Scandal in the Wind

by K T Grant

  Rose went to leave but Margaret Anne grabbed hold of her wrists. Once she had enjoyed Margaret Anne’s touch. Now disgust filled her over being mauled in such a manner.

  “Let me go,” she said through gritted teeth.

  A tear trickled down Margaret Anne’s cheek and her lips trembled. “Please don’t walk away from me. I’m not thinking correctly and didn’t mean to insult you or your friend.”

  Rose softly sighed and nodded. When she pulled her hands away, Margaret Anne released them and sniffed loudly.

  “What do you want from me, Margaret Anne?” Rose asked, crossing her arms over her chest.

  Margaret Anne scanned her face and then lifted up a hand to her cheek. Rose twisted her face away, causing more tears to fall down Margaret Anne’s cheeks. “I miss you dreadfully. Nigel has left town again on business and I’m all alone in my mausoleum of a house with only the servants to keep me company. I miss the afternoons we had together lying in the room at the Restoration or upstairs in your suite here at the Delights where you let me do whatever I wanted to you.”

  Rose’s only reaction to Margaret Anne’s passionate plea was to blink her eyes. She rubbed a hand over her mouth, uncertain how to proceed further. If she told Margaret Anne their affair was over, she might become more overwrought than she was. She had to be very careful.

  “I’ve treasured those times as well, but I can’t always be at your beck and call. I’m busy running a business and have a great deal of responsibility.”

  “You’re trying to get rid of me.” Margaret Anne glowered and fisted her hands together, almost tearing her handkerchief in two.

  “I agree we need to talk. But not like this with your emotions running high. Why don’t we meet at the Restoration on Monday at one o’clock? It will give us time to work things out.”

  “Work things out?” Margaret Anne stepped closer, her skirt brushing against Rose’s thighs. “What is there to work out, other than to schedule our next rendezvous? It’s been torture not feeling your lips against mine or your pussy on my face as I drink down your sweet, creamy nectar.”

  Rose wanted to slap her palm against her forehead. Margaret Anne’s florid words never had done anything for her libido even when she first became involved with her. Now they made her cringe. At least Lily didn’t have to resort to such things. A smile tickled her mouth as she thought back to the kiss she and Lily shared. She was caught unaware when Margaret Anne lifted her mouth against hers, clutching the back of her neck.

  When Margaret Anne tried to slip her tongue into her mouth, she pulled way, wiping away Margaret Anne’s saliva off her lips.

  “What’s wrong with you? Anyone could come upon us. You’re willing to throw it all away just to share kisses outside like this?” Rose spread her arms indicating the space around them, not that it mattered. No one from the street could see them.

  “You’re right. I must remember to be more careful in public. Nigel does allow me certain liberties, as I do for him, but as long as I keep my…proclivities behind closed doors, I’m allowed to do what I want.” Margaret Anne’s voice dropped to a purr. “I’ll refrain for now. I look forward to discussing our current relationship on Monday.”

  Rose didn’t smile as Margaret Anne beamed at her, showing her slightly crooked front teeth. She responded with a terse nod and went to walk back inside. “I’ll see you then and not before.”

  Margaret Anne tilted her head to the side and swayed her hips. “I’ll count down the minutes until we see each other again.”

  When Margaret Anne blew her a kiss and walked away whistling until she was out of sight, Rose turned to leave. She glanced up at the third story and stopped in her tracks. Lily stood by the window with a stricken look on her face.

  “Double damn.” Rose rushed down the stairs and back into the kitchen. Her cook called out her name, but she waved her away as she ran up to the first level and over to the staircase to climb up to her suite of rooms. By the time she got there, she was out of breath. When Lily didn’t answer her knocking, she banged harder on the door.

  “Go away!” Lily’s muffled voice came through the door.

  Rose rested her forehead against the wood and groaned. “Lily, let me in. I can explain about what you think you saw.”

  Lily didn’t answer back and Rose went to knock again when Sissy opened the door.

