Page 55 of Lady of Charade

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The woman’s hair was intricately styled, as though she were hosting another gathering that very evening. She wore a long, deep purple gown that Sarah was sure was of the latest fashion. Her face, while beautiful, was now marred by a deep frown.

This was Lady Torrington, Sarah recalled. She had to admit that she had not paid the woman any particular attention before. How Sarah was now supposed to explain her presence here, she had no idea, though she wondered from the chill emanating from the woman as to whether she had some suspicion as to Sarah’s identity — though how that could be, she had no idea.

“Miss Jones,” Lady Torrington said, as she seemed to practically float into the room. “My butler tells me you wish to see my husband.”

“Ah, yes, that is correct,” Sarah said, folding her hands over one another as she attempted to retain her calm.

“Unfortunately, he is not currently in residence,” Lady Torrington said, standing across the table from Sarah and motioning for her to resume her seat. Sarah did so, though she had to attempt not to fidget as she had no idea what she was supposed to say to the woman.I’m here to tell your husband that I may be his illegitimate daughter?In her initial research of the man, she knew that he had not been married at the time she was born, so at the very least, she was not the result of an extramarital affair.

“I will return at another time,” Sarah said, beginning to rise once more, but Lady Torrington held out a hand, motioning for her to remain seated.

“This is not the first time I have heard the name of Miss Jones.”

“No?” Sarah asked, surprised.

“No,” the woman said, a cold smile crossing her face. “One remembers the name of the harlot who attempted to capture my husband’s affections.”

Sarah could feel all the warmth drain out of her face.

“Excuse me?” she whispered.

“My husband and I have no secrets, Miss Jones,” Lady Torrington continued. “And, in fact, when he became aware that you might call upon him, he asked that I handle this entire…” she waved a hand in front of her as though Sarah was a pest who required exterminating and Sarah bristled. “Situation.”

“What is it you believe you know about me, Lady Torrington?” Sarah asked, willing her voice to remain steady.

“You look like her,” the woman said, not answering the question, but instead narrowing her eyes at Sarah as she studied her. “I found you familiar to me the moment I first saw you with Lady Alexander. Of course, I will never forget the woman who attempted to steal my husband away.”

“My mother never did anything to steal your husband,” Sarah responded, insulted that the Countess would think to even say such a thing. “I believe I was born before you were married.”

“Perhaps,” Lady Torrington said with a shrug. “But I was always intended for Lord Torrington, since we were children. Men like to have their fun, I realize that. As you must be aware of as well, if you are sointerestedin Mr. Redmond, who seems to be willing to do whatever it takes to find himself in your bed at the moment. But know this, Miss Jones, a man will go back to where he belongs every time, once he has had his fun. My husband certainly did.”

“My mother left of her own will,” Sarah said, wincing when she finally noticed how hard she was squeezing together the hands in her lap.

Lady Torrington snorted. “Of course she would have told you that. No, the truth was, while the Earl certainly couldn’t order her away, my husband — then the apparent heir — told her the reality of the matter. That she had been an amusing dalliance, but that was all she would ever be. That he was to marry another. I do hope you understand that, Miss Jones. Which also means that my husband wants nothing to do with you. He is aware that you might exist, and he would prefer that all remains as it is.”

Sarah swallowed the sob of despair that rose in her throat at the woman’s words.

“I want nothing from you — or from him,” Sarah said, refusing to allow her voice to waver. “I only desired the opportunity to come to know the man who might prove to be my father.”

“He isnotyour father,” Lady Torrington said, rising above Sarah now. “Legitimate children are only through marriage. You are nothing more than a by-blow. One he would prefer remained far from his life. He has no desire to acknowledge an illegitimate daughter. Return home, Miss Jones, to wherever you came from.”

Sarah rose herself, though she didn’t yet walk to the door.

“I wish to hear these words from Lord Torrington himself.”

“Not every wish comes true, darling,” the Countess said with an icy countenance. “You of anyone should know that. Do not return here. And tell your Mr. Redmond that he should desist in his quest to help you. It is beneath him.”

Not caring about being rude — for this woman had far surpassed such a thing herself — Sarah refused to look at her any longer but strode past her toward the door before the tears that threatened began to rain. She would not give this woman the satisfaction of seeing such a thing.

“You will never compare to a woman like Lady Georgina.”

Keep walking, Sarah,she told herself, well aware this woman was only trying to goad her into a reaction. But Sarah had always been the curious sort — far too much for her own good.

She reached the door, had her hand on the handle — but then she turned around.

“Who is Lady Georgina?”

“Why, your Mr. Redmond’s betrothed,” the woman said with a satisfied smile. “Lady Georgina, daughter of Lord and Lady Buckworth of Bath. They are in London for a time in order to finalize this arrangement. Surely Mr. Redmond didn’t neglect to inform you of the fact? Oh… I see perhaps he did. My sincerest apologies, Miss Jones. And best of luck.”