Her husband’s mistress was very well known in thetonfor ruining marriages. Unfortunately, Winnie’s marriage was never happy. Graham had always been a whoremonger, arriving at their wedding at Brown Manor late, intoxicated, and smelling very much of perfume. She had later learned that the only reason he had sought a wife was because his cousin the duke had cut him off irrevocably.
“You must think me a total scoundrel that you won’t even talk about the child with me.” A shadow crossed his face, and for a moment Winnie thought that maybe his pride was hurt, but that could not be true.
“I do." She was honest there were enough lies between them they did not need more. “That is not the only reason I’m hesitant to speak of the child. I still cannot believe it is really happening, and I want to be careful.” She understood perfectly how pregnancy worked. Her own mother had only carried Winnie to term. She had lost two other pregnancies before the fifth month.
“After nearly two months or three, surely you are safe,” he reassured her, looking out the window as the carriage slowed.
She nodded, not knowing what else to do. She was supposed to be months along and not mere weeks and not with Richard’s child. It had been precisely seven weeks since their encounter at Pleasure House. Soon, there would be no denying the truth, and Winnie did not know how she was going to explain to her mother and aunt that she was with child.
Thankfully, the carriage stopped before she could reply. Richard exited before he held out his hand for her. He took her gloved hand to help her down, and warmth spread throughout her, settling in her chest. It was exactly how she felt the last time they were together, whole, complete.
Entering the Marquess of Aberdeen’s London residence, they were greeted by the tall dark-haired man and his beautiful wife. The Marchioness of Aberdeen had lovely brown skin and a wild mane of curly dark hair that hung freely on her shoulders. She was absolutely ravishing in a dark-green gown that highlighted her protruding abdomen. It was a very well-made gown with running stitches, which were Winnie’s preferred stitch. The whipstitch always seemed a little much to her.
“Ah, I see you made it. I was worried that you wouldn’t have gotten away,” the marquess said to Richard, his eyes twinkling as he looked at his friend.
“I said I was coming, did I not?” Richard responded as he turned to greet the marchioness. “You look beautiful, my lady—”
“Now Richmore, I told you there would be no ‘my lady’ or ‘Marchioness Aberdeen’ between us. If you are Archie’s best friend, then you are mine as well. I am ‘Journey’ to you.”
“Very well, Journey. Allow me to introduce you to Lady Winifred Musgrave, my late cousin’s wife.” His hand went to Winnie’s lower back, which caused a look to pass between husband and wife.
“My lady, thank you so much for having me. I am very glad to be here. I apologize for my mourning attire.” Winnie curtseyed.
“There is no thanks necessary. If you are family to Richmore, then you are family to us.” Her smile was breathtaking as she looked from Richard to Winnie knowingly. “I am sorry for your loss. If you ever need anything, please do not hesitate to contact me.”
Shocked by her kindness, Winnie swallowed, overwhelmed with emotion. She had not really mourned Graham; they had not been a love match, and he was not kind to her whenever he was in her presence. But she had been married to him and to Winnie, that meant something. Even if it meant nothing to Graham.
Richard pressed Winnie forward, leading her away as the cue to enter lengthened. “Thank you, my lady—”
“Journey, please, Lady Winifred,” she said, taking Winnie’s hand and squeezing.
“Then I must be ‘Winnie,’” Winnie insisted, liking the Marchioness of Aberdeen very much.
She had no friends at all really except Kitty, her aunt, and mother. It was strange to connect with another woman, but it felt like she met another friend.
“We will see you both in there. I do hope this quartet isn’t awful,” Richard teased before leading Winnie away and into the ballroom, which was filled with chairs all facing a small stage.
“The Duke of Richmore and Lady Winifred Musgrave,” the butler announced them loudly to all in attendance.
Winnie let out an audible gasp, not used to the attention. She had not suspected that so many people would be in attendance. Richard squeezed her closer to him, their arms intertwined as they stepped into the ballroom.
“I did not know so many people would be present," Winnie said looking up at Richard.
“Do not worry. They are just people. They only have power if you give it to them." He glanced down at her, his stare so overwhelming and clear.
Murmurs circulated around them, and Winnie had no idea what was causing such a commotion until her friend appeared in front of her.
“I did not know you were in town or that you would attend an event,” Kitty said, walking up to Winnie and Richard.
“Madam Delcour.” Richard gave Kitty a bow. “Hendershot mentioned that the two of you were acquainted. I hadn’t recalled until this very moment.” Richard looked from Winnie to Kitty in puzzlement, his thick brows scrunching in thought.
Oh Lord, he was going to figure her out!She could see it in his gray-eyed gaze.
“Since when do you attendtonevents?” she asked Kitty, trying to redirect Richard’s attention.
She was running out of time; of that Winnie was certain.
“Since it’s for a good cause, and as you know, Winnie, this one is dear to my heart.” Though Kitty was born free and most of her family had been for years, her great-grandfather had been born a slave.
