The sisters exchanged looks and with a quick farewell, they beat a hasty line for their mother, doubtlessly to fill her ears.

“What have you done?” Mercy asked with a chuckle and rueful shake of her head.

“I’m simply protecting the unsuspecting females of Shropshire from a grasping and disingenuous man.”

“By starting a rumor? And when this reaches his ears, which you know it will, and he finds out you are the source . . . what then?” Mercy arched an eyebrow.

Imogen felt a flicker of misgiving . . . until she once again caught sight of the man in question, escorting the baroness and her daughter to their waiting carriage.

Young sweet Annis had settled her hand on his arm and blinked up at him worshipfully. Imogen blinked, suddenly seeing herself as she had once been, so much like Annis, young and hungry for the love and attention of a handsome young man. Susceptible.

No. It would not be. The girl must be saved.

No fabrication was too wild—or wrong—if it saved a vulnerable girl from making a mistake she would regret all her life.

“I’ve done no harm, and I’m not afraid of him.” Imogen crossed her arms. “Mr. Butler has no power over me.”

Mercy made a skeptical.

Like what you just read? Click here to buy THE DUKE GOES DOWN.

About the Author

SOPHIE JORDAN grew up in the Texas hill country where she wove fantasies of dragons, warriors, and princesses. A former high school English teacher, she’s the New York Times, USA Today, and internationally bestselling author of more than thirty novels. She now lives in Houston with her family. When she’s not writing, she spends her time overloading on caffeine (lattes preferred), talking plotlines with anyone who will listen (including her kids), and cramming her DVR with anything that has a happily ever after.

Discover great authors, exclusive offers, and more at hc.com.

By Sophie Jordan

The Rogue Files Series

• The Duke Effect
• The Virgin and the Rogue
• The Duke’s Stolen Bride
• This Scot of Mine
• The Duke Buys a Bride
• The Scandal of It All
• While the Duke Was Sleeping

The Devil’s Rock Series

• Beautiful Sinner
• Beautiful Lawman
• Fury on Fire
• Hell Breaks Loose
• All Chained Up

Historical Romances

• All the Ways to Ruin a Rogue
• A Good Debutante’s Guide to Ruin
• How to Lose a Bride in One Night
• Lessons from a Scandalous Bride
• Wicked in Your Arms
• Wicked Nights with a Lover
• In Scandal They Wed
• Sins of a Wicked Duke
• Surrender to Me
• One Night with You
• Too Wicked to Tame
• Once Upon a Wedding Night

About the Publisher

Australia

HarperCollins Publishers Australia Pty. Ltd.

Level 13, 201 Elizabeth Street

Sydney, NSW 2000, Australia

Canada

HarperCollins Publishers Ltd

Bay Adelaide Centre, East Tower

22 Adelaide Street West, 41st Floor

Toronto, Ontario, M5H 4E3

India

HarperCollins India

A 75, Sector 57

Noida

Uttar Pradesh 201 301

New Zealand

HarperCollins Publishers New Zealand

Unit D1, 63 Apollo Drive

Rosedale 0632

Auckland, New Zealand