  “Sorry Miss Rose, but Miss Lily is not feelin’ well. She’s restin’.”

  Rose tried to look around Sissy’s shoulder, but she blocked her view.

  “You know I can get in from the other side. I do have the key,” she said in a warning.

  Sissy pursed her lips and then tapped her teeth with her tongue. “She’ll never forgive you if you do.”

  Rose nodded in agreement, resigned she wouldn’t be getting her way. “You’re right. I’ll leave Lily alone. I do have some things to deal with that I’ve been neglecting.”

  “You go ahead and do that, Miss Rose. I’ll make sure Miss Lily is well taken care of.”

  “You’re dedication to your mistress is admirable,” Rose said and gave Sissy’s arm a soft pat.

  “I’m all she’s got left,” Sissy replied simply.

  “Not anymore. She’ll never be alone again,” Rose responded and before she could make a fool of herself, she walked into her bedroom where she lay down, pulling one of her pillows against her chest. She stared at the wall, ignoring her tears as they threatened to fall down her cheeks.

  It had been such a long time since she felt such loneliness. And the only one she wanted to help her get over this feeling of wretchedness had locked herself away in the next room mere feet away, determined not to have anything to do with her.

  * * * *

  The driver opened the umbrella for Lily as she climbed out of the carriage. The downpour of rain had come on suddenly in the early morning and suited her mood perfectly. Combined with the sticky humidity and her recent bout of fatigue, she was in no mood to meet with the man hell bent on destroying her.

  She thanked the driver as she walked up the front steps to one of the tallest buildings in all of Charleston and went inside. The heels of her boots tapped over the marble floor and she removed her bonnet, pushing back stray pieces of hair escaping her bun.

  Lily had never styled her hair in a bun before, but she wanted to look more mature in Beau’s eyes. He’d always preferred her hair down and brushed her hair out before they retired for the evening. Rose also liked it when she wore her hair down.

  Rose…

  Things between her and Rose had become strained ever since she saw her and the hysterical looking woman kissing in the back of the house. She didn’t recognize the emotional woman, but she could tell Rose had been intimate with her. The way they touched one another freely reminded her of the times she and Rose acted in the same manner.

  Her jealously got the better of her, and since that day, she barely left her room. Many times Rose would knock on her door and Sissy would answer, telling her she was indisposed. She never expected Rose to believe her and more than once she waited for Rose to come rushing into her bedroom through her suite and demand to know why she was acting so distant.

  She needed the separation until she could deal with Beau and perhaps gain the courage to ask Rose the terms of their relationship. Was it to be just business between them or pleasure mixed in as well?

  Today, she would put aside her confusing feelings for Rose. Her mind had to remain clear for what was in store for her. Resting her palm over her jittering stomach, she climbed the staircase toward the law offices of Reath, O’Neil, and Witt.

  Walking down the hall, she passed a few men who tipped their hats in her direction. She reached the door with the law firm’s name on it and went inside a large room where men sat at desks. She searched for someone to show her which room she should go into, when an older, matronly woman with graying hair came forward with a pile of papers in her arms.

  “Good afternoon, may I help you?” the woman asked in a
n agreeable manner.

  Lily tugged off her gloves. “Good afternoon. I have an appointment with Mr. Parker Witt. Would you tell him Mrs. Lily Odell has arrived?”

  “If you follow me, I can take you to him. I believe your husband… erm, Mr. Odell is with Mr. Witt.”

  Lily smiled over the woman’s sympathetic tone and followed her as they walked past the desks and around the corner.

  Before she went into the corner office, she took in a deep breath, counted to five and waltzed in as if she was attending a social gathering rather than divorce proceedings.

  Two men stood by the windows. One at least twenty years older, wearing a gray, three piece suit, the other in a tan linen suit with a head of jet black hair to match his beard and mustache. Both men turned when she came in and her throat closed as they examined her.

  Lily went to open her mouth, but the words stuck in her throat. Realizing she pulled her gloves taut, she eased up her hold.

