“Well, this is a surprise, little Winnie.” She turned to find her old childhood friend Harrison, the Earl of Hendershot, smirking at her.
“Harrison!” Winnie rushed to him, taking his hand. She wanted to hug him as they did as children, but she did not want to make a scene. “Look at you, my lord. Your hair is wild as ever.” Her hands curled into fists. Winnie fought the urge to run her fingers through his hair as she had done when they were children.
“It will always be this chaotic. How are you, Winnie? I’m sorry I have not kept in touch.” His voice shivered.
Winnie shook her head, not caring how long it had actually been since she’d seen him.
The three of them had been inseparable as children. Their estates in Nottingham were all beside each other. Hendershot to the east, Kitty to the west, and Winnie in the middle. That was until Harrison’s father inherited an earldom.
“I am well, Harrison, or should I say ‘Hendershot’?” she asked, smiling at her old friend.
“You may call me whatever you wish.” He faced Kitty, giving her the same look he had given her when they were children. One filled with such longing that Winnie often felt like she was intruding. “Madame, you look well. That dress is very flattering.”
“My lord.” Kitty gave him a quick nod of her head. “You may thank Winnie for this. It is her creation.”
“Really?” Richard called out in shock, looking from Winnie to the dress and then back to Winnie. “That is really remarkable work. When you said you liked to sew, I didn’t imagine you were this good at it.”
Winnie tried to contain the snort that left her, but it was impossible. “I am quite good. I would have told you if you asked,” she teased him but stopped when she saw the way he was staring at her.
He knew. Dear God, he knew.
A hush came over the room as the Marquess and Marchioness stood on the small stage. As they addressed the crowd, Winnie excused herself, needing a moment.
She found the ladies’ retiring room, taking a moment to stare into the mirror. She would have to tell him tonight; of that, she was positive.
“I heard a rumor that you were with child.”
The voice was cold and condescending. She had heard it once before when her husband felt it necessary to bring his mistress to her home.
Facing the slightly older woman, Winnie looked at Esther Rosemont, noticing the sunken look and her thin frame. Graham had looked the same the last time she saw him.
Opium.
The coroner had informed her after he examined her husband, who was found dead alone in his apartments. Winnie had made all the arrangements; she didn’t tell anyone what Graham’s true affliction was. Perhaps she was protecting herself or him; she did not know. Winnie only knew that she did not want it to taint the rest of her life.
“Esther, I would say it’s lovely to see you, but that would be a lie,” Winnie said, not even pretending that she was happy to see the other woman.
“I know what you are doing, and I won’t have it,” Esther replied to her, stepping closer.
“I do not see why I am any concern of yours. You had my husband for many years as your own personal lap dog, so why do you care if I am with child or not?” Winnie asked, tilting her head to the side to peer at the other woman.
“I care because you are ruining my reputation. Everyone knows I do not allow my men to sleep with their wives.” She folded her arms, looking smug and full of herself.
Winnie laughed. She couldn’t help herself because in the end, Graham was true to his mistress. “I don’t owe you anything. You’re a cruel woman who takes pleasure manipulating men and ruining them. Graham was a fool to ever trust you.” Winnie took a step forward, nearly touching her. They were of similar height, so it was easy to stare directly into her dead eyes. “My child and I are of no concern of yours. You got what you wanted, didn’t you? Graham naively followed you and look where that landed him.”
“I didn’t only have Graham. I’ve had Richmore as well, and I could take him from you. Don’t play with me. You will never win.”
Winnie took several steps back unable to understand what Esther was implying. She had Richard? Suddenly, Winnie felt as if she was going to be sick.
“Get away from her, Esther.” Richmore’s voice was full of venom as he glided into the women’s retiring room.
“Richmore, you’re being duped again. I know for a fact that she could not be carrying Musgrave’s child. He never touched her; she was a virgin at his death.” Esther gave Winnie a scalding look.
Winnie stumbled slightly, knowing that Richard would know the truth of Esther’s statement.
She wanted to confess all, but she would not do it in front of Esther. No, Winnie would tell him tonight because she wanted him to know. Wanted him to be with her and their child because he wanted to be.
“I don’t want to hear your lies. If I ever see you near Lady Winifred again, there will be hell to pay. Are we clear?” he asked, blocking her exit.
