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

by Sarah MacLean

“I am sorry. I should never have come here. I’ve a love at home. Gerald. He’s wonderful.” Sera could not contain her smile. This girl had such a voice. It was remarkable. “I imagine he is if he’s won you.” “He’s a solicitor!” Mrs. Mayhew cried. “So was Father before he was in Parliament!” Mary pointed out. Mrs. Mayhew began to mottle. “But now . . . you could have a duke!” “But I don’t want a duke.” She smiled at Malcolm then. “Apologies, Your Grace.” Mal shook his head. “No offense taken.” “I’m sure you won’t understand, but I don’t care that you are a duke. And I don’t care that he is a solicitor. I’d have him however he came.” Malcolm’s gaze flickered past Mary to Sera. “Rat catcher.” Sera stopped breathing. Mary smiled. “You understand.” “I do, rather,” he said, and still he watched Sera, seeming to understand how she struggled with the echo of their past. When he finally looked back to Mary, he said, “I am sorry we did not get more of a chance to talk.” The young woman smiled. “I think you would not have liked me, anyway.” “There, you are wrong, Miss Mayhew. I shall watch the papers for the announcement of your marriage. And in exchange for you removing your mother from my land, I shall send you and Gerald a very generous gift to celebrate your marriage.” Dipping her head to hide her smile, Mary dropped into a little curtsy. “That seems like an excellent arrangement. With apologies, Your Grace.” It did not escape Sera that that particular Your Grace was not directed a...