“There is that. We should have done something about her after finding out about her part in selling poor Faith to that madam.”
“That was the earl’s right and he chose to simply cut her out of his life. I think he had that arrogance men often do concerning women and thought she might not have fully understood what she had condemned Faith to or that she would dare to continue in her evil ways after he had confronted her with his knowledge of her crimes. I think the woman counts very heavily on that arrogance in men.”
“Quite possibly. This could all end very badly. He is appalled by what she has done but she is still the woman who gave him life. How harsh a punishment can he make himself dole out to her? Could he hand her over to the authorities for imprisonment or hanging? Could he do her harm himself? It is such a dark, troubling business.”
Enid stroked Olympia’s hair. “I believe he will make certain she cannot do harm again. I also believe he will lose all softness, if he has any left in him even now, for the woman as he finds out more and more about just what she has done. He treats his wee half brother well and I know he offered a living or schooling to the others so he cares for ones of his own blood as a man should. Think how he will feel when he discovers just what she has done to those children.”
“But he already knows.”
“He thinks he does but he has not yet actually seen it with his own eyes.”
“Ah, no, he has not. One can think one knows something but actually seeing it always makes a far stronger impression. He is still due a great many hard blows.”
“And you mean to try and help soften the pain of it, aye?”
“I think I do.” Olympia stood up and brushed off the skirts of her morning gown. “I best go and prepare myself for a day of weak tea and stale cakes. I have several little gatherings I can go to. Let us pray I get what I need from the first one or I shall come home in an evil mood.” She shared a grin with Enid and then hurried to her room to ready herself.
Olympia watched Lady Nickerson waddle away and forced herself not to rub at the ache that was torturing her temples. The woman did love to talk and most of it was simply a repeating of nasty gossip. It was no more than she had gotten at the last three houses she had been to but this time was one time too many. It was time to give up, go home, and find out what clever Enid might be able to give her for the headache now pounding away behind her eyes.
Just as she began to make her way to Lady Brindle to take her leave, more guests arrived. Olympia almost groaned in dismay for it was none other than Lady Mallam and young Agatha. She was proud of Agatha, however, when the young woman glanced her way but acted as if she had not seen anyone she knew. Agatha might be young but she had wit enough to know how to play the game they needed to play to free her from her mother.
It was almost an hour before she was introduced to Lady Mallam by their hostess. Olympia had been ready to just give up and go home when the young, sweet, but a bit silly Lady Brindle brought Lady Mallam and Agatha over and introduced them. Although they had never been formally introduced before, it was clear from the look in Lady Mallam’s eyes that she knew exactly who Olympia was and that her opinion of her was not a favorable one.
“Your family rarely attends such events, Lady Wherlocke,” said Lady Mallam.
“I happened to be in the city to do some shopping and felt I should make the rounds,” replied Olympia.
“I believe you have met my son, however. The Earl of Fieldgate?”
“Yes, at the wedding of Radmoor and my niece. And again when my brother wed the Duke of Sundunmoor’s daughter.” She could tell by the flicker of irritation in the woman’s eyes that she did not like to be reminded of the many connections the Wherlockes had.
“I was surprised that the duke allowed my son to attend the event as I fear he has fallen far from grace in society.”
“Really? I did not think the duke had much to do with society.” The way Agatha suddenly found an intense interest in the drapes on the windows told Olympia that the girl was fighting the urge to laugh but, again, revealed she had wit enough to know that would be a mistake.
“I referred to my son. I heard that you and he arrived in town at the same time. It behooves me to warn you about him. He is not the sort a young woman of your stature should associate with, not if you wish to keep your place in society.”
Olympia supposed she ought to be pleased that she now had proof that it was Lady Mallam herself who was blackening Brant’s name but all she wanted to do was punch the woman in the mouth. It was odd that such a woman could be so evil. Lady Mallam was attractive, age having done little to dim her classic beauty. Yet there was a coldness in her eyes, eyes exactly like Brant’s. Olympia knew that coldness went right to the woman’s soul. She also sensed that Lady Mallam hated her own son. She doubted she could ever understand that.