by Lucy Langton
The Scandalous Life of a Betrayed Heiress
A REGENCY ROMANCE NOVEL
LUCY LANGTON
Copyright © 2019 by Lucy Langton
All Rights Reserved.
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Table of Contents
The Scandalous Life of a Betrayed Heiress
Table of Contents
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The Scandalous Life of a Betrayed Heiress
Introduction
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
Chapter 13
Chapter 14
Chapter 15
Chapter 16
Chapter 17
Chapter 18
Chapter 19
Chapter 20
Chapter 21
Chapter 22
Chapter 23
Chapter 24
Chapter 25
Chapter 26
Chapter 27
Seduced by the Devilish Lord
Introduction
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
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The Scandalous Life of a Betrayed Heiress
Introduction
Sophia Barberry is an American Heiress of the highest order, but she’d much rather spend her time with her nose in a book. When her father seals an alliance with Lord Timothy, the future Duke of Cumberland, Sophia embraces her fate. But the heiress’ new life ends up being far less grand than she ever imagined. Her new husband proves himself to be distant and refuses to embrace his duty. When she becomes closer and closer to the Duke’s brother, will the gap of her non-existent husband be filled?
Philip, the Duke’s military-minded brother, with no riches to call his own, had no choice but to turn into a soldier. Having served a long time overseas he took the decision to have some time off with his brother. As a soldier, he tends to find Americans rebellious and unsophisticated, which creates an undeniable tension between him and his brother’s wife. With time, this friendship will turn into something dangerous for both of them. Is this relationship worth risking everything he has?
In a world where secrets cannot be revealed and hidden desires are forbidden, Sophia discovers that there’s much more to her new life in Britain than meets the eye. Caught between the ignorance of her husband and the love of his brother, will she choose to risk it all for passion?
Chapter 1
Sophia Barberry stood in the salon of her 5th Avenue townhouse frowning to herself. All of New York society was stuffed into that room, with its high ceilings, expensive oil paintings and glittering chandeliers. And even though Sophie was surrounded by the who’s-who, she couldn’t help but wonder what had happened to her life.
Across the room stood her future husband, a man she barely knew. Lord Timothy was to inherit the Clumber dukedom, and he certainly looked the part. His navy coat and tails were immaculate, his waistcoat made by the finest tailors, and his hair was done in the Roman style. However, written on the future duke’s face was nothing but disinterest. He was a shockingly handsome man, with sandy blond hair and aquamarine eyes. His stature was erect and composed, his bearing immaculate, but Sophia couldn’t get over that smug look on Timothy’s face.
“Ladies and gentlemen,” Sophia’s father Henry said. “We have gathered you here today to announce the engagement of our daughter, Sophia Barberry, to the future Duke of Clumber!”
Henry was a balding man, short in height, and he held a glass of champagne aloft. The other guests did the same, toasting what seemed to be an advantageous marriage for all.
Sophia did not hold a glass up but continued to frown. The arrangement was more advantageous for Lord Timothy than anyone else. She knew full well that the dukedom was suffering from poverty and that her family’s wealth would amend that quickly. Henry was a titan of the shipping industry in New York, and his wealth was renowned. It made perfect sense that the current Duke of Clumber took it upon himself to reach out to the Barberry family in order to secure the match.
Not only was Lord Timothy inheriting Sophia’s wealth, he was also going to be keeper of her beauty. Her dark raven hair and green eyes were the stuff of legend in New York, and her compact, petite form was admired by all. But just because Lord Timothy towered over her at his stunning six feet and four inches did not mean that he could tower over her in spirit. More famous than Sophia’s beauty was her fierce intelligence and will. She had always wished that she could escape the marriage game, but she knew it was impossible considering her status. Sophia would be perfectly content to spend the rest of her days in the library, hungrily reading books and expanding her mind. But, alas, duty called.
That wasn’t to say that Sophia shunned marriage entirely. The fact was that she was terribly bored with New York society and all its trappings. Escaping to England would be a welcome solace, and Sophia couldn’t wait to see all the sights abroad. She had never travelled outside of America, mostly because Henry and her mother, Martha, had kept her under lock and key for most her life. Finally, the prison gates were open, and Sophia was ready to see the world. If only she could do it on her own.
Yes, Sophia would reinvent herself in England. She’d no longer be the reclusive beauty that made tongues wag from up and down 5th Avenue. Finally, Sophia Barberry would become the worldly woman that she always wished to be, and if that meant having to hang on the arm of the Duke of Clumber, then so be it.