  “Lily, you’re looking well.” Parker came over to her and she gave him her cheek to kiss. She’d first met Parker when she and Beau had become engaged and he always went out of his way to make her feel welcome.

  “How is Sophie? She must be busy with, what is it now? Your fifth grandchild?” she enquired about Parker’s soft spoken wife who also had a welcoming air around her.

  “She’s doing well, thank you for asking. And yes, my older son and his wife just had their third, a boy they named Oliver.”

  “How wonderful. Congratulations,” Lily said and pressed her other cheek against his.

  “Be strong,” Parker whispered and moved away, giving her a perfect view of her wayward husband.

  “Hello, Beau,” she greeted him and folded her hands to stop from rubbing her jittery stomach or twirling her hair.

  “Hello, Lily,” he returned, a frown remaining on his face as he scanned her from head to toe.

  Lily lightly snorted. If he thinks he can intimidate me with his superior air, he’ll find out soon enough I won’t cower. “Has the staff at the Marelton been taking good care of you? I did try and see you but for some odd reason, I was told my name had been left off an approved list of visitors. Now I know it must be a mistake. You would never be so callous to do such a thing.”

  “It wasn’t a mistake,” Beau said and he pushed aside his coat to place his hand on his hip.

  Hurt expanded in her chest. She went to give him a cutting remark back, but stopped when she looked Beau fully in the face. The usual daring twinkle in Beau’s eyes had disappeared and deep grooves surrounded the area, as well as shadows lurking under them. His face had become thinner and cloudy with anguish. The last time she had seen Beau so despondent was when they lost their baby. Even when they had their final fight and he walked out, he hadn’t looked as wretched as he did now.

  She wished she could feel satisfaction over his pain, but instead compassion made her want to hold him in a loving embrace.

  “You’re staring,” Beau said and crossed his arms, his chin lifting, daring her to argue with him.

  “I’m staring because you look horrible,” she tossed back, softening her voice.

  “And you look nervous, Lily. I can tell from the blush creeping up on your face.” Beau paused for a moment, his low, burly twang rushing over her. “Could it be you’re nervous I’ll leave you with nothing and thrown out on the street? But then again you don’t have to worry about not having a place to go. I’ve heard Rose has been taking very good care of you.”

  Beau was right about one thing. She had a bad habit of blushing when she was nervous and not in control of a situation. For the moment, Beau had the upper hand. But she would remain strong and show his cruel words no longer had any impact on her.

  Suddenly, all the tension and stiffness left her. Even her heartbeat slowed down and a numb like feeling spread up her chest and through her arms.

  I no longer care what Beau thinks of me. Lily slapped her gloves against her palm. “Rose has been taking excellent care of me, so much in fact that after we finish here, I’ll be helping her run her business. She has shown and taught me so many wonderful things I never knew were possible.”

  Beau’s jaw dropped. Parker coughed loudly into his hand, his own face turning a deep red. Lily made her way over to one of the empty seats in front of Parker’s desk and sat down, waiting for the proceedings to begin.

  When Beau landed in his seat and slouched next to her, she sent him a proud smile and then returned her attention back on a still flustered Parker.

  “Shall we begin, gentlemen? I have many other places to visit and cannot keep those people waiting.”

  A snort left Beau and when Lily gave him a questioning stare, his eyes had a bit more life in them and his face wasn’t as pale as when she first had entered the room.

  “Well played, my dear,” Beau said grudgingly and nodded at Parker to begin.

  * * * *

  Lily finished writing her name on the paper and slid it back to Parker. Not only had her marriage truly come to an end but Beau had given her enough money to live comfortably for the rest of her life.

  “Well, that’s it then,” she said and stood.

  Parker scanned the papers he held. “This is the first step. There are some other things that need to be taken care of, but essentially you’re now a free woman.”

  “It feels strange,” Lily admitted and went over to look out the window. The rain had stopped and the sun had come out.

