Free The Scandal in Kissing an Heir by Sophie Barnes

arrived to claim his inheritance. “The new Earl of Scarsdale has no responsibility toward me, Mr. Neville. He’s not my guardian, and yet it was he who provided me with my dowry when my aunt and uncle begged him to help. I thought it quite generous of him, really.”
    “I’m happy to hear that you’ve been shown some measure of kindness.”
    Rebecca allowed a smile. Mr. Neville’s aggravation on her account was endearing. “Thank you.” She looked at him with a steady gaze. “There’s no need for you to pity me, you know. In fact, I would prefer that you don’t. Going to the ball was a risk I was willing to take—quite possibly my only chance at securing a match on my own terms. And while getting caught wasn’t part of my plan, I’ve no regrets.”
    The corner of his mouth edged upward. “Aside from getting shot.”
    Her smile broadened. “Yes. Aside from that.” She paused. “I’ve been cowering away behind these ancient walls for two years, Mr. Neville. Time is passing me by, and before I know it, not even a doddering old man will want me.”
    “Pfft . . . nonsense,” he said with a shake of his head.
    Rebecca gave him a frank stare. “I’m not a debutante any longer. I’m three and twenty years of age and growing older every day.”
    Mr. Neville blinked. “You don’t look it. In fact, if I may say so, I think you’re absolutely stunning.”
    She felt her cheeks grow warm in response to his compliment. “Thank you for your kindness,” she said, attempting a pleasant smile. If only he meant it, but she knew her own appearance all too well to think him sincere. Mr. Neville was trying to flatter her—quite possibly with his own motives in mind.
    He regarded her pensively for a moment before saying, “I sympathize with you, Lady Rebecca. Your situation is far from a pleasant one. For what it’s worth, I have to say that I admire your courage—and your creativity. It can’t have been easy for you.”
    Relief washed over her. His acceptance of her in spite of what she’d done was invaluable, like a balm upon her tortured soul. “So,” he continued, “you had a compelling reason to go to the ball in search of a husband—someone who can help you avoid marrying the men your aunt and uncle are favoring.”
    “All I wanted was a chance to make a better match for myself.”
    “An understandable desire,” he said. He hesitated briefly before continuing. “Unfortunately, you aunt is not very fond of me, and frankly, I cannot blame her. Apparently she’s inquired about me since meeting me the other evening and has discovered that I have very little to recommend myself at present.”
    “I see,” Rebecca said. For the past two years she’d managed to keep her spirits high, yet in the space of only two days, she’d found all hope of a happy future dashed. It was hopeless to think she might end up married to a man as handsome as Mr. Neville. What reason would he possibly have to suffer the trouble of going up against her aunt and uncle? It would be a pointless endeavor for him to embark on, and given what he’d just said, he’d realized that marrying her would not be easy. Indeed, it would be impossible. In all likelihood, this would be the last time she’d ever see him.
    A warm hand settled over hers, and Rebecca’s head turned toward Mr. Neville. There was kindness to be found in the depths of his eyes, but there was also undeniable pity. How she longed for the heated gazes he’d given her the night of the ball.
    “You mustn’t lose hope,” he told her as he gently squeezed her hand. “I’m sure there’s a way out of this for you.”
    Pulling her hand away from his, she pasted a happy smile upon her face and rose to her feet, while he did the same. She would not allow anyone to know the depths of her longings or the pain in her heart—not when her fate was all but sealed. She would remain brave and stoic even though she felt helpless. “Perhaps there is, Mr. Neville, but not