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“Tsk, tsk, Your Grace,” she reprimanded. “Sidwell, close this door.” Lady Cantwell waited until the salon door shut before continuing. “First we pour the tea. Lady Elizabeth, please pour a cup for us all.”
“Yes, ma’am.” Elizabeth poured tea for everyone before sitting back against the sofa.
“Now, Elizabeth,” Lady Cantwell started slowly, “before we begin, you should know that I shall keep anything said here in my strictest confidence. I believe you are troubled by your heritage, is that correct?”
“Yes, ma’am. I fear I may not be my father’s daughter.”
Lady Cantwell laughed soundly. “Let us hope you are not. A more miserable man I have never met.”
“We both thank you for your time, Lady Cantwell,” Will spoke up. “Do you know anything about who might be Lady Elizabeth’s true father?”
Lady Cantwell leaned back and closed her eyes. “There were many rumors regarding your parents, Lady Elizabeth. They tended to run with a very fast crowd, even as they progressed in age. After the duchess was delivered of your brother, God rest his soul, your mother became far more open with her affairs.”
Will reached over and clasped Elizabeth’s cold hand. Her face paled and she trembled. “It is all right, Elizabeth.”
She only nodded and bit down on her lower lip. “Please go on, Lady Cantwell.”
“As you wish, my dear.” Lady Cantwell sipped her tea before continuing. “Your father allowed her infidelities most likely to salve his own guilt for having mistresses throughout their marriage.”
Will glanced over at Elizabeth’s face and almost requested Lady Cantwell stop. Elizabeth looked as if she might faint. He wondered if he should have shown her the late duke’s journal.
“Shall I go on?” Lady Cantwell asked, staring at Elizabeth.
“Yes,” Elizabeth replied. “I need to know this.”
“I agree. Unfortunately, you might not enjoy the tale.”
“Please, Lady Cantwell, I must know,” Elizabeth said.
“Very well. The affairs became folly for the ton. People were making wagers at White’s on the next person to take a turn in your mother’s bed. I am sorry to say, your mother was not very discreet. As I was saying, in the summer of 1789, something changed between your mother and the duke. To all appearances, they had reconciled and were remaining faithful to each other.”
Elizabeth frowned. “Then how…?”
“I am getting to that, my dear. Slowly there came rumors that they were involved with a group of
people who did not believe in fidelity in marriage.”
“What do you mean, Lady Cantwell?” Elizabeth asked.
Will had a very bad feeling about this topic. Lady Cantwell glanced over at him as if to verify that she should go on. He gave her a quick nod.
“There were reports that at your mother’s country parties, a room was set aside for groups of people to enter and have…”
“Have what?” Elizabeth asked.
“Sexual congress,” Lady Cantwell whispered.
“I don’t understand,” Elizabeth said, shaking her head.
Lady Cantwell sent Will a pleading look.
“Elizabeth, I believe Lady Cantwell is trying to say that your parents may have set the room aside for groups of people to have sex at the same time. An orgy.”
Elizabeth stood up and then reached for the sofa to steady herself. “You are wrong, Lady Cantwell. My mother would never do such a thing.”
Will knew he had to speak up, but hated the idea of hurting her. “Elizabeth, I believe Lady Cantwell.”
She turned her emerald eyes on him. “You what?”
