Free The Scandalous Duke Takes a Bride by Tiffany Clare

throw her out of her own home today if he so wished it.
    Instead of a retort, he gave her a heartless laugh as he picked up his hat from the sideboard. He turned and tipped it in her direction with a sardonic grimace.
    “This is still my house and it’s ruled by my sole guidance,” she said. “I suggest you find the door without delay before I find someone more than happy to assist in your removal.”
    She stepped toward him, a fury of rage so strong within her that she wanted to lash out as her husband had done far too often with her—Warren standing his ground only infuriated her further. She would never stoop so low as to strike at someone, even someone as deserving as Mr. Warren.
    “Your friends cannot assist you as well as mine in our games with society. Ruin me, Warren, and I’ll ensure you never so much as marry and propagate, at least not someone worthy of the ton .”
    “You dare threaten me?” He seemed more amused than angry. “I always did enjoy a good challenge. Consider your time in this house shortened. I want you out by the end of August. I want you well and gone before the little season starts.”
    “The law is on my side in this instance. I have one year.”
    His smile sickened her. Then he dared to further challenge her by grasping her arm.
    “No, by my discretion and good grace you had one year.”
    “Do your worst,” she challenged, yanking out of his hold.
    His voice was low, dangerous even. “There will come a time in your lonely life that you will need me.”
    “Not in this lifetime.”
    “So be it. But don’t say I didn’t warn you.” He opened the door to leave. “I guess this is adieu … until the morrow. I wish to review the ledgers in your care for the household items. I’ll need to make offers to the staff and put in some of my own trusted servants.”
    Her heart fell. She wished it were within her power to take the current staff with her, but that would be impossible considering the size of house she was destined for with her meager annual income. “Are you asking my permission? A lack of it hasn’t stopped you from snooping around my home already.”
    “It’s just a courtesy.” And with that he left.
    Jessica leaned her head back against the paneled door and looked heavenward. She needed to pull herself together, find another husband, one either young and rich—far too hard to come by for her liking—or too old to so much as get out of a chair.
    Hayden would be disappointed with her for upsetting Warren enough that he’d shortened the period of time she had in her home. Perhaps she should write an apologetic letter to Warren? He might let her at least stay the remainder of the year if she showed an ounce of contrition. Surely he had enough kindness in him that he wouldn’t toss her into the street with no place to go. Damn her quick temper. She’d make do; she always had even in the worst of circumstances.
    *   *   *
     
    Tonight would be her first foray into society since the night of the funeral. The invitation had been addressed to her husband and received well before his death. She’d found it in his personal effects and it was too delicious an event to consider ignoring.
    She pinched her eyes shut.
    It was about time she was more adventurous with her life.
    Tomorrow she’d tell Hayden about the outcome of her conversation with Warren. Tonight she’d live wildly and enjoy herself to the fullest.
    She opened the parlor door and called for Wilson. “Could you please send up Louise? I need her assistance if I’m to attend a ball tonight.”
    Wilson gave nothing away in his expression, but she knew she’d surprised him. “Of course, my lady. I’ll send Claudia up to prepare your clothes as well.”
    “Thank you, Wilson. I’ll need a hired carriage for nine.”
    “Consider it done, my lady.”
    Jessica flicked through the letters stacked neatly on the tall marble-topped table in the foyer and found the invite for the masked ball that she’d