Every Time We Kiss

Matthew betrayed her. And she had lied to the investigators five years ago. That was perjury. Even if they decided John’s death accidental, she could still be in trouble for lying to them.

“Elizabeth, do you have anything I could change into?”

Elizabeth turned and smiled weakly. “Of course, I should have realized how uncomfortable you would be in that costume. I shall find something. You’re so tall nothing will fit you in the length.”

“Thank you. Anything is better than this outfit.”

“Yes. I’ll fetch you something.” Elizabeth walked out the door.

Jennette slowly stood and strolled to the threshold of the salon as if to follow Elizabeth up the steps. Once she saw Elizabeth reach the top stair, Jennette raced out the front door. She had to hurry. The white gown was like a beacon in the dark night.

She stopped at the top of the square and wondered the best way to get home. Continuing down George Street seemed the fastest. Thankfully, she still had her mask. Quickly, she tied the mask on and prayed no one would notice the woman dressed as Aphrodite, complete with shell, hurrying down George Street at eleven in the evening.

She couldn’t contain a giggle. It was the first time she’d even smiled since that bitch made her announcement. But thinking about Vanessa brought tears to her eyes. She’d been so certain Matthew loved her. Obviously, money mattered more than her love.

And nothing mattered now except leaving.

Her resolve strengthened with each step she took toward home. Wiping away her last tear, she lifted her head high and ignored the stares from the few people out tonight. She rubbed her arms as she walked, wishing the cold would numb her emotions, too. I

f she could just make it home before some unscrupulous person discovered her, out alone and dressed as if she had plenty of money.

When she turned down Bruton Street, she half-expected a crowd of people with a noose in front of her house. Nothing looked different. The light of candles burning only in the foyer indicated that no one had arrived here yet. She grabbed the wrought-iron railing and walked up the steps.

The door opened before her slippered foot reached the top step. “Good evening, miss,” Grantham said as she walked through the doorway.

“Lady Jennette,” Grantham paused with a frown.

“Yes, Grantham?”

“Is everything well?”

She finally reached home. Her sanctuary from the outside world. Tears flowed down her cheeks. This would be the last time she ever entered this house.

“No, Grantham. Nothing is well.”

“Would you like some tea brought up?”

“No, thank you. Tea cannot fix this problem.” Jennette walked up the stairs to her room. Molly followed behind her.

“Just help me dress and then leave me,” Jennette said to her maid.

“Yes, ma’am.” Molly must have sensed her mood because for once the maid said nothing as she assisted her out of the costume.

“I need my black wool dress,” Jennette said once she stood in her stays and petticoats.

Molly turned and frowned. “At this hour?”

“Yes.”

“Very well.” Molly pulled out the black gown and helped her into it. “Is there anything else I can do for you tonight?”

“No.” Jennette waited until the maid’s hand touched the doorknob. “Thank you, Molly. For all your patience with me over the years.”

Molly stood there for a moment, her eyes narrowed with confusion. “Ma’am, you have never been an issue,” she said slowly.

Once Molly left the room, Jennette raced to the linen-press. She pulled out several of her sturdiest dresses and tossed them into a portmanteau. Moving to her desk, she opened the secret drawer that held her traveling money. She had been putting half her allowance in here in case she ever needed it. This would be enough to get her settled in Florence. She could arrange with the bankers for her inheritance later.

But when she picked up her ticket, her shoulders sagged. Her ship didn’t leave for five days. Even if she could stay at an inn for that time, her brother would find her. Her family would convince her to remain here. Jennette could not do that.