Elizabeth heard the second woman reply angrily. “My mother cannot bear the sight of her. Women like Samantha Adams ought not to be admitted into good society. How is it that an unmarried girl may be ruined merely by being found alone in a room with a gentleman, while widows and married women of questionable character conduct themselves as they please, without consequence?”
“Not every woman may behave so,” the other replied. “She is the daughter of an earl, well-connected, possessed of a considerable fortune, and has been a widow these many years. Such advantages incline society to look the other way, provided her affairs are conducted with discretion. But we shall see if her new husband will allow her to carry on as she has been used to doing.”
“Amelia, if ever I marry, I shall see that such a woman keeps far from my husband.”
“And how do you propose to accomplish that when so many women have been unable to do so?”
“I would call upon her and make myself perfectly understood.”
“Threaten her?” Amelia asked, amused. “With what?”
“I would tell her that, unless she wishes her name printed in the society papers as a courtesan, she would do well to keep her distance.”
Amelia laughed. “Then I shall do the same when my turn comes.”
Elizabeth felt sick. She pressed her hand to her stomach and struggled for composure, willing herself not to lose the contents of her stomach.
At last, the ladies departed. Elizabeth remained still for a moment, then stepped out from her concealment. How she was to return to the ballroom, she could not immediately determine.
Then she remembered.
He had told her he had never kept a mistress. He had spoken plainly, even with anger, insisting he was not that sort of man. She could not doubt his sincerity. She closed her eyes in relief. He was a good man. He had said that he and his forefathers had been patrons of the Church.
She would put that woman in her place, this very night.
Elizabeth made her way to Lady Helen’s side and curtsied to Lady Helen and Lady Abigail, who stood with her.
“Lady Helen, I pray you will excuse me. I must ask a favor, and you may think me impertinent.”
Lady Helen looked at her closely. “You are distressed. Elizabeth, what could have distressed you at your own ball?”
“Mrs. Adams approached Fitzwilliam and claimed him as though he were her own, taking hold of his arm and leading him away from me. He was speaking to me when she came up and removed him, without acknowledging my presence or apologizing for the intrusion. It was a marked and public disrespect. I have since learned that she is a courtesan and a wanton, and she may be in search of another client.”
Lady Helen took Elizabeth’s hand. “Calm yourself. How may I assist you?”
“My lady, I ask that you introduce me to her. I wish to put her in her place.”
Lady Abigail spoke. “Mother, I wish to come as well. I will not have any wanton attempting to ensnare my husband.”
Lady Helen looked between them. “And what do you intend to threaten her with, Elizabeth?”
“I intend to tell her that, since she presumed to approach my husband in public before his new bride, I shall retaliate by publishing her name in the society papers as a wanton who is no longer to be received in good society.”
The three ladies fell silent.
“That would serve,” Lady Helen said. “She remains tolerated only because she has been discreet, though many women despise her for making it known she holds their husbands in her power. I shall do it. Come, girls. My standing is above hers. She shall not lay hands upon either of my sons or upon my nephew.”
The three ladies made their way through the crowd to Mrs. Adams. Lady Helen addressed the guests within the woman’s circle. “You will excuse me, gentlemen, Patricia. I have business with Mrs. Adams.”
She then placed her arm within Mrs. Adams’s and said, “You will come with me.” As the four ladies made their way out of the ballroom, many of the guests paused to observe and wonder at the cause of Lady Helen’s displeasure.
“Elizabeth, bring that candlestick.”
They entered a closed parlor, lit only by the single candle.
Lady Helen spoke, her voice resolute. “Samantha, your dealings with married men are well known, and you are a woman much disliked. I am sad to admit that many of my friends know your reputation firsthand. This evening, you showed poor judgment in approaching my nephew before his bride. You offered her every possible insult. You were not discreet, and those nearby witnessed the offense. By morning, all will know of it.”
Mrs. Adams appeared to have lost her arrogance.
