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

by Sarah MacLean

“We’ve started a betting book.” Sesily announced as though she were discussing the weather. “Would you like to hear about it?” He leaned against the side of the desk, feigning disinterest. “By all means.” “Seline thinks you’re after Father’s money again.” “I wasn’t after it the first time.” “No,” Sophie said. “You were after his ruin.” He wasn’t proud of it. He’d been blind with anger and frustration and betrayal, thinking that she’d never cared for him. Desperate for her to care for him. And he’d gone after her father. Would have paupered him if not for Eversley, who stepped in and settled him down. “I’m not after either, this time.” Sophie looked unconvinced, but Sesily continued. “Seleste thinks you’re a spy.” That was unexpected. “To what end?” Sesily put down the paper and waved a hand in the air. “Something to do with Mr. Calhoun and their tavern. It doesn’t make any sense.” Later, he’d wonder about that reference to the tavern. He’d think on the their. But Sesily was still talking. “Now I . . .” She paused with unsettling gusto. “Call me a romantic, but I think you’re trying to woo her back.” His heart nearly stopped at that. He steeled his features as his sister-in-law soldiered on, thankfully unaware of the effect she’d had upon him. “Which is a terrible idea, I know. I mean, it doesn’t take a brilliant mind to see that she’ll never ever take you back.” The words were so matter-of-fact, he couldn’t help but feel their sting. And say, “Even if I’ve changed?” “You h...