recognized the sound of Justine’s voice, screeching at her father.

“I won’t marry him!”

“You will do as I say, young lady.”

“I will marry Heston even if we have to run to Gretna Green.”

Well, there was no sense in that when he had no plans to marry the girl anyway. Nicholas opened the door to find Witham standing in front of his daughter as Heston stood by the fireplace looking peaked.

“Ancroft, what are you doing here unannounced?” Witham demanded.