Christie Kelley - Something Scandalous

Anthony Somerton walked into Selbys house quietly. While he had been invited to join the festivities, there was only one reason to be here. The cold November air had chilled him to the bone, but the house was warm and filled with people. He handed his greatcoat to the butler and walked into the room. After a journey that took him to France for five months, he was exhausted and done playing matchmaker.

Although, glancing around the room, he realized hed done a good job. Avis held her daughter, Isabel, while Selby looked on. Jennette and Blackburn watched as Elizabeth held their son, Christian. Kendal gave his wife a quick peck on the cheek. Anthony wondered if they were keeping a little secret about a baby.

Lord Somerton, welcome, Avis said, coming to greet him. It is a shame you could not make it to the church for the christening.

The roof might have fallen in if I should happen to set foot in a church, he replied. Your daughter is beautiful, just like her mother.

With her fathers raven hair and blue eyes and her mothers heart-shaped face, Isabel would grow up to be a beauty.

Your charms dont work on me, Avis said with a grin. Get some refreshments.

Kendal and Elizabeth walked up to him before he could sneak away.

Thank you again, Somerton, Kendal said.

And thank you for finding my father, Elizabeth said quietly. He is thoroughly enjoying his new life at the estate in Kendal.

He kissed the new duchesss hand. You are very welcome.

Pleasantries out of the way, he searched for the only reason for attending. Sophie arched a brow at him and then inclined her head toward the hall. He waited while she walked out of the room before joining her in Selbys study.

Welcome back, Anthony.

Enough, Sophie. I have waited an additional five months to get her name. I want it now.

Sophie laughed softly. Very well, I shall keep my promise. Her name is Anne Smith.

Anthony waited for some sign of recognition, but her name was as common as she had been. Just an orange seller. Do you know if she is still alive? Its been ten years.

She is alive.

Anthony frowned, seeing the way Sophie looked down when she answered. What are you keeping from me?

Sophie smiled and patted his cheek. Why would I keep anything from you, my dearest brother? The woman you are searching for is in the room you just left.

London, 1817

As the door to Elizabeths home slammed shut, she braced herself for the inevitable confrontation. They hadnt even waited for the butler or footman to open the door and announce them. Loud footsteps preceded their entry. Her heart raced as she attempted to rein in her emotions. Glancing up from her needlework, she watched Richard enter the salon with his wife Caroline following behind him.

Elizabeth, we have given you six months and still you have refused to comply with myour simple request, Caroline said as she sank to the sofa with a deep sigh.

You have no claim here. Why must she have this conversation with them every month? And worse, why did it distress her so terribly each time? He had no claim hereat least not yet.

Actually, I just might, Richard said, and then sat in the chair across from his wife.

You are not the duke, Richard.

Not yet, he added softly.

Her attempts to keep the greedy couple from taking over her fathers house had only made them more determined. They only wanted the house and the estates in the country for their ambitions. Mostly, Carolines ambition. Without her, cousin Richard would have been happy with his manor home in Dorchester. But Caroline wanted more. She would never be satisfied as the wife of a baron. She wanted the duchy and all that went with it, including Kendal House.

Only the house didnt belong to themor her.

Do you have any new proof that Edward is dead? Elizabeth asked, staring at him. Dont forget he had at least one son who would inherit over you.

It has been ten months since your father died, Richard said harshly. The solicitor sent several missives to Edward, but received no reply. And he has yet to arrive. Everyone knows about those heathen savages they have in America. Edward and his family were probably killed by them.

Edward has been in Canada for the past five years. Elizabeth inhaled deeply, trying to keep her patience. And until you know for certain about his death, you have no right to live here. Kendal House and the estates belong to the duchy until such time as his death is confirmed.

She prayed she was right. Richard and Caroline would squander the income from the estates on gambling, gowns, and balls. Neither appeared to have an interest in putting forth the effort to ensure the tenants were cared for and the lands remained profitable.

That is where you are wrong, Caroline said with a tight smile. Our solicitor is drawing up the paperwork right now.

That shall be nothing but a waste of his timeand your money. It means nothing. This is the dukes residence, and Richard is not the duke.

Edward refuses to return and claim his rightful inheritance, Richard added.

That still makes no difference, Elizabeth explained. He is the duke, whether he chooses to return home or not. Besides, ten months is no time at all. He most likely had to pack up his entire house in York and arrange passage over here. Plus the voyage time. I have heard the winters in Canada are dreadful, so they might not have been able to leave as expected.

Then he should have sent a missive to that effect. Something acknowledging his inheritance, Richard replied.

Caroline shook her head. For all we know, Edward is dead.

Then his son would inherit. Dear God, they were driving her mad. It seemed as if they were far more determined than in previous months.

Ah, yes, Caroline drawled. But if he and Edward are both dead, then Richard inherits.

True enough. However, if they were both dead then someone else in his family would notify the family solicitor here. Elizabeth clenched her fists in frustration.

Unless the entire family was wiped out by those savages they have over there. Besides, it really should not matter to you, Caroline commented. You will either be a burden on us or the new duke.

A fact not lost on her. Elizabeth had only the very small allowance left to her from her faththe late duke. I realize that, Caroline. I suppose I shall live with one of my sisters once the duke is installed.