One Night Scandal

Would he come to her when he learned of his child? She doubted Miss Littlebury would allow it. Justine would probably tell him not to worry about his bastard because she would give him an heir and a spare. And she would be right.

Nevertheless, Sophie would love this child enough for both of them. She rubbed her belly again as she felt slight tickling inside her. Soon she would feel real kicks. Movements that Nicholas should feel too, but he never would.

She readied the letter for the post and then gave it to her footman to be sent out. Nicholas would receive the note in about a month. It would then take another month before she might obtain a reply. If she received one at all.

She wiped her eyes and readied herself for her first client. Angelina had recommended Sophie to one of her friends. Thankfully, the woman was English therefore Sophie would not have to translate her thoughts from Italian to English. Starting her business again in Venice was not as easy as she’d thought it might be. Mediums abounded in Venice, and most spoke better Italian than she did.

Lady Sidwell had lost her husband two years ago and moved to Venice to mourn. Now she felt ready to move on and find love again. Angelina had promised her that Sophie could assist her in that matter.

A part of Sophie felt as if she were a fraud for giving people information o

n their true love when she’d given up her own love.

Within a fortnight of meeting Lady Sidwell, Sophie had five new clients all recommended by the woman. For the first time since she’d left London, she thought her life might return to normal. Every day, she felt the baby move inside her, which caused happiness to swell within.

But today, something seemed different. There was an air of disturbance swirling about her. She just couldn’t put her finger on the cause. She prayed everything was all right with her family and friends. Neither Elizabeth nor Victoria should have delivered yet. Feeling a sharp pain in her heart, she understood all too clearly.

It was Nicholas.

Could he and Miss Littlebury be marrying today? Is that what caused her pain? She walked to the window and opened the shutters allowing the humid air inside. She stared blankly down at the church. The sound of bells from various churches filled the late afternoon air.

Were the bells in St. George’s ringing out the wedding of Nicholas and Miss Littlebury? Her mind scolded her for such thoughts. But a small part of her knew it could have been her walking down that aisle.

“Excuse me, ma’am,” her footman spoke from the doorway. “You have a visitor.”

“Did she give you a card?” Sophie asked, knowing she had no one scheduled.

“No, but she said it was urgent.” Robert was one of only two footmen who had agreed to come with her to Venice. “She said her name was Mrs. Griffon.”

“Mrs. Griffon?” What was she doing in Venice? Sophie immediately sensed something was dreadfully wrong for Mrs. Griffon to be calling on her. “Send her in quickly.”

He returned with Mrs. Griffon trailing behind him. Mrs. Griffon moved past him with her arms out wide.

“Sophie,” she cried and enveloped Sophie in a hug. “I cannot believe how beautiful you are.”

“Mrs. Griffon, how are you?” Sophie asked, slowly pulling away.

Mrs. Griffon looked at her and her gaze remained on Sophie’s slightly rounded belly. “Now, I see why Lord Ancroft was in such a hurry to get here.”

Sophie felt heat cross her cheeks. Nicholas was here? For her? “Mrs. Griffon, why are you here?”

“Oh my, of course. You must come with me. Lord Ancroft has fallen ill.”

“He’s in Venice?”

“Yes, we arrived yesterday evening but by this morning he was not feeling well. He awoke with a dreadful fever. He’s staying at the home of a friend across the Rialto Bridge.” Mrs. Griffon started toward the door. “Do hurry, Sophie.”

Nicholas was sick. That was why she had been feeling so disturbed this morning. “Did someone call for the physician?”

“Yes, but Lord Ancroft needs you.”

“Of course. Just let me get my herbs.” Sophie raced to her bedchamber and pulled out her small valise that contained her herbs.

She followed her former governess out the door into the humid air. They walked through the small streets and alleys until they came to the Rialto Bridge. The short walk seemed endless as the heat of the midday sun beat down upon them. Every step she took increased her worry. Mrs. Griffon would not have called on her unless there was something seriously wrong with Nicholas.

“Here we are.” Mrs. Griffon stopped in front of an impressive old home that backed to the Grand Canal. They walked up the steps quickly and entered the home. “Come with me, he’s upstairs.”

As they reached the last step, Sophie heard the sound of light footsteps. Emma ran to the hall.