The Day of the Duchess (Scandal & Scoundrel, #3)

by Sarah MacLean

“I would take Sophie’s attack a hundredfold. A thousand. If I could erase the rest of that afternoon.” Sera grew silent, and Mal would have given anything to know what was going through her head. And finally, she said, “As would I, ironically.” He closed his eyes in the darkness. He’d hurt her abominably. They were silent for a long while as he considered his next words. But before he could find them, she said, “And what of all the years since?” He looked to her, the darkness freeing him in some way. Making him honest. “I would erase them, too.” She turned to face him, slow and simple, as though they discussed the weather. “I wouldn’t.” The ache that came with the confession was crushing, black as the water that spread out before them, stretched forever like the silence that accompanied it. Finally, Sera looked to the starlit sky and said, “So, was this your plan? To lead me into the darkness and revisit the decline of our marriage?” He exhaled, looking to the water, black and sparkling in the moonlight. “It wasn’t, as a matter of fact.” He began to descend toward the lake, calling back, “I had planned to show you something.” Curiosity got the better of her—as it always had. “What?” Could he tempt her away from the past? Toward something more promising? It was worth the try. “Come and see.” For long moments, he did not hear her, and he steeled himself for the worst. For the possibility that there was no hope for them. And then her skirts rustled in the grass.