There is nothing Matthias Deverell, illegitimate son of a marquis, wants more than to remove the murmurs of treason that haunt his father’s name. He is determined to do just that, even if it means completing the nearly impossible task of reassembling the globe his father used as a safe. With pieces spread all over London, it will take all of Matthias’ considerable skill at intimidation to retrieve them. Nicholas Rexford, young Viscount Leighton, wants only to be able to provide a comfortable life for himself and his three sisters. After being left in near-poverty thanks to their father’s spending and gambling, Nick is desperate to find a business venture he can invest in to turn their fortunes around. Sadly, he has no head for business, preferring to spend his time engrossed in horrid novels. When Matthias finds Nick in possession of a piece of the globe, he believes the handsome young man to be in on the scheme, and decides to keep a closer eye on him. But when Nick meets Matthias, he is enthralled by the “dark and dangerous bastard” who could have stepped out of one of his novels. Despite his suspicions, Matthias is drawn to Nick, but will his suspicions destroy what is developing between them and cost Matthias a chance at happiness?

The Bastard's World

Beresford took the glasses with a smile and a nod, then handed them to Charlotte and Violet. Nick held one of his glasses out to the Countess. “Lady Marling, would you care for some champagne?”


“How very kind of you,” Lady Marling smiled, accepting the glass.


“Lady Marling has issued an invitation for us to accompany them to the Dorchester and Sefton soirées,” Violet said eagerly. “Wasn’t that kind of her?”


Nick’s heart leapt. Here was the opportunity he’d been longing for simply dropped into his lap. He had some difficulty not sounding too eager when he replied, “Very kind indeed,” he addressed his words to the Countess. “But I hope, Lady Marling, you will not be offended if I decline for myself. My sisters, I’m sure, are delighted to accept.”


Lady Marling met his eyes, then glanced at Deverell before looking at Nick again. “Of course not. And we will be glad to see Mrs. Audley and Miss Rexford home at the end of the evening.”


Chapter 24