“Have you anything to say, M’Lord?” Henry Barberry said to Lord Timothy, and all eyes turned towards the future duke.
Just then, Sophia sneezed, and Lord Timothy darted a gaze her way, as though his future bride had purposefully stolen the spotlight.
“On behalf of the Clumber name,” Lord Timothy began, “I’d like to express my happiness.”
Silence. That was all. His words were as icy as his demeanour and Sophia found herself wishing for a more eloquent husband.
A servant passed with a silver tray and Lord Timothy hastily picked up a flute of champagne. He smiled warmly at the servant and thanked him for the refreshment, and Sophia wondered if perhaps he was a nice fellow after all, but merely disguising the fact. She had observed him for the better part of the afternoon and noted that he was cordial with those around him. So why was it that every time they had briefly encountered, he had been aloof and almost sullen? Sophia thought that perhaps it was very British of him. Was it not the custom in their country to be cold to those with whom they were least? It was a puzzle Sophia had not yet solved.
“Daughter, have you any words?” Henry asked, and she felt all eyes turn on her.
Sophia cleared her throat and thought of what to say. She did not fear public speaking so much as the dread of saying the wrong th
ing. She was accustomed to saying the first thing that came to mind and had trouble censoring herself. Often that landed Sophia into a great deal of trouble, because what sprung from her mouth was the truth. Nobody wanted to hear that.
“I’m delighted to be a part of the Clumber family,” Sophia began, looking around the room tentatively.
But I do wish that I was marrying someone who would smile now and again. Or at least be more than a sculpture made of ice.
“And this union between Clumber and Barberry is, I know, one that is pleasing for all involved,” Sophia went on. Everyone she knew surrounded her. There were aunts and uncles, cousins, godparents, society aficionados Sophia had been raised with. They all had polite smiles on their faces as she spoke. Sophia assumed that it must be the effect of the champagne on them. “Of course, the customs in America are quite different than the customs in Britain,” she continued, “and I’m sure that in time, the duke and I will grow to understand each other’s differences and learn from one another.”
“Hear, hear!” Henry said, raising his glass again.
Sophia looked towards her mother, whose eyes were shining. Why should her mother be so proud of the situation? Martha knew full well that Sophia was not keen to marry, yet she couldn’t help but note the motherly pride that comes from seeing one’s only child married off to someone of high standing. But the fellow didn’t even have money! How was it that New York society was so impressed by her marriage to a poor duke? Sophia reasoned it was because Americans were keen on all things British. Somehow, in their eyes, it made Sophia superior for becoming a duchess. But she could clearly see beyond all that and comprehend the situation for what it truly was: a business transaction. And it was a transaction that didn’t even benefit the Barberry name in any way.
Sophia, however, wise as she was for being only nineteen, knew that it wasn’t about money so much as it was titles. To have a daughter with an English title was appealing for any American, no matter their financial standing. Sophia was going to be captive to that fact, but she would make the best of it.
“Canapé?” a servant asked her, presenting an assortment of finger food on a silver tray.
“Why not?” Sophia replied, taking a small pastry. The contents of the pastry were what she perceived to be spinach and cheese, and her tongue delighted in it. If her American family was obsessed with all things British, their palates favoured all things French. French cuisine was the chosen repast of Martha, who insisted French food be served at all her dinner parties and family events. Sophia didn’t mind this food. On the contrary, she had grown to love the richness of it, but she did fear the food that would greet her in England. She had heard horror stories about the bland, Spartan repast of the British. But as with everything else, she would make the best of it.
As the guests began to mingle and eat, Sophia looked across the stately salon and noticed that Lord Timothy was eyeing her. As soon as their gazes met, Lord Timothy looked away. Such strange behaviour from a future husband.
“Are you excited?” Kitty Carmichael, one of Sophia’s oldest friends, asked.
“I suppose,” Sophia replied wistfully.
“I’m so jealous that you’re going to London.”
“I think we’re only in town for a few months of the year,” Sophia explained. “The rest of the time is spent in the country.”
“A British country estate! How dreamy,” Kitty replied
“I’m told that it’s very impressive. Hopefully the Barberry bank account will bring it back up to standard,” Sophia said wryly, taking a sip from her champagne. She looked over at Lord Timothy, who yet again looked away. Was their entire marriage going to be just so? Was he always going to look away from her, even when she was standing in a state of undress in his chambers? The thought made Sophia quite uneasy.
