I do not know how to adequately or delicately warn you—and perhaps you already know—but something dreadful has happened. Your association with Miss de Lacey is widely known by all. I overheard those bastards Plummer and Molvin discussing it at the club. Ever since, the news has spread, and no one has been able to talk of anything else.
You know that I would not desert you and in private shall always be your friend. But in an infinite variety of ways, the scandal shall make your life difficult. For instance, I do not think I will be able to have you at my dinners when the company is mixed. Do not be offended. I suspect bedding Miss de Lacey is worth forfeiting a night in the company of politicians’ wives and daughters.
I must say, I never thought you’d be the one to leave our little club first, especially not in such a way asthis. From a certain angle, I am quite impressed. It is the devout fellows that are the most abandoned, it turns out…Of course, I only joke.
Nevertheless, please send word that you are alright.
Ever yours,
The Honourable Mr. Henry Bertram, MP
P.S. I just received your last. Please know that you will always be myprivatefriend. Nothing could induceme to abandon you in such a capacity and no real gentleman would ask it.
I pick up another letter, lying beside this one.
Dear Alfred,
No one can talk of anything but yourself and Miss de Lacey.
It is nonsense of course. Everyone should mind their own affairs and not pry into yours.
All the same if you ever need any aid, I remain faithfully yours,
Captain Bram O’Donnell
I drop this letter and pick up the last.
Dearest Alfred,
I have heard the news. All I can say is that I hope you are happy with Miss de Lacey.
If you are not, however, and she has presumed on your good humor and innocence (don’t scoff at my use of this last term or take offense), then know I will happily assist you in breaking with her.
You will always be welcome inmyhome—Lady Calloway agrees.
Lord Peter Calloway
“The lord needs to be reassured that you haven’t been kidnapped,” I say dryly, putting down the letter.
Alfred frowns.
“Peter is the oldest of our set—he has a tendency to be protective.”
“Do you need to be protected?”
“No,” he says, rubbing his eyebrow.
“You are upset. You have realized what I have cost you. And your friends do not approve. So much for your ardent love.”
“That is not fair, Annabelle. I do love you. And my friends do not disapprove. But they are concerned.”
“The first man said you could no longer dine with him.”
“Only in mixed company. He is in the House of Commons—he must be strategic. I am not affronted.”
“Who are these men? Friends from school?”
He shakes his head.
