Siegfried had written to her, informing her of the horrific changes Pierre was making. For instance, he had opened the house to anyone, as opposed to Kitty, who sold memberships to only a vetted few men and women.
Pleasure House reopened that evening with new rules, a new owner, and a new Madame. It would be the first night that Kitty would not be in attendance at an event at Pleasure House. Pierre had appointed Lilias to be Madame over Kitty’s business. Reading the words nearly had Kitty expelling her simple breakfast.
A small part of Kitty was pleased it was Lilias. The other woman knew the ins and outs of the pleasure house as well as anyone did. It didn’t matter if she could be hostile and problematic—well it did—but Kitty could trust Lilias to look after the workers, or so she hoped.
Pierre had also released half of the household staff including Emmaline. Kitty was furious and hoped that Lady Wyndam could offer her sound advice.
“Are you ready?” Harrison asked, placing his hand on her knee.
He’d insisted on accompanying her to Lady Wyndam’s, as if Kitty was not accustomed to being on her own.
It was a new feeling to depend on another person. Kitty loved Winnie and knew the other woman would always be there for her, but having a partner beside her, supporting her was a strange turn of events.
“Yes, but really, Harrison, you did not have to join me. I am perfectly capable of fighting my own battles.” Gazing over at him, she tried to ignore the image of that morning that was on repeat in her mind.
He’d taken her over the breakfast table, after they had a soft-boiled egg and porridge. The feel of him pulsating inside of her was one that she would carry always.
He took her hand in his, pressing it to his chest. The gleam in his green eyes was intense. “I know you don’t need a protector. I’m well aware that you are more than capable of anything.” He kissed her knuckles. “All I want is to stand beside you and fight as your second as you take on the world.”
Kitty couldn’t speak or move. The last four days had been filled with confessions of love, praise of her character, and gleaming attention. It was the same as it had always been between them.
The carriage came to a stop in front of an abnormally large townhouse. Kitty didn’t know if Lady Wyndam could give her any assistance at all, but she wouldn’t rest until she’d tried everything to get Pleasure House back from Pierre.
A knock on the carriage door rang through the small compartment. Kitty took a deep breath, deciding to focus on her visit with Lady Wyndam, not Harrison’s words.
If she thought too long, Kitty would surely dream of a life that had been stolen from her years ago.
Stepping out of the carriage, she walked up to the fine gilded doors, held open by an older butler.
“Lady Wyndam is expecting you,” the butler said, taking Kitty’s card out of her hand.
Kitty and Harrison handed over their cloak and great coat, before following him down the long hall. Her gaze shifted around, taking in the general splendor of it all. The house was a grand mansion, larger than any place she’d ever been. Kitty was sure one could fit the entirety of Pleasure House in Lady Wyndam’s home.
The high ceilings were painted with angelic figures in the middle of what seemed to be a fierce battle. Gold trim lined walls covered with landscape paintings of rolling hills and valleys. Intimidating statues greeted them when they turned down a long hall.
Beside her, Harrison took in their surroundings. They both were born to modest families, their fathers’ business partnership had provided well for them, but nothing compared to the wealth that Lady Wyndam possessed.
It still shocked Kitty that she was around such wealth. Whenever she entered a grand home, she remembered her humble beginnings.
Fortunately, Kitty’s family wasn’t poor, her father was an accomplished furnisher maker, with his own business. His mother was a former enslaved woman, who’d worked as a maid in order to send him to school and make a life for himself.
The wealth of the ton was something Kitty had never dreamed of accomplishing; she’d always thought that her life would be a simple one with children and Harrison. They would spend their evenings listening to her play the piano. Never did she imagine wealth like that of Lady Wyndam.
They stopped in front of a large white door gilded with gold with a carved vine of roses trailing down either side.
“Enter,” a sharp voice called out.
Opening the door, the butler walked into the lavish sitting room adorned with dark blue furnishings and wooden bookshelves. The long white drapes were opened, revealing a picturesque view of the gardens.
A dignified woman, dressed in a red dress with a gold bodice, sat in a stately chair facing the door. Her dark brown hair was streaked with gray as sharp brown eyes surveyed Kitty then Harrison. She tightly grasped an ornate cane with intricate carving at the base.
“The Earl of Hendershot and Mrs. Delcour, my lady.” The butler bowed gracefully, and it felt more like Kitty was being introduced to the Queen herself instead a matron of the Widow’s League.
“That’ll be all, close the door behind you please,” Lady Wyndam ordered, pointing her cane at the butler, who obeyed immediately.
When they were alone, Kitty stepped forward. “Lady Wyndam, thank you for agreeing to meet me on such short notice,” Kitty said, inclining her head.
“None of that my dear Mrs. Delcour. I am duty bound to assist any widow in need, and you, my dear, are the most infamous of all.” She tilted her head at Kitty. “Now, please do be seated.” She pointed her cane to the sofa to her right.
