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

by Sarah MacLean

“Tell me. What, precisely, makes you believe you can tell me what to do?” He sighed. “Certainly not history.” “No,” she agreed. “Certainly not.” “And if you do return, then what?” “Something!” she insisted, frustration flaring. “The Sparrow isn’t anything without its namesake.” “Bollocks,” Caleb said. “You stay here. I’ll take care of the Bastards. Hire security, make sure they see I won’t stand for them getting in our way. Don’t worry your pretty head about the bits and pieces.” She narrowed her gaze. “I shall club you in your head if you continued to treat me as a precious dove. I’m coming back.” “Why?” “Because it’s mine,” she whispered. “Held in trust by you.” “Until you get your divorce, which is why you’re here.” “Which will mean nothing if I don’t have a tavern standing at the end of it.” He looked to the ceiling and exhaled his frustration. “You want your nose in the business.” She nodded. “Now, more than ever.” “Fine. Then I shall spend days here.” It was such a terrible idea she laughed. “No, you will not.” “For once, we agree, wife.” Haven stepped into the room as though he owned it. Which she supposed he did. Irritating man. “I’d thank you not to eavesdrop on my conversations,” she said. “As we remain married, conversations you have with unmarried gentlemen are my business, pet.” Men were insufferable. “Call me ‘pet’ again, and see what happens.” He did not flinch. “What? You do to me what your American scoundrel had done to him?” He looked to Caleb. “Bad luck....