He froze at that and returned his full attention to Honora. Slowly, he folded his arms. “Shehas made it painfully clear that she wants nothing of the sort,” he said, and was glad his voice didn’t tremble. “However, Florence is always welcome to discuss anything she has on her mind. We’re married, or at least we will be for a little while longer. Until Southwater wraps it all up.”
At that, Honora’s face twisted with disgust. “Southwater,” she repeated.
He arched a brow. “You don’t approve?”
“She’s destroying herself,” Honora spat. “And everyone else around her.”
“I’m well aware of everything she’s destroying,” he retorted. “But we’re here now and she’s made her choice. Quite publicly. I don’t know what else there would be to discuss.”
“I understand.” She shifted. “But will you go to her? At the house he’s put her in? Tomorrow at ten?”
Discomfort washed over Vaughn and he was shocked at its source. He didn’t feel wrong about seeing Florence. Well, that wasn’t entirely true, but it was more that the idea of calling on her in such a private way felt…wrong. Like it might be a betrayal of Evie, despite the fact that Florence was hiswife. It was such a backward emotion that he took a moment before he responded as he grappled with it and then forced it back.
“I can call if you’re certain it’s what she wishes,” he finally said.
Honora sighed. “Nothing is certain. But thank you for agreeing. I realize you have no obligation to do so. Goodbye.”
He jolted at the finality of that farewell as she departed without waiting for his response. But of course, itwasfinal, wasn’t it? Paperwork would be signed shortly and then it was very unlikely he would ever interact with anyone in his former wife’s family again. They would all avoid each other, try not to go to the same parties, ignore each other if they found themselves in a common room or park or museum.
It truly would be as if none of the last five years had happened. The good or the bad.
The groom appeared with his horse and Vaughn tried to gather himself as he swung up and started onto the road back home. But he felt entirely sick as he did so, and he didn’t think that feeling would change for some time.
CHAPTER17
Evelina paced the tables piled with remarkable fabrics, touching a few as she passed, trying to picture what they would look like when they had been transformed into a gorgeous gown that would draw men in and make them want.
Well, not men. Man. One singular man was all she considered as she perused. Vaughn. She hated herself for it. After all, she would likely not even still be with him by the time this fabric or that was made into a new gown for the winter. It wouldn’t matter if she picked a green that matched his eyes perfectly, or chose a cut that would make him long to touch her through the silk.
“Oh, Evelina! How wonderful to see you!”
She turned from her sad little musings to find that Simone Stanhope had entered the shop. The celebrated courtesan was a good friend to Evelina and both her sisters. She and Arabella, especially, were very close. Evelina was pleased for the interruption and moved to embrace her with a smile. “Simone, it feels like it’s been an age! How are you, dearest?”
“Very well. I’m just here to pick up a new gown. I was out and about and told Madame Fontaine I would come to her rather than have her deliver it.”
“Ah, Miss Stanhope!” Madame Fontaine said as she came from the back as if she’d sensed the entry of a new customer. “I do have that gown. Let me fetch it.”
When they were alone again, Simone linked her arm through Evelina’s. “Let me guess, you are choosing some new fabrics for some gorgeous gowns that Lord Blackburn may strip off you.”
Evelina laughed, even though her friend’s teasing was far too close to the thoughts she’d been having. “One does like to refresh the wardrobe when it comes to a new arrangement.”
“Indeed,” Simone said, and there was a brightness to her gaze that Evelina found herself envying. She had no idea who Simone was currently taking to her bed, but it seemed she was enjoying herself.
“Oh, Simone, that fabric is lovely,” she said, happy for the interruption as Madame Fontaine reappeared with a gorgeous rose-pink gown draped over her arm. “That’s my aunt’s favorite color, you know.”
“Is it?” Simone said with a small smile. “Well, then I hope I’ll bump into her while I’m wearing it. We do see each other from time to time out in the world.”
“She always blushes when she hears your name,” Evelina said with a laugh. “And often asks after you.”
Simone lifted her brows. “I’m glad to hear it. I enjoy her company any time I’m in it.”
“And I suppose she must be a little source oftongossip for the courtesan network.”
At that Simone’s expression fell. “No, I would never think to use her for information.” When Evelina drew back at the strength of that response, she shook her head. “I only mean that your very sweet aunt is too gentle a soul to gossip with me. But Ihaveheard some gossip if you are interested.”
Evelina found herself a little more interested in what kind of friendship Simone and Caroline were forming that made Simone so uncharacteristically reactive, but she nodded regardless. “You know I do love some gossip.”
“Your Southwater and Lady Blackburn were turned away from an assembly last night.”
