Page 1 of Her Seven Nights with the Duke

CHAPTER ONE

“Ihope I tied this on properly.”

Nora Wilson struggled to set her mask properly on her nose to cover her face. She traced the knot on the back, loosening it so she could tie it again. The last thing she wanted was for her mask to come undone in a masquerade ball.

She dropped her hands to her sides, satisfied with the result as she looked around her. The ballroom was decorated to match the theme of the ball. It was adorned with red and gold draperies, with elaborate chandeliers hanging from them and the soft glow of candlelight glancing off the silk fabrics covering the walls.

Men in well-tailored suits and women in pretty dresses milled around excitedly, chattering amongst themselves, their elaborate masks creating a charged atmosphere.

Nora heaved a deep sigh as she stared at the large crowd of guests socializing and flirting discreetly. Her dress was blue,with its intricate lace detail that circled her waist, creating an illusion of a smaller waist. Her mask, much like the blue of her dress was made of silk fabric.

Nora scanned the ballroom once again. She was at the masquerade ball of the Duke and Duchess of Thorne. It was the most important ball of the Season, even more so for her.

Everyone who was of importance was at the ball, and those who weren’t invited were often filled with envy.

“You better not mess this up.”

Timothy Swinton, the Viscount of Worlington, walked up to his stepdaughter. The black mask that covered half of his face, much like hers did, wasn’t enough to hide the unmistakable sneer on his lips.

She refrained from speaking and suppressed the urge to roll her eyes. His lips opened, and his legs spread, signifying that he was nowhere near done speaking with her and making sure that she knew where she stood—not that she could ever forget it.

“Your reputation is in shambles, and this is your last?—”

She frowned, looking around to make sure that no one was listening in.

“Fix your face, girl. There’s already so little you have to offer, I will not allow you to go around and act like a fool, chasing offwhatever man might find you interesting enough to choose as a wife.”

Nora hid her balled fists behind her full skirt. It would only be reason for him to chastise her more.

“My sister was right. Perhaps I have been so terribly lenient with you. I should’ve been more strict. Then you would not bring such shame upon my name.”

Nora held back the scoff that threatened to escape her lips. She surreptitiously glanced at her mother before quickly looking away. Timothy had been nothing but strict with her ever since he married her mother.

She had only met his sister once, and yet her first words to her had been jarring. She’d looked Nora up and down, her lips curled into what Nora would soon realize was a permanent sneer.downward tilt.

“Hmm… this one will bring you shame. You must not let that happen, Timothy. Punishment is the only way to ensure that a girl grows up disciplined, and she does not seem to have much of either.”

Nora pursed her lips now. “I will try my best, but I cannot help my reputation.”

“Your best hasn’t been good enough until now.” He barked out a short bark that made her jump. There was nothinghumorous about it. “Moreover, you should have thought about your reputation before you ended in such ruin. It cannot be so difficult to do so if many ladies have been able to manage that task.”

“Maybe if they were in my position, they would do the same.”

“What, girl?” he asked. She hadn’t realized that she had spoken out loud. “Don’t just stand there with your eyes wide. Open your mouth and speak.”

She remained silent. There was no way she could say something like that to him. He would kill her.

She stumbled backwards, but his hand tightened around her arm, stopping her retreat. He gave a nasty smile and leaned in, whispering in her ears for her alone to hear.

“You do not want to provoke me, do you, Nora? I was certain that we had established all that could happen if you do.”did.”

His hand squeezed harder as she blinked, the only sign of her pain. She struggled to keep her face straight and her body steady. He would not let anyone see the monster that he was.

He stepped away from her and smiled, straightening the lapels of his coat. “I’m sure we have reached an understanding.”

She allowed herself to relax as his cold eyes finally turned away from her. But she had relaxed too soon.

“Just so you know what’s at stake, you will go live with Mathilda if you don’t find yourself a husband.”

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