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Since it was now her decision instead of Grayson’s it didn’t seem so terrible. She had Michael to care for, and in several months a new baby. Grayson had contracted for the building of another house further outside of Bath to accommodate his burgeoning family, which would also include her parents, who had announced they would be moving to Bath.
Grayson had insisted her parents live with them until they could find a house they wanted. Mother was thrilled and excited that she would reside with her daughter and her children. Amazingly enough, Addie was happy to have her mother close at a time like this.
That would require decorating and furnishing and adding even more staff. As much as she loved her store, she’d begun to believe it was truly time to move fully into her new life.
A light tap on her door drew her attention. “Come in.”
Lottie entered the room, her beautiful face blotchy from crying. She twisted a handkerchief in her hands.
Addie reached out to her. “What’s wrong, Lottie?”
Her friend took in a shuddering breath. “I have to leave Bath.”
Addie was stunned. “Leave Bath! Why?” She patted the space alongside her.
Lottie sat and dabbed at her eyes with her handkerchief. “Because I just came from Milsom Street where I was taking tea with one of my students.” Another deep breath. “Lord Sterling walked into the shop and greeted me.”
Addie waited patiently for Lottie to pull herself together. “Yes?”
“Don’t you see? I can’t stay in Bath. Lord Sterling has moved here permanently.” Her agitation was contagious. Addie’s heartbeat sped up and she felt a growing sense of doom.
Trying her best to remain calm since getting upset with Lottie in the state she was in would not help, she said softly, “And?”
“He knows my mother. Everyone in London knows my mother. Now everyone in Bath will as well. I must leave.” She hopped up to escape and Addie grabbed her skirt. “Wait. I don’t understand.”
Lottie attempted to pull away, but Addie held firm. “You came to tell me you have to leave Bath. I will not let you go until you explain why. And not just because he knows your mother.”
She had no idea what Lottie would say, but she knew it was not going to be good news. Lottie covered her eyes with her hands. “My mother is Mrs. Danforth.”
Stunned silence followed, the words echoing around the room. Addie sucked in a deep breath. “Oh, no.” She knew all about Mrs. Danforth. Even among young girls making their debuts, who should never know about such things, Mrs. Danforth was well-known. No wonder Lottie had never told her and Pamela why she had broken from her mother.
“Oh. Yes.” Lottie said. “The most expensive and notorious courtesan in London is my mama.”
The End