“I can come and visit, can’t I?” Kitty asked, entwining her arm within Sophia’s.
“Of course, you can. There will be plenty of guest rooms to choose from.”
Sophia wasn’t making it up, or even boasting. Willow Grange, the name of the Clumber country estate, was supposed to be quite palatial, with a staff numbering thirty. Sophia was mildly daunted by the notion of having to care for such a grand estate. And considering that the current Duke of Clumber was in such poor health, it would be no time at all before Sophia would have to be up for the task.
“I’m just so excited,” Emily said, swooping in and taking Sophia’s other arm. Emily was Martha’s sister, and the two looked very much alike. That being said, Martha married a rich businessman and Emily was merely a spinster. Because of that status, she would accompany Sophia on her grand trip across the Atlantic to her new home.
“It will be an adventure,” Sophia said to Emily, quite looking forward to the notion of sailing across the sea with her aunt.
“I hope I don’t get sick. Rough waters always make me rather ill,” Emily said. “But, oh my! Look how handsome your husband is,” she went on, looking across at Lord Timothy. “I wish I could say I wasn’t jealous.”
Sophia frowned. It was so like Aunt Emily to be garish. She was always saying the wrong thing, in Sophia’s estimation. And for her to admire the beauty of a man who was ten years her junior was embarrassing, at best.
“I agree,” Kitty chimed in. “I’ve never seen a man so dashing in all my life. Do all British men look like that?”
“Like what?” Sophia asked.
“Like a painting or something. He doesn’t even look real.”
“Oh, he’s real enough,” Sophia assured her.
Gazing across the way once more, Lord Timothy’s eyes met hers and Sophia gave a pleasant smile, hoping to ease whatever tension might be between them. Lord Timothy did not smile in return but, rather, tightened his collar and looked at her sternly.
So, that’s how it’s going to be, is it? A lifetime of stern gazes and cold sentiments.
Even though Sophia didn’t know who her future husband was going to turn out to be, she couldn’t help but feel excitement in her breast. She was beginning a new life, in a new country, and there was no telling what might happen to her there.
Chapter 2
“Lady Sophia,” Sophia said aloud as she looked at herself in the mirror. Just to her right, a window looked onto the vast blue sea. “Lady Sophia,” she repeated, trying the name on for size.
Sophia wasn’t quite sure how she felt about it. It was going to be nice to be called a lady, and a duchess, but she still found it hard to fathom that this new life was only on the horizon.
She got up from her vanity table and took a little walk around her cabin. The SS Duchess of Gloucester was the finest ship on the sea, and Sophia was enjoying one of the most luxurious rooms on the top deck. There was no balcony, which was unfortunate, because Sophia wished to step out into the sea air in private. In lieu of that, she would take a stroll twice a day along the deck, where she would greet fellow passengers. Sophia had made a lot of good friends on the trip thus far, but the one acquaintance she had yet to make was that of her future husband.
It didn’t trouble Sophia too much that Lord Timothy was still being distant. She had her books and beautiful cabin to keep her company, as well as Aunt Emily and her maid Arabella.
“That gown is lovely, M’am,” Arabella said, folding some garments in the corner.
“Thank you,” Sophia replied, taking another look at herself in the mirror and realising that her violet gown was, indeed, quite exquisite. It was accented by amethyst jewels around her neck and dangling from her ears. The colour of the gown showed off Sophia’s raven hair and shocking green eyes. “Where is Aunt Emily?”
“In her room, I believe. She has taken ill yet again this morning,” Arabella explained.
It seemed as though Aunt Emily had been sick for almost the entire trip. She had quipped beforehand that she hoped it would not be so, but in truth that’s exactly what happened. The tossing of the vessel to and fro seemed to have played a cruel trick on Aunt Emily’s stomac
h, and she was only seen once in the dining room, and very rarely on the decks.
Although Sophia felt sorry for her aunt, she still welcomed the privacy that she enjoyed without her presence, and didn’t mind Arabella’s company in the least, who was a quiet, shy girl. Arabella had what Sophia considered to be an unfortunate physique. She was rail-thin to the point of looking emaciated, with her eyes popping out of her head. Sophia couldn’t quite understand why her maid was so underweight, considering that she was fed well, but she chalked it up to far too much strain and activity.
