“Divorce is a nasty business,” James told his friends grimly. “No one who values their privacy or their reputation would ever embark on such a thing. Unless the person they wished to be rid of was utterly abhorrent.”
“The papers did outline all of the lady’s affairs,” Grayson said. “I suppose Mr. Hewitt felt his wife made a laughingstock of him and decided to seek revenge.”
James couldn’t blame the man. He knew damn well what it felt like to learn the one person you thought you could trust was a traitor, a liar, and a cheat, with no regard for the vows spoken in church.
Poor bastard.
He’d seen the hard glare in Mr. Hewitt’s eyes during the trial and had watched his wife’s unrepentant expression while her lovers described their affairs in sordid detail.
Christ, how he loathed her.
It wasn’t just the adultery either, but also the deep disappointment he’d experienced as her true character came to light. Heaven help him, he’dlikedher! If she’d not been taken, he would have encouraged additional meetings between them. And would have gotten himself unhappily trapped with yet another vile woman.
James winced and took a deep swallow from his glass. “The world could benefit greatly from men like Mr. Hewitt who are brave enough to face the repercussions in order to teach their wife a lesson.”
“It would certainly make a woman think twice about straying if the road to divorce were an easier one,” Colin said. “After all, they stand to lose a great deal more than we men.”
This was true. As humiliating as the proceedings might be for both parties, a man could win back his place in Society over time. The same could not be said of the woman, who would lose her right to her children, have the funds previously at her disposal reduced to a paltry sum just large enough for her to scrape by on, and be shunned forever.
“Let’s speak of something else,” James suggested. He was weary of contemplating Mrs. Hewitt and her husband, of the picture all the statements made against her had painted. “How is your ward, Juliana, faring, Grayson?”
“The last report I received informed me that her French is improving,” Grayson said without making eye contact.
“And?” Colin pressed when Grayson said nothing more.
Grayson frowned, took a deep breath, and slowly allowed his gaze to meet James’s. “She sacked her governess.”
Shocked laughter exploded from James and Colin simultaneously, forcing them both to choke on their drinks. Coughing fits followed while Grayson proceeded to glare at them. When James eventually managed to catch his breath, he said, “Please don’t tell me you gave her permission to do so?”
“Of course not,” Grayson said, his voice filled with undeniable annoyance. “There’s a good chance she did it to get my attention and force me back to Sutton Hall. I’ll have to give her a lecture and hire another governess. Damned nuisance.”
Sobering, James asked, “When did you see her last?”
Grayson knit his brow and stared into his glass, appearing to mull that over. “It was before Christmas, so…four months ago, perhaps a bit more.”
Colin gave a low whistle, which earned him a glower.
“Forgive me if I’m overstepping,” James said, “but that does seem unusually negligent of you.”
Grayson sighed. “Juliana is meant to have her coming out next year. Her governess had a plan which involved an endless amount of lessons in etiquette, conversational skills, dancing, and so on. I believed I’d get in the way, so I chose to stay in Town a bit longer than usual.”
James studied his friend for a moment before deciding to be completely frank. “You are all she has left, Grayson, and she is a child, stuck in a great big manor with only servants for company. I believe she’ll be happy to see you.”
“I’ve no idea what to say to a sixteen-year-old girl,” Grayson grumbled. “It was easier when she was younger and I could bring her a doll or buy her a pony. Now she’s at that awkward stage between child and woman. It’s perplexing.”
Which was no doubt the real reason Grayson had stayed away, because he wasn’t sure how to deal with Juliana any longer. The balance in their relationship would have shifted as she grew older, and she would most likely be less inclined to heed him. Michael had gone through a similar phase, arguing with James at every available turn and refusing to follow James’s advice for the sole purpose of being contrary. James was glad those days were over and did not envy Grayson having to endure it now, least of all with a girl.
“I’m sure her interests aren’t much different from those held by women.” Colin saluted his friend with his glass. “The latest fashion and London gossip ought to make excellent topics.”
“As you are the only one among us who has zero experience with children, I’m not sure you should be the first to offer advice,” James said. He shifted his gaze to Grayson. “Do not share any gossip with her. Most of it will be unsuitable for her young ears, and the rest will just make her stupid. Instead, I would suggest you try and get to know the young woman she’s growing into. Find out what her new interests are and cater to those.”
“I’ll think on it,” Grayson muttered.
“You’re not entirely correct,” Colin said.
“About what?” James asked.
Colin raised an arrogant brow. “I do have some experience with children. Isabella Bankroft has two.”