  “I trust I can leave you two alone while I give the contracts to my assistant?” Parker asked, his voice wary.

  “Go take care of what you have to do, Parker. Lily and I are civilized adults. You won’t come back to find us tearing each other’s throats out,” Beau said, humor lacing his voice.

  Lily swallowed a giggle. At one time she would have strangled Beau. But now those days were over.

  She barely acknowledged the door opening, only turning back around when Beau came over to her.

  “Poor Parker doesn’t trust us to be alone. He left the door open,” she pointed out.

  “Parker knows how passionate we can get when we argue. He’s seen us in our glory more than enough times.”

  She remembered all too well the last time they had such an argument. The restaurant where they once had dinner with Parker and his wife would never be the same. The aftermath had ended with them returning home and Beau ravishing her all night. She had more than welcomed it and did a little ravishing on her end. But that had been one of the last times they had been intimate where it wasn’t just their bodies wanting release, but their hearts engaged as well.

  “We could write a book together on how a married couple shouldn’t act. We’d sell millions.”

  Beau pulled back his head and laughed loudly. Lily joined him and without realizing it placed her hand on his arm. She went to remove it, when Beau dropped his hand over hers, keeping her imprisoned.

  She didn’t fight his hold and cocked her head to the side in a question.

  “Lily.” Beau licked his lips. “You could have fought me on this. Why didn’t you?”

  “I’m sick of fighting all the time. After everything you said and accused me of, I’ve decided it’s better if I let you go. I don’t think my poor heart can take any more damage,” she whispered.

  “You heart is far from damaged.” Beau finally let go of her hand and stared at her unblinking. She waited for him to say something, but he remained silent.

  “Why are you staring at me that way? So when you leave you can remember what you’ve thrown away?” she asked in a snide tone.

  “I’ll have no problem remembering you for the rest of my life. By the way, how is Ashford doing? I hear he’s been out of town.” A smirk lined Beau’s mouth. “You’d think the man would be here, since you two are such close friends and you were more than willing to lend him a shoulder to cry on after Mary’s death.”

  Lily itched to slap the spiteful look off of Beau’s face. “For what must be the thousandth time, I never h
ad intimate relations with Wyatt Ashford, before or during our marriage. Wyatt is only a friend. You’re the only man I ever loved!”

  Beau rolled his eyes and shifted his legs. “How soon we forget not only did I walk in on you ‘consoling’ Wyatt after Mary’s funeral, but witnessed with my own eyes you and Wyatt holding each other in public! Do you know how many people told me they saw you and Wyatt in a passionate embrace and how you kissed him?”

  “You’re jealousy got the better of you and you saw what you wanted to see. And who are these people? They’re bitter gossips who have nothing else to do with their time than to slander my name. I’ve told you before your associates’ wives couldn’t stand me. You only cared about appearances, refusing to listen to my complaints.”

  Lily gasped when Beau took hold of her arm and wrenched her up close to his face. His eye glittered with rage and his jaw creaked as he mashed his teeth together. “Then explain to me why you and Ashford were hugging and kissing in the park near our house.”

  “We were comforting one another—”

  “Comforting my ass. Mary’s death gave you an excuse to finally get your claws into him. You forget how much I noticed those doe eyed stares you gave Ashford when we first met. You always flirted with him to make Mary jealous.”

  “That’s not true! I flirted with all the boys back then. It was a game Mary and I played to see—”

  “To see what?” Beau’s spittle sprayed Lily in the face. His hold grew even more rigid. “Which one of you could seduce him first?”

  “Seduce him? I’ve never wanted Wyatt. I’ve told you a million times, you asinine fool. I only wanted you. Every time I allowed you in my body should have been all the proof you needed. You promised to love and care for me forever. But you broke that promise just like she did!”

  Beau’s forehead wrinkled in confusion. “What do you mean by, ‘she’?”

  Wiping her eyes, Lily sniffed and glanced past Beau’s shoulder. What was the use in keeping her secret from him any longer? She was sick of his mistrust and jealousy.