“Staying away from other men.” Nicholas pocketed the shredded document and walked toward the door.
“You can still marry her once her monthlies come. Insist her father take her to the country and lock her in the house until they know for certain if she is with child.”
Nicholas could only shake his head. “I don’t believe you understand me, Your Grace. I intend to travel to Venice and marry Miss Reynard.”
The duke slowly climbed out of bed. “Do not think to marry that little slut.”
“I will marry whoever I damn well please.” He should have said that to his father weeks ago. “Good afternoon, Father.”
“If you marry her, I shall disinherit you.”
Nicholas turned back with a smirk. “Please do. I don’t want your damned money. I have enough of my own.”
“Don’t lie to me, Nicholas. You have spent your money on whores and gaming.”
“No, I have invested the majority of my allowance for the past twelve years. I shall do just fine without your money.”
And he would. Once he finally convinced Sophie that they would be all right.
Nicholas had the servants packing his clothing while he waited for Somerton’s arrival. The ticket to Venice had been bought but he would not leave until he spoke with Sophie’s half brother. He tapped his foot impatiently awaiting him.
“Father, might I speak with you?”
He looked over to see Emma standing at the doorway with a look of apprehension on her face. “Emma, you know I will always find time for you. What is the matter?”
“It’s very important that I talk with you.” She stepped forward timidly.
This was very unlike his daughter. “Come here and tell me what is on your mind.”
She sat down on the chair across from him and breathed in deeply. “I overheard the servants say you were traveling to Venice again.”
“Yes, I am. I didn’t want to tell you until I knew for certain when I would be leaving.”
“I also heard why you were going.” She bit down on her lip and frowned.
Nicholas closed his eyes and sighed. He’d never thought to ask Emma what she thought of Sophie. Seeing his daughter’s reaction now, he wondered if Emma might not approve of Sophie for her stepmother.
“I think if you are going to V
enice to ask Miss Reynard to marry you that I should accompany you,” she said in a small voice. “After all, she will be my stepmother. She might want me to tell her how much I would love to have her as my mother.”
He opened his eyes and stared at his little girl. She was becoming so grown up. And she might be just the thing to help Sophie make up her mind. He was certain Sophie had a soft spot for his daughter and wanted a family.
“I think that is a fine idea. Go tell Mrs. Griffon that you both will accompany me. That way you can keep up with your studies.”
She threw herself into his arms. “Thank you, Papa!”
She kissed his cheek and skipped out of the room. She stopped at the threshold and curtsied. “Good afternoon, Lord Somerton.”
“Good afternoon, Lady Emma.”
“I’m going to Venice!”
“Excellent,” Somerton said and then walked into the room. “So you already know where she is, then?”
“I hope you’re going to tell me I’m right in my assumption,” Nicholas said, standing to greet his friend.
“You are correct.” Somerton walked to the whisky and poured himself a glass. He held up an empty glass and asked, “Do you want some?”