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His second wife, who was now free of his shackles, had also agreed to testify against him on this point.

Other circumstances might help her case. For example, Bradshaw hadn’t waited the legally required seven years to declare her dead. He had likely bribed people to sign her death certificate. He remarried knowing she was not officially deceased.

Other small infractions could pile up in her favor. Now she needed to prove it all in court. The proceedings would take years, so there was no need to rush.

For now, they were enjoying their time in their cozy little home—just their family—playing games, having long dinners, and chatting late into the night.

There was one reason, however, why Honoria was endlessly worried about the timeline of the proceedings.

She had missed her menses. Twice.

It could have been just nerves. It had happened before, except she had other symptoms, too: tender breasts, nausea at any smell she deemed too sharp for her senses.

How could it be?

She had spent seven years with Bradshaw—and then, after only a few encounters with Jacob, she had become with child?

Happiness and worry warred inside her. Her hand drifted unconsciously to her still-flat stomach as she lay in bed.

She didn’t want to give birth to this child while still married to Bradshaw. She didn’t know how it would affect the proceedings. Would the child be considered the earl’s heir? A bastard?

Her stomach churned, and she pressed her hands to it tightly, as if she could shield the tiny life growing within from the complexities of the world it would enter.

She needed to talk to Jacob—to tell him of her suspicions, confirm them with a doctor…

Jacob entered the room, his hair still damp from washing. He had gone to clean up after long hours of lovemaking. He returned not in his nightshirt as she’d expected, but wearing his riding attire.

Honoria frowned and sat up in bed, clutching the sheets closer to her naked form. The candles flickered in the draft from the door, casting his face in shadow.

“Why are you dressed? Is something the matter?”

“Yes,” he said simply, fastening his gloves, avoiding her eyes.

“What is it?” Alarm coursed through her as she studied his grim expression.

“I have to leave now for…” He paused, his jaw tightening before he finally met her gaze. “A duel.”

Chapter 28

“What?” Honoria sprang from the bed, clutching the bedsheet to her naked form. Her heart hammered against her ribs like a frightened bird. “Why? Where?” Her voice cracked, rising higher than normal, betraying the panic already surging within her.

“I didn’t want to worry you,” he said, avoiding her gaze. “I was going to sneak out and not tell you anything, but I can’t lie to you.” Finally, he looked up, his expression grave. “I’m dueling your husband. It’s what he demanded.”

No, no, no. This cannot be happening.

“This is madness!” she cried, rushing to him. Her trembling fingers gripped his sleeve. “I am not letting you out of the house!”

Jacob’s jaw tightened. “You have to. This isn’t just about your honor. It’s about mine.”

Honor. Always honor with men. She pressed her palms to her temples, trying to contain the fury and fear swirling inside her head.

“Who the hell cares about honor?” Tears pricked at her eyes, but she refused to let them fall. “My honor was sullied a long time ago. Please, let this go.”

“I can’t, dear. I’m sorry.” Jacob’s voice softened. He reached out and caressed her cheek with his knuckles. “He hurt you for years and deserves to pay.”

Honoria clutched at his forearm, her nails digging into the fabric of his coat. “No. You’re not leaving.”

“I am.” The quiet certainty in his voice terrified her more than any shout could have.