Page 100 of The Quiet Wife
Leyland’s lips curled in a smile at the thought. “It had better be.”
CHAPTER 32
London – Kensington
It was just over a week since the incident with Frederick when Rosa Caldicott called. Frances was in the drawing room enjoying a moment of peace with her well-loved copy of Jane Eyre. There was nothing quite so comforting as re-reading a favourite. It was like spending the afternoon with a much loved and trusted friend and exactly what she needed after recent events. Frederick was in Liverpool, and the girls were out with Edith and William. Freddie was goodness knows where. Jemie was working at the Prince’s Gate house, so she had the place to herself. The peace was the perfect tonic. She sorely missed her little library at Speke, so a rare moment of calm was welcome.
She was contemplating ringing for tea and some of Cook’s almond biscuits when she heard the front door knocker. She paused and hoped that it was someone for Frederick that could be sent away so as not to disturb her.
She turned the page, but a tap on the door heralded the butler.
“A Mrs Caldicott to see you, ma’am.”
Shock rendered her speechless for a good moment or two before she cleared her throat. What in God’s name could Rosa possibly want?How on earth did she have the effrontery to call on her after what had happened?
If she sent her away, it would simply signal to the staff and the world that something was amiss, not to mention how Frederick would react. “Show her in,” she said eventually.
She put her book down and stood up, schooling her features into a neutral gaze.
Rosa came in and the footman closed the door. She looked beautiful in deep blue with a matching hat and plume.
“How kind of you to call, Mrs Caldicott,” Frances said after they had stared at each other awkwardly for long enough.
“It is you who are kind,” Rosa said, her head bowed and her eyes downcast.
“Was there something that you wanted?”
“To apologise.”
Frances blinked, surprised by her words. “Apology accepted.”
“Frances, please…” Rosa stepped forward, chin quirking and voice trembling. “We were such good friends.”
Frances didn’t move to meet her. A clock ticked softly, and the fire crackled as she searched for words.
“We were. Or I thought we were. It makes what you did all the harder to understand.” Rosa’s betrayal had stung far more than her husband’s.
Rosa swallowed. “Will you tell Thomas?”
So that was it. She was afraid that Frances would reveal all to her husband. She’d probably been fretting over this since the incident rather than feeling so bad she felt compelled to apologise for her actions. The thought of telling Mr Caldicott had crossed Frances’ mind but she felt that nothing would be gained in doing so.
“He won’t hear it from me.”
Rosa’s shoulders deflated with relief and tears pricked the corners of her eyes. She pulled a handkerchief from her reticule and pressed it against them.
“I don’t deserve such kindness,” she whispered.
“You don’t, but I’ve no desire to hurt your husband.”
Rosa released a choked sob. “Thank you. I should go… should leave?” she looked about helplessly as though seeking permission. Her hands continued to shake. The woman was utterly undone.
Frances sighed. “Oh, for goodness’ sake, sit down. I’ll ring for tea.” She must be run mad inviting her husband’s mistress to take tea with her, but Rosa was distraught and… well, friendship couldn’t be so easily forgotten, even if she might try, and Frances knew what Frederick could be like. Seeing Rosa now, she realised she was worried for her.
Rosa appeared shocked, but sank into a chair gratefully, holding her handkerchief to her mouth whilst Frances called for refreshment.
Once the tea tray was delivered, and refreshment poured, Frances handed a cup to Rosa. She took it, but the cup and spoon trembled in the saucer.
“Has it been going on long?”
