Winnie and Catherine were sitting in Winnie’s garden, both of them dressed in black as was suitable for their recent status in the world, one a widow, the other mourning the loss of her father.
“Even though you’re in mourning, you seem quite cheerful,” Catherine said.
Winnie smiled slyly. “I’ve been speaking with Dr. Graves on occasion, and I’m thinking of trying to raise funds to build a hospital.”
“Oh, that would be lovely and would give you something to occupy your time.”
“That’s what I thought. He’s a rather nice man, even if he is a commoner, and I don’t think I shall ever get married again. I think you have the right of it. Be independent, do as you like, not be weighted down by a husband.”
It all sounded so fine in principle, but in practice, Catherine spent far too much time thinking of Claybourne.
As though knowing where Catherine’s thoughts had drifted, Winnie said, “I have it on good authority that Mr. Marcus Langdon has removed his petition to reclaim the estates as his from the courts.”
“He’d have not won. Claybourne is the rightful heir.”
“So people are saying. I’ve heard that he’s even being issued invitations to various functions. And it’s rumored that Mr. Langdon has been seen in Claybourne’s company on several occasions—laughing as though they’re dear friends. Is that not a strange turn of events?”
“Claybourne can be quite charming when he sets his mind to it. And they are cousins, after all.”
“I’ve also heard that Mr. Langdon is seeing after some of Claybourne’s business interests, and his income for his services is more than five thousand a year.”
Yes, Catherine could see Claybourne being that generous.
“For a widow who is not supposed to be out and about, you’re certainly keeping up with the gossip,” she said wryly.
“I have visitors on occasion. Lady Charlotte stopped by just yesterday. She anticipates being betrothed before the Season is out.”
“I thought she wanted a titled husband.”
“I daresay she’ll settle for a wealthy one.”
Catherine laughed lightly, enjoying Winnie’s company immensely. She was almost as lively as she’d been when she was a younger woman and she and Catherine had their coming out.
“Is your brother settling in as duke?” Winnie asked.
“Oh, yes. Although I’d forgotten how serious he can be. He still hasn’t forgiven me for all the scandalous gossip I’ve caused, which makes him rather difficult to live with.”
“I can well imagine.”
“Can you?” She leaned across the table and took Winnie’s hand where it rested beside the teacup. “Then you’ll understand why I can’t stay.”
“Whatever do you mean?”
“I’ve decided to go to America.”
“For a holiday?”
“No, for the rest of my life.”
Winnie appeared horrified. “No, you can’t. Whatever will I do without you here?”
“You’re stronger than you realize, Winnie, and you’ll come to know the truth of that much more quickly if I’m not here.”
“But America—it’s so far away. What will you do there?”
“I’m not certain. I suppose I shall have to find some sort of employment. Although Father did leave me a small bit of money that isn’t part of the entailment. If I invest and live frugally, I think I shall be able to manage.”
“Stay here. You can live with me. Two single women—”
“I can’t, Winnie.”
“Why not?”
There were so many reasons. But only one that truly mattered. She squeezed Winnie’s hand. “I’m with child.”
Winnie’s eyes bugged, her jaw dropped. “Good God, no! Catherine, you’re not married.”
“Believe me, I’m well aware of that.” Still, she smiled, unable to contain her joy and excitement.
“Who’s the father? Oh, my God, it’s not Claybourne is it? Oh, it is.”
Winnie was asking questions and answering them without giving Catherine a chance to respond.
“And the blackguard won’t marry you?”
“He doesn’t know, and even if he did, he loves someone else.”
“It doesn’t matter who he loves. He brought this shame to you—”
“I don’t feel any shame, Winnie. I want this child, I want him desperately.”
“But he’ll be a bastard.”
She shook her head quickly. “No one need know. I shall wear my mother’s wedding ring. I shall tell people I’m a widow. My husband died tragically in a railway accident. Lord knows we’ve had enough of those of late.”