She tensed; fearful he might speak of something ungentlemanly, but she had to find out. “Please tell me.”
“During long periods of war, a man must take his relief. Seeing such violence and subjugation… it is not healthy to the mind. I had lovers. I didn’t seek the common woman for my bed. They were women who sought a gentleman of class. They dressed in finery, and spoke with educated voices, but they knew their purpose—that I didn’t seek love, purely companionship in the bed.”
Alice rested a hand on his smooth chest. His beating heart clearly felt under her palm. “Mistresses.”
“Not many, one stayed by me for a year. A Spaniard. I am not a perfect man. However, I didn’t want to father unwanted children. It is necessary to protect the woman too.”
Alice didn’t want to picture in her head her husband engaged in sex with other women, she dismissed the thoughts and focused on his handsome features, reminding herself he had chosen her and had shown no interest in other women.
“It is the past,” she confirmed.
“Yes. I have you now. My wife, who will respect me and serve me with her beauty and exquisite body.”
Alice lapped up his compliment and pushed aside any doubts she harboured. Tomorrow, Caroline Fanshawe would visit and Alice was keen to form a lasting friendship.
* * *
Alice greeted Caroline on the porch of Westfell Hall, surrounded by busts on columns and gilt mirrors. The two women curtsied, bowing their heads before rising and offering each other smiles.
Having been relieved of her hat and spencer jacket, Caroline gazed about the hallway.
“Tea will be taken in the drawing room,” announced Alice. “But perhaps you would like me to show you around.” She held out an arm and started to walk to the main salon.
“Oh, there is no need,” said Caroline. “I am very familiar with Westfell.”
Alice halted. “You have visited before?”
Her guest seemed quite relaxed and unfazed by her surroundings. “Many a time, although not for some years. Colonel Seymour has been absent for many years. The house has been shuttered and empty for a long spell. It looks splendid again, just as I remember it.”
“Remember it.” An increasing sense of foreboding troubled Alice. Something felt very amiss.
Opening the drawing room door, Alice invited Caroline across the threshold. “Please, do make yourself at home.”
“He has had this room redecorated,” remarked Caroline pursing her lips and nodding approvingly. “A vast improvement.”
“What other rooms have you been in?” Alice struggled to mask her apprehension. Her guest spoke with a level of familiarity that Alice did not expect from a casual acquaintance.
Caroline swivelled and the smile left her face. “Is there something wrong, Mrs Seymour? Have I said something to offend you? You have gone a little pale.”
“How long have you know the colonel?”
“You do not know, do you?” Her hand covered her mouth and her skin went slightly pink. She spoke again with haste. “Oh dear. It wasn’t my intention to suggest any improprieties between myself and your husband.”
“Then please explain yourself.”
* * *
Alice stormed into the study without knocking. Edmund, seated at his great desk, showed surprise at her unexpected appearance. Without pausing, she strode up to his desk.
“How could you, Edmund!” she scolded, hot-cheeked and flustered. “Why did you not tell me you were engaged to Caroline? You have deceived me and now I find you are harbouring sentiments for another woman—”
“Enough, Alice,” barked Edmund. “You are quite mistaken in your accusation.”
“You do not deny it!” With a flick of her wrist she opened her fan and waved it frantically in front of her face, feeling the sun’s heat shining through the window.
“We were engaged for a short period, then Caroline broke it off.” Edmund rose and tossed his pen onto the desk.
“She broke it off, not you! You still love her, then. I am a poor substitute for her,” wailed Alice, feeling tears in her eyes.