“She’s smart and driven. She’s commanding and compelling. She’s worked harder than anyone I know to get where she is, and she’s more comfortable in her skin than I have ever been.”

Her mother rolled her eyes. “Even if that were true, and even if there were any nobility in any of those qualities, she more than squandered it by baring that skin she’s so comfortable in, repeatedly, publicly, and in the most repugnant ways.”

“She’s an actress, Mother, not a prostitute.”

The duchess raised an eyebrow. “Are you sure there’s a distinction when it comes to the types of films she’s made? Because, believe me, what you saw in there was merely the tip of the iceberg. She said herself she’s made several movies unfit to be rented through normal channels.”

“I refuse to stand here and let you imply what you’re implying.”

“Wouldn’t you rather I imply it here, in private, before you do something egregious? The press won’t be half as tactful or genteel in their assessment.”

“Sophia has been vetted by the press more than you and I could even imagine, and that’s saying a lot.”

“She’s been vetted as a sex symbol, not as a partner for the heir-apparent to the Duke of Northland, England.” Her mother sighed. “Do either of you want that type of scrutiny? If what we saw in there is the first thing reporters find on a mere surface-level search, what else do you think they’ll unearth when they dig deeper?”

Vic’s temperature rose, this time from something other than anger, at the thought of the press that had hounded her relentlessly after Robert’s betrayal turning their ire on Sophia. “They will find a strong, beautiful woman with an iron will and immeasurable talent.”

Her mother gave an uncharacteristic snort of derision. “I’ll do us both a favour and not question which one of those immeasurable talents ensnared you so completely, but at least ask yourself honestly if you think the tabloids will focus on her artistic abilities with so many of her other ample assets clearly on display.”

Vic wanted to shoot back, she wanted her anger to make her fast and sharp in the face of such offensive commentary, but she’d barely opened her mouth when her mother moved in for the kill.

“You, of all people, Victoria, should know by now not to rely on anyone’s better angels, but then character judgment has never been your strong suit, has it?”

All the air left her lungs and the unspoken hit her as hard as the spoken.