Lucy finished pinning back her hair, inspecting her reflection in the mirror before she joined Aunt Sera and Rue for breakfast. She had returned around midnight, only to be met by Aunt Sera, who had stayed up waiting after she found out from Freddy where Lucy had been. She explained why she was dressed the way she was and where she and Chase had gone. Surprisingly, Aunt Sera didn’t think she had gone too far with her outlandish plan after everything had been explained.
Now, nine hours later, she was in her widow weeds and sensible boots. She had decided to leave her hair in a more lax knot, rather than her usual taut bun. The only disconcerting marks from her disguise last night were some red lines under her eyes and near her hairline where she had worn the mask. She had scrubbed thoroughly, washing away the sweat near her torso, under her arms, and sponging away any other unsightly residue in between her legs. During her bathing, she spotted a small purple bruise near her collarbone. Memories of Tisha sucking and licking her there came back, and she wiped the mark, as if that would make it disappear. If she went out later in the day, she would wear her shawl to cover it up. But then she realized she had left her shawl in the room she and Tisha had been in. Unless she sent a message asking for it back or went to fetch it, she would have to do without. Instead, she wore a dress with a high collar.
She left her bedroom, her mind in turmoil not only about Colby and Father, but Tisha, who made her fully aware of her shameful attraction she thought would never rise in such a manner again. She would have to take more care, especially if she came in contact with Irena at any point during her stay.
She entered the dining room, where Aunt Sera and Rue ate their breakfast. Both women appeared bright-eyed and happy, while she felt rundown. Hopefully, she could nap later.
“Lucy, I’m glad you are able to join us after your late night.” Aunt Sera waved her over.
She sat next to Rue and hugged her. “I’m usually up as soon as the sun rises. It’s not often I stay up so late,” she explained and thanked the maid who poured her coffee.
Rue patted her mouth with a napkin. “Aunt Sera told me what you did last night. You’re brave for entering such a den of inequity.”
“How could you tell Rue?” Lucy admonished her aunt.
“Don’t get upset at Aunt Sera. I had gone to your room before bed and it was empty,” Rue explained. “Freddy said you went out with Chase last night. Aunt Sera told me where only a short time ago.”
“It wasn’t as depraved as I thought it would be. Most of what I witnessed was people dancing and drinking. I didn’t investigate the game rooms or on the upper levels. I wore a mask the entire time, so there shouldn’t be any negative gossip from our friends and neighbors.” She crossed her fingers. There were only two people she had to worry about spreading rumors.
“I would have loved to see you in my gown. Freddy told me you were striking.” Rue patted her hand.
She sipped her coffee. “The gown was beautiful. It’s been a long time since I’ve worn such a garment. I’m sorry for not asking to borrow it in the first place. I wasn’t sure how you would react.”
Rue curled her fingers around Lucy’s hand. “I’m just happy you were able to find Colby and no harm came to him.”
“No harm?” Aunt Sera snorted. “The boy was intoxicated and had to be carted home by Chase. I don’t understand why he’s acting this way.”
“He’s been acting up for over a year now, ever since he found the Pythos club. Nothing good can come of that place.” Rue shook her head. “At least Lucy is here to talk some sense into him.”
She bit her jam-covered toast and chewed slowly. She hated how Rue and Chase wanted her to handle Colby. Why had this responsibility been placed on her shoulders?
“I can’t do it alone. I think it would benefit Colby if we all talked to him. Later today, Chase is going to bring him by. We can all sit and talk—”
The doorbell rang, and the sounds of the door opening and two female voices carried into the room. Walter walked in with the visitors behind him.
“Excuse me, but the Misses Keyes are here to see Mrs. Endcott,” he announced and bowed.
Lucy left the table and met Viola and Polly Keyes, her neighbors from down the street. She ran into their waiting arms, and they all gave one another kisses and happy greetings.
“We’re delighted to see you again! Sorry we’ve come so early this morning, but we couldn’t wait to see you. It’s been forever.” Polly, the younger of the siblings, smiled cheerfully.
“I wish we could have visited under better circumstances.” Viola’s eyes shone with sympathy. “How’s your father faring?”
“He can’t talk or barely move.” She lowered her voice. “We’re not sure how much more time he has.”
“Oh, Lucy,” both the sisters said and embraced her.
She blinked back her tears and turned, indicating Aunt Sera and Rue. “My Aunt Sera has accompanied me from Dorset. You’re more than welcome to join us for breakfast if you like.”
