Bridgerton Collection, Volume 1 (Bridgertons #1-3)

by Julia Quinn

The magistrate blushed slightly, then grabbed the warden’s arm and yanked him out of the room. “There now,” Violet murmured. “Where were we?” Benedict beamed with pride as he watched his mother march right up to Lady Penwood and stare her down. He stole a glance at Sophie. Her mouth was hanging open. “My son is going to marry Sophie,” Violet said, “and you are going to tell anyone who will listen that she was the ward of your late husband.” “I will never lie for her,” Lady Penwood shot back. Violet shrugged. “Fine. Then you can expect my solicitors to begin looking for Sophie’s dowry immediately. After all, Benedict will be entitled to it once he marries her.” Benedict slipped his arm around Sophie’s waist and gave her a light squeeze. “If someone asks me,” Lady Penwood ground out, “I will confirm whatever story you bandy about. But do not expect me to go out of my way to help her.” Violet pretended to mull that over, then said, “Excellent. I do believe that will do nicely.” She turned to her son. “Benedict?” He gave her a sharp nod. His mother turned back to Lady Penwood. “Sophie’s father was named Charles Beckett and he was a distant cousin of the earl’s, no?” Lady Penwood looked as if she’d swallowed a bad clam, but she nodded nonetheless.