“How could I not, living with my father as he was? My husband? They both took to punish. Gracious, I didn’t even get to meet you until after my marriage. My father kept you from me.”
Bethany reached out and took her hand, and for a moment the two women sat together in teary silence. Then her aunt said, “It was a devilish thing, to lose my sister and then have you torn away from our family. But we are together now. Reunited.”
“And my father, no matter how he judges and rails, cannot do anything about it.”
Her aunt shifted. “Does he know that you see me now?”
“I suppose he must. Since I…” Katherine blushed and ducked her head. “Now, how did he put it? Since Imurdered my husband with my whore’s ways, he has scarcely spoken to me. It has been a blissful time, in truth. Though I’m sure he will reinsert himself in my life now that I’m back in Society.”
Bethany’s face paled. “I worry about you. He can be cruel, I know.”
“He has far less power now that I am independent,” Katherine said with a shrug. “He can rail away all he likes, but I am a widow and that has given me…I suppose one might call it power.”
Bethany seemed to be about to reply when Katherine’s butler, Wilkes, stepped into the doorway. “I’m sorry to disturb you, my lady, but you have a guest.”
Katherine got up as he crossed the room to deliver it. It was gilded and on heavy paper, and as she looked at it, her eyes went wide. “The Duchess of Tyndale?”
He nodded. “Yes, my lady. Shall I inform her that you are in residence?”
“Certainly,” she said, though she cast a quick glance at Bethany. Her aunt had also gotten to her feet. As Wilkes departed to bring their unexpected companion, Katherine pursed her lips. “This group of duchesses is very persistent.”
Bethany tilted her head. “Does that mean you doubt their true desire to be a friend to you?”
“How could I not considering my stained reputation? It’s difficult to assume anyone would want to be near me except for some ulterior motive.” Katherine sighed and felt the sound down to her very soul.
Her aunt crossed to her and took her hand. “I know the Duchess of Northfield, at least a little, and you said you were once friendly with the Duchess of Donburrow. Can we agree they are both kind women?”
“Yes.”
Bethany smiled gently. “Then perhaps we should not judge their choice of friends so harshly. Assume the best.”
Katherine bristled at that idea, of letting her guard down only to perhaps be hurt. But before she could address it, Wilkes returned with the Duchess of Tyndale, introducing her briefly before he excused himself.
“Your Grace,” Katherine said, coming across the chamber to take her hand. “What a lovely surprise. Do you remember my aunt, Mrs. Sambrook?”
The duchess’s gaze flitted to her aunt, and Katherine thought she saw a bit of disappointment in her stare. But it was erased in a moment as she smiled kindly. “Of course. From the party a few days ago. Lovely to see you again. I am so sorry to call on you without an invitation.”
Katherine shook her head. “There’s no need. We were just having tea. Would you like to join us?”
Again, the duchess’s gaze flitted to Bethany, and then she nodded. “Of course. That would be wonderful.”
Bethany stepped forward. “You know, dearest Katherine, I was actually thinking that I ought to depart. I have a matter of some urgency that I’ve been putting off. Would it be very rude of me to cry off?”
“I—no—I—what matter?”
Bethany wrinkled her brow. “Nothing to concern yourself about.”
“I hope you aren’t leaving because of me,” the duchess said, but there was no mistaking the expression of relief on her face.
“Of course not,” Bethany said with a kind smile.
“Very well,” Katherine said. “Let me show you to the foyer. Your Grace, I will be right back. Please make yourself comfortable.”
The duchess smiled as she walked to the window to look out on Katherine’s little garden. Katherine linked arms with her aunt and together they walked toward the foyer.
“What are you doing?” Katherine asked through clenched teeth as she glanced over her shoulder to ensure the duchess could not hear them.
“The woman clearly wishes to speak to you alone,” Bethany whispered. “I realize you are reticent to make friends under your current circumstances, but these duchesses could be very helpful in your return to Society. You ought to at least hear her out. Call on me later and tell me how it went.”
