“And being so aware as you are, where is your husband this evening, Bridget?” Lydia asked.
Bridget did not answer.
“All of our husbands are at White’s with John, celebrating the news of the baby,” Petra goaded with a condescending smirk. “Where is yours?”
“He has been quite absent as of late,” Regina pointed out. “I could not help but notice that he did not accompany you to last evening’s ball.”
“Or to the Alwrights’ garden party the weekend before,” Lydia added. “Busy man, is he?”
Shame flooded through Bridget as she felt herself become the object of ridicule. She did not have to answer. The others already knew. Gossip spread fast among theton.
Bridget lifted her chin, trying not to appear as intimidated as she felt.
“He is… away on business. As I have stated, my husband has much to accomplish.”
It was a lie. She knew it as well as the women who were surrounding her like vultures did. She had no idea where her husband was. Or who he was with. Due to the carelessness he showed with his reputation, however, they—especially her—could predict that the person in question was a woman. Most likely, one that men paid to be in the company of.
“And what does such business entail, I wonder?” Petra asked.
“The kind that makes money?” Regina asked.
“Or the kind that involves… the company of people?” Lydia piped up.
“Not just people, or so I have heard,” Petra said, raising a finger, “It is specifically women. Young women. Beautiful women.”
“Women who are… paid for,” Regina added.
“Not to mention the gambling,” Petra went on. “It is said that debtors have started gathering at your estate. That furniture and such were seen being carried out. Is that not troublesome to you? I do not know how I would cope, poor dear.”
Bridget blushed, trying to keep up with them all.
“I do not…” she stammered. “None of it is true.”
The lie came out small and helpless.
The three women smiled down at Bridget, who felt her cheeks turn a deeper shade of red. It was not the first time she had been privy to what was being said about her husband, but it was the first time people dared to tell her to her face.
“I believe I have had enough of such vile gossip for one night,” Bridget said, her voice strained and barely above a whisper.
“It is not malicious gossip. These are sensible questions,” Petra urged.
“Well, they are questions you should be asking of your husband,” Lydia added.
“I would be utterly scandalized if my husband’s ‘business’ revolved around women as yours seems to,” Regina stated.
“Utterly scandalized,” Petra agreed, shaking her head as she looked down at Bridget. “How ever do you stand it, given that he makes it so public?”
Unable to take the intense stares of the women around her—save for Katie’s, who just stared at her with open pity—Bridget drained her glass and set it down.
“I am quite sure that I am entirely unaware of what you speak of. Now, if you will excuse me, ladies,” she said, fighting back a fresh wave of tears. “I believe that I shall retire for the evening.”
She broke from the circle of women gathered around her and did her best not to run out of the parlor as she heard them snickering behind her.
“Bridget,” Katie called, hurrying behind her. “Please do not go. Ignore them!”
“I truly am exhausted, Katie,” Bridget said, trying to smile as she took her cloak from the doorman. “However, I do thank you very much for including me this evening. It was very nice to see you and, once again, I am so very happy for you.”
She took her cloak from the footman, but Katie reached for her arm before she could turn toward the door.
