“Then run along and do try to avoid instigating another scandal,” her father ordered in a dry tone.
Enid stared at her father for a moment, unsure of what she should say. Her father was so cruel to her and would never let her forget her past mistakes.
Her father glared at her. “Why are you still here?” he asked. “Can’t you see that I have work to do?”
Taking a step closer to the desk, she ignored the annoyance that flashed on his features and she asked, “Why do you hate me?”
“Hate you?” her father asked with a shake of his head. “I don’t hate you.”
“You don’t?” She almost sighed in relief at that news. Perhaps they could one day mend their relationship.
Her father continued. “But every time I look at you, I get disappointed all over again. You let this family down; you letmedown. And that is something that one can never get over.”
“I am sorry, Father,” she said. “How can I ever make this right?”
“I’m afraid you can’t.”
“Are we just to go on living with one another as we have been?”
Her father picked up the quill and dipped it into the ink pot. “That is right,” he replied. “Your mother and brother may want you here, but I do not. Remember that.”
Enid was dismissed as he turned his attention to the documents on his desk and began to write. Her father had clearly put her into her place… again. But that didn’t mean she wouldn’t fight for change. She couldn’t go on, day in and day out, tiptoeing around her father, afraid to incite his anger.
But what could she do? Her father had no intention of ever reconciling with her. Knowing there was no point in engaging her father any further, she hurried out of the study and down the corridor.
Once she arrived at the drawing room, she stepped inside and saw a maid was sitting in the corner and Lord Rushcliffe was standing by the hearth.
Enid took a moment to admire Lord Rushcliffe’s handsome face and fine clothing before saying, “I apologize for keeping you waiting, my lord.”
Lord Rushcliffe turned to face her and when their eyes met, her heart started to beat faster. “Lady Enid,” he said with a bow.
Enid approached him but was mindful to keep proper distance. “Have you any news?”
“I do,” he replied, glancing at the maid in the corner. “Can she be trusted?”
“She can,” Enid replied.
Lord Rushcliffe took a step closer to her and in a hushed voice asked, “Did Lady Eugenie ever mention a Lottie?”
“No, but she does have a sister named Charlotte. Perhaps she goes by Lottie?”
“How old is Lottie?”
“I believe she would be about seventeen years old now.” She paused. “Why?”
He grew solemn. “I found letters that were addressed to Lottie in my brother’s apartment,” he revealed.
“You don’t think that Lottie was having an affair with your brother, do you?”
“It isn’t inconceivable.”
“But she is only seventeen.”
Lord Rushcliffe pursed his lips. “I do not believe age mattered to my brother,” he shared. “He was a cad and preyed on all women, at least the ones that were handsome enough to tempt him.”
“That is awful.”
“I won’t disagree with you there.” Lord Rushcliffe shifted in his stance. “Do you know if Lady Eugenie held affection for my brother?”