“Yes, please take a seat.” Rue rose and winced, arching her back. “I’m going to relax in the salon where it’s more comfortable. Aunt Sera, would you like to join me? I can show you the latest fashion magazine from Paris and the most adorable baby gowns I would love to purchase for this little Dalton.” She rubbed her protruding stomach for emphasis.
“I would love to.” Aunt Sera stood and nodded at Viola and Polly. “A pleasure to make your acquaintance, ladies. Lucy has mentioned you both many times and has shared your letters.”
The sisters beamed in pleasure, and Lucy smiled, ecstatic they had come for a visit. All three had been close growing up, and she missed that camaraderie. She didn’t have any close friends in Dorset like the Keyes sisters.
After Aunt Sera and Rue left the room, Lucy sat with Viola and Polly and welcomed the conversation to forget about her family’s current drama and concentrate on the friends who always made her laugh.
* * *
When Polly and Viola invited Lucy to join them in a shopping excursion, she accepted. They cheered, telling her to grab her reticule and whatever else she needed for their outing. At first, she almost refused because she felt guilty for spending the day with her friends while her father suffered, but she decided fresh air and the company of these two bubbly women was just what she needed. Rue and Aunt Sera agreed when she told them she would be going out. They waved her away and told her to have fun. Lucy and her friends ended up on Regent Street, where most of the shops she used to frequent years ago still resided.
While Viola and Polly inspected a bonnet displayed in the front window of a milliner, Lucy drifted to a nice selection of scarves and shawls in the back. Unless she figured how to send a message to Tisha, asking to return her shawl, she would have to purchase a new one. A yellow cashmere caught her fancy.
She rubbed the fabric, enjoying the way it felt, and was pleased by the price. She lifted the shawl, ready to wrap it around her shoulders, when she heard her name. The shawl dropped to the floor. Irena had found her.
“Lucy, turn around,” Irena ordered.
She held her breath and faced the woman. Irena was still as beautiful as she had been the last time she had seen her. It was almost five years ago when Irena, recently widowed, had visited Dorset with the purpose to see Lucy once again and renew their friendship. She had been weak and welcomed Irena back into her life, which had disastrous results because of their affair that had run the course of the summer.
Irena had always worn red well. It was her favorite color. Her dress today was a dark burgundy with small velvet bows lining the front. The swells of her breasts were displayed perfectly, and Lucy averted her eyes before she focused on them too intently. She had touched and tasted the ample flesh on more than one occasion. Irena had done the same with Lucy’s bosom, pressing soft kisses on every inch of skin, admiring her nipples that had always tightened under such scrutiny.
They did now, and she cursed her reaction. She started to wrap her arms around her waist to cover her body’s reaction but halted the movement. She didn’t want Irena to know how she still affected her.
“You look different without the mask.” Irena eyed Lucy’s chest covered adequately like most of her dresses she owned. “Although I prefer the daring gown you wore last night. You looked ravishing in it.”
She could lie and say she had no idea what Irena meant, but it was no use. She grabbed the shawl off the floor and studied the pretty fabric. “Yes, I was at that club last night. I went to find Colby, who frequents there far too often. He’s needed at home because of our father, who has fallen ill.”
“Yes, I heard of Geoff’s illness. I’m sorry to hear it.” Irena traced Lucy’s arm with her finger.
She shifted to the side to escape Irena’s touch. “Please don’t do that. It makes me uncomfortable.”
“Uncomfortable?” Irena snorted. “You never used to complain before. Why, I can remember when we explored the woods near your husband’s property and it was warm enough that we disrobed and took a dip in the lake—”
“Shh!” Lucy hissed and glared at her. “I can’t stand here and make nice with you after all that has happened. I need to go—”
Irena’s arm shot out, stopping her from leaving. She fell back on her heels, staring past Irena’s shoulder. Polly waved, and Lucy smiled in order to hide her distress.
“You’re correct. We can’t stay here and talk. We need to discuss matters alone.” Irena dipped her face closer. “This separation of ours has gone on long enough. We must talk things through. You’ll make your excuses to the ladies you’re with and come home with me. We can have luncheon and catch up.”
She wouldn’t put it past Irena to make a scene. She had done it once before, in front of Giles, which led to his mistrust and anger. Irena didn’t like the word no, least of all from her.
“I’ll have lunch with you, but to talk, nothing else. Understand?” She lifted her chin, daring Irena to argue.
Irena laughed and blew in Lucy’s ear. She shuddered, and, pushing Irena aside, went to pay for her purchase and to explain to the Keyes siblings that she forgot about another appointment.