Cynthia reached out a hand and pulled Clio into a tight embrace. ‘Save me. I cannot endure another evening of her salacious confidences alone,’ she whispered before releasing Clio and pasting a bright smile on her perfectly stained lips.
Clio squeezed her hand in a silent promise to remain near. ‘She is rather insatiable. I suppose one must admire her stamina.’
Cynthia’s dry laugh held sharp edges. ‘It’s been so long, I hardly remember.’
Clio wasn’t sure how to respond. Luckily, Lady Langley saved her by joining their duo. ‘There you are! I must say, Cynthia, your brother’s reputation is far more scandalous than the man himself. I dare say I’m disappointed.’
Cynthia’s eyes hardened. ‘Don’t tell me you believe the gossips. They’ll say any manner of lies to keep their sycophants titillated.’
‘Hardly lies when every widow, harlot, and actress south of Cambridge had a tale to tell of their wild nights with Lieutenant General Grey once upon a time.’
‘There are a million justifiable reasons why a man might turn from his marriage bed to seek comfort in the arms of another, Diana. Of all people, you should understand that.’ It was a sharp barb, and Clio’s respect for Cynthia grew.
‘His wife might have a different view.’ Lady Langley’s tone turned frigid.
‘Wife no longer, and I am glad of it. I will not discussthatwoman.’
Lady Langley raised a brow as her eyes narrowed like a hound scenting blood. ‘The court certainly agreed withthatwoman. They felt your brother’s behaviour beyond the pale.’
Unexpected rage welled in Clio. How dare a woman as wanton as the duchess cast judgement upon anyone? A spark from the fire popped, landing on Lady Langley’s skirt. The duchess screeched, knocking the ember free, but not before it singed her gown.
Cynthia’s hand shook as she helped swat the smouldering silk.
‘Beyond the pale!’ Sir Robin blinked at Clio, but try as she might, she couldn’t feel guilty. She didn’t know why Thomas sought out other women during his marriage, but whatever the reason, she wanted to understand. Lady Langley was right about his reputation, but it did not align with the man she knew. And she would not judge him without knowing the details.
‘Let me help you with your gown.’ Clio could see the effort it took Cynthia to keep her voice pleasant as she attempted to assist Lady Langley.
The duchess pulled away from her. ‘I have many close friends, Cynthia. I don’t need help from those not willing to give it freely.’ She turned in a rustle of silk and lace to join a tittering group of ladies on the far side of the room.
‘Blast! I shall have to make it up to her somehow.’ Cynthia turned to Clio, a false smile on her lips as tears of frustration shone in her eyes.
‘Why? In the little I’ve observed of your friendship, it does not seem the duchess brings much to the table.’
Cynthia burst into laughter. ‘One of the wealthiest, most highly titled women in the beau monde isn’t doing her fair share in our friendship?’ She shook her head, her joy dying as quickly as it appeared. ‘Not all of us are free to flout society’s rules, Clio. Some must bend their will to husbands, duchesses, and all manner of ugliness.’ Her harsh words were softened by a small smile. ‘But notyou. I admire you, Clio. And I’m honest enough to admit I also envy you.’
The men rejoined the party, and Thomas walked across the floor to join Clio and Cynthia.
Cynthia deftly changed subjects, her pleasant mask back in place. ‘How was your interview with poor little Anna?’
Clio wished she could have responded to Cynthia. She wished she could have told her that she respected her immensely for standing tall when so much weighed her down. But the moment had passed. ‘Informative,’ she said instead.
‘Confounding,’ Thomas countered as he stood closer to Clio than was entirely polite. But Lady Langley’s guests were far too deep in their cups to notice.
Cynthia looked from one to the other. ‘Marvellous. So, the investigation is going well.’ She didn’t attempt to hide her smile.
‘It would be better if I could talk to Berty alone. Flatter him a bit while he’s soused. There’s a world of information a man will share if he’s properly motivated.’
‘Absolutely not.’ Thomas’ growl had the fine hairs on her arms raising as her inner muscles clenched.
Cynthia looked from Clio to Thomas and back again. ‘I think I shall just… err… make amends with Lady Langley. An unpleasant task is best handled immediately.’ She glided across the parlour floor, leaving only Clio and Thomas.
‘I know you prefer to take charge, but we are a team, Clio. I won’t have you alone with that disgusting man.’
Clio lifted her chin and kept her eyes on Lady Langley. As soon as Cynthia approached her, she flitted to a different group, forcing Cynthia to chase her like a lap dog looking for a treat. Clio wished she had flung a larger coal, one that singed more than just Lady Langley’s skirts.
‘That woman is a harridan.’
He followed her gaze. ‘What’s going on?’
