Page 68 of Passions of a Wicked Earl
“No, he had a matter to which he needed to attend.”
“I see.” She heard the disapproval in his voice.
“It was very urgent,” she assured him.
“I’m certain it was.”
And she suspected he thought her husband was with another woman. “Things are very good with our marriage.”
He seemed surprised, and she realized she’d accurately judged what he was thinking about Westcliffe. “Are they?”
“Yes, we’ve made amends.”
“I’m very glad to hear that.”
She didn’t know where to take the conversation, so she said, “My sister, Beth, is in London for the Season.”
“Is she?” Lady Lynnford asked with true delight. “A pity our sons have no interest in marriage at the moment.”
She tried to remember their ages. She thought they were younger than Stephen. “Ainsley feels the same,” she said.
“And what of Stephen? Do you hear from him?” Lynnford asked.
“No. His regiment must be keeping him very busy.”
“I’m sure it is.”
“Well, my dear,” Lady Lynnford said, squeezing her hand. “We must go speak with others. Do not be a stranger.”
“I won’t.”
Watching them walk away, she wondered if Lynnford had always been so disapproving of Westcliffe. She wouldn’t let his doubts about her husband weigh on her. She would know if he’d been with Lady Anne. She’d know—
“He trusted you to come alone?”
Spinning around, to her immense surprise, she found herself facing Lady Anne Cavill. She was stunningly gorgeous. There were no other words to describe her. And she smelled strongly of lilac. Claire forced herself to smile politely. “I don’t believe we’ve been formally introduced.”
“But I know who you are, and I suspect you know who I am.” She glanced around. “I’ve not seen Westcliffe here.”
“I’m not surprised. As he’s not here, which I assume you knew since you mentioned my coming alone.”
Lady Anne smiled, but there was nothing generous or kind in it. “You have not won him, my dear.”
Claire’s stomach knotted up so tightly that she almost doubled over.
“You may have him for the Season,” Lady Anne continued, “but I shall have him for always.”
“No,” Claire said coolly. “I will not give him up, not to you, not to anyone. There will be no divorce.”
“Is that what he told you?” She looked at Claire as though she were a silly child, as though she’d not changed or grown at all since her wedding night. “A man will always change his mind given the right incentive.”
“He won’t. And neither will I.”
“For your sake, I hope you’re right. I don’t know if you could survive another scandal.”
“Do not make the mistake of underestimating me. I will fight to keep him.”
She arched a brow. “It seems you’re not quite the gullible girl he said you were.”
