One Night Scandal

After a round of congratulations, the butler entered the room. “Excuse me, Your Grace, there is someone here to see you.”

Kendal rose with a frown. “Why would someone call on me here?”

The butler cleared his throat. “Not you, Your Grace. I was speaking to the Duke of Belford.”

All eyes turned to Nicholas. They had known his father would pass soon and thankfully Nicholas had made some peace with his father. He had even brought Emma with him one time so they could finally meet. It was a pity, Sophie thought, staring down at her son, that the old duke never met his son’s heir.

Nicholas nodded and rose to walk out of the room. After several minutes of low voices in the hall, he returned. “My father died an hour ago in his sleep.”

“I’m sorry, Nicholas,” Sophie said and then kissed his cheek.

“I know. I should feel something but honestly, I don’t,” he admitted. “Interestingly, his solicitor said my father never changed his will.”

“What will you do with the money?” Sophie asked. She’d known Nicholas didn’t want his father’s money after all they had been through.

“I believe my daughter shall be a very wealthy heiress,” he said with a smile. “No one will deny her birthright.”

Sophie laughed and then sobered. Now, she was the Duchess of Belford. She blew out a long breath.

“Stop worrying, Sophie,” Elizabeth said. “You will make a fine duchess.”

“And just becoming duchess will stop much of the gossip about your marriage and son,” Avis added.

“I suppose you’re right.”

“Of course, I am,” Avis replied. “Besides, once another woman creates a scandal, the gossip about you will stop. I’m certain that will happen any day now. There must be some young lady out there about to do something scandalous.”

They all laughed and Sophie relaxed knowing it didn’t matter how long it took for the gossip to stop. She had everything she’d ever wanted but was afraid would never happen for her.

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Praise for Every Night I’m Yours

“Sometimes becoming a fallen woman isn’t as easy as it sounds. Oh! My!”

—Kasey Michaels, New York Times bestselling author

“Her appealing characters, sexual tension, and charming story will enchant readers.”