Page 13 of The Viscount of Shadows

“Oliver Wollstonecraft was just here,” Eleanora replied. “He has hired the agency, and I was filling in Claudia about The Rakes.”

Olivia grinned. “A handsome cluster of naughty men, to be certain.”

“Olivia, sorry to interrupt,” Claudia interjected. “I meant to call on you before this, but I have been busy with training. I know you were told about my real first name, but I wanted to tell you in person about my actual last name, at least the one my mother put on my birth certificate. My father is Whinstone. I am Claudia Ellingford.”

Olivia’s friendly smile disappeared. “Whinstone?”

“Yes. The duke kept my mother in a few rented rooms at Eaton Place. He didn’t come around much and hardly paid me any mind. Then we were dispatched to other places, each address heading toward absolute poverty until he cut us off altogether. Things went from bad to worse. My mother fell seriously ill, and I asked Whinstone for money to care for her in a decent room. But he refused to see me.”

“Oh, that horrible beast,” Olivia seethed.

“My mother died soon after, and I was alone. I had no one to turn to.”

Olivia placed her hand over Claudia’s and squeezed it in support. “I know, for it happened to me when my adopted father abandoned me in London. There is nothing worse than being alone on the streets.”

Claudia nodded, unable to speak. A haze of hot tears glistened in her eyes as unfamiliar emotions swelled, but she blinked the tears back. Try as she might, there was no keeping the reaction in check, not when speaking about this. This bleak part of her life caused irreparable harm, scarring her soul and damaging her ability to deal with people and properly regulate her emotions.

“Whenever you are ready to talk about it, I’m here,” Olivia whispered. “For I understand more than anyone.” More loudly, she said, “Gideon and I are staying in London for the rest of the autumn and part of the winter as renovations continue at Foxmont. I want us to see each other, Claudia, and Gideon wishes to know you. He understands you are not related to him by blood, but there is a tie through marriage. Soon, I will tell you about Whinstone. You know he is in prison?”

Watford? What would her tie be to Olivia’s husband? Illegitimate stepsister?

Hell’s bells.

“Yes, Althea had mentioned Whinstone’s imprisonment. We will talk of it later to be sure.”

Olivia released her hand from Claudia’s. “You will find no finer friends than the Galway sisters. Allow yourself to be open to new relationships, Claudia. I know it won’t be easy to trust—anyone. But do make an effort. I still find it problematic.”

Claudia nodded. A lump had formed in her throat. Trust. It will take work. She could try.

Olivia understood her well despite not knowing each other long. Claudia found Olivia’s frank revelations and observations refreshing. Yes, if anyone comprehended living on the streets, Olivia would. Perhaps discussing it with someone when she is ready will lessen the nightmares and permit her to deal better with people and feelings.

Olivia patted her hand in reassurance and turned toward the doorway. “Ah, Mrs. Bartle. Thank you.” The housekeeper placed a plate, and a cup and saucer before her. “I am hungry.”

Eleanora poured the tea. Then, the platters were passed around.

“I am holding an afternoon tea in two weeks to raise money for Chellenhome,” Olivia declared as she placed numerous sandwich slices on her plate. “Althea said she would attend. I wish for you both to attend, as well.”

Claudia choked on her tea and coughed. “You can’t be serious. Me? Among rich ladies? No, thank you.”

“Like me, you are a daughter of a duke,” Olivia replied firmly. “Illegitimate or not, you can hold your head up in any company, despite Whinstone’s reputation and recent doings. Besides, it is for a good cause. Chellenham is my half-brother, and he owns Chellenhome for Foundlings.”

The Duke of Chellenham was her half-brother? Which meant the late duke was her father. “Hell’s bells,” Claudia muttered.

Eleanora laughed. “There is quite a lot to fill Claudia in on.”

“There is. Eleanora, your cousin, Sybil, and the other investigator, Miss Callen, are also invited,” Olivia said as she sipped her tea. “It will be my first social event as the Duchess of Watford. I am nervous, and I need my friends there for support.”

“We will gladly attend, won’t we, Claudia?” Eleanora stated as she reached for the biscuits.

What choice did she have? She had other options, but why decline when Olivia acted so kind and compassionate? Despite her initial instinct to refuse, Claudia decided to accept. She might as well make an effort, at least for this tea party situation. “Yes. Very well. But I don’t own a proper dress for a fancy afternoon tea.”

“We will go shopping. I will pick you up tomorrow morning at ten. You can spare me two hours?” Olivia asked. “We might even have time for tea at Lyon’s Tearoom.”

A tearoom? Another first for Claudia. Since Bryan Wollstonecraft would no doubt be still abed, Claudia sighed. “Yes. But I agree to this under protest. I do not mix well with the elites.”

Eleanora snorted. “And you think we do? Join the club, Claudia.”

Olivia raised her cup and chuckled lightly in agreement.

Claudia was swept up into these ladies’ lives whether she wanted it or not. Trying to remain disconnected will prove to be a challenge. On all fronts. Including finding Tensbridge attractive. That had been the most astonishing revelation of the day.

It would be best to set that aside for several reasons. Handsome or not, Viscount Tensbridge embodied what Claudia could not abide: the arrogant, indolent peer who disdains everyone below them. She had encountered worse examples than Tensbridge, but he disturbed her in ways beyond his stuffy manner. What had that Sentinel bloke stirred up inside of her that a stranger also piqued her interest? A client, no less.

Claudia shook her head. It is best to dismiss it, as nothing could ever come of it.