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smile that made her beautiful face even more lovely. “They are such a popular couple, and what they and the Flynn family accepts goes nowadays.”
    “Not to mention Edward and Mary,” Josie added. “They have also captured the attention of Society. When the Marquis of Woodley accepts his sister back into the fold, the rest of the ton has to think twice before they risk his ire.”
    “Yes,” Letty managed to choke out, working to stay focused on the topic at hand so the women wouldn’t stray into more dangerous waters. “Claire and War are fortunate in both their friends and family. It has truly mitigated the scandal.”
    “Still, despite this night Claire will never be accepted again,” Audrey said with a faintly sad frown. “I know that fact from personal experience. Those here tonight are interested as much in seeing the scandal firsthand as they are in acceptance. Tomorrow they wouldn’t ask her to tea.”
    Josie’s face fell. “I hope that isn’t true.”
    Audrey shrugged. “It is the way of Society. And in truth, I don’t think Claire cares. She’s been through so much that societal games hold little interest to her anymore. They could hiss at her and give her the cut direct and she’d laugh in their faces. It’s clear she is blissfully happy.”
    Letty turned her face. “Yes, and I am happy for her.”
    Those words were true. Looking at all her Woodley cousins, one couldn’t help but be happy for them with their wonderful marriages and new babies to grow their families. And yet there was still a twinge of jealousy that burned in her chest. A twinge of what should have been and yet wasn’t for herself. Would never be.
    Audrey approached again, this time taking Letty’s arm and guiding her to a couch that had been placed in the room for ladies to rest on.
    “I have wanted to say something to you for a while, Letty,” Audrey began, shooting a look to Juliet and Josie. “And this is a good time, I think.”
    Letty forced a smile for Audrey even though her stomach felt heavy as a stone. “What is that?”
    “I’m sorry we weren’t there for you as much as we should have been when Lord Seagate died.”
    Letty closed her eyes and took a few breaths before she responded. “Noah died so suddenly,” she croaked out. “And it was only just after Claire disappeared. The entire family was in turmoil on all ends. I never faulted you for not rushing to my side when your own tragedy was unfolding.”
    “You are kind, Letty,” Audrey said softly. “But I know we failed you. I’m sorry.”
    Letty shrugged. In truth, she had been happy to keep her grief private. There was so much no one else knew. Those secrets had burned her to the ground when Noah died, and being alone was exactly as she wished it. She wouldn’t even be out in Society now, eighteen months after Noah’s death, if her mother hadn’t insisted upon it.
    Why couldn’t she be a permanent widow and just hide away? Do charitable work like some of her fellow widows? Oh, they were older, of course, but still. It was unfair.
    “The wonderful thing is, though,” Juliet said, easing toward the pair on the couch, “that now all is so much better. Claire is home, all the Woodleys are married. And you are back in Society, Letty. I know you must still miss Lord Seagate and grieve his loss, but you are young and there is a whole life ahead of you with new adventures and perhaps even love on the horizon.”
    Letty couldn’t stop the scoffing noise that burst from her lips. It was Josie who responded to it.
    “You and I were wallflowers together for a long time,” Josie said with a faraway smile. “It may not seem like it now, but I can attest to the fact that you never know what is around the corner.”
    Letty got up from the couch and backed away from the other women. “You are talking about me remarrying.” Three heads nodded in unison, and Letty’s ears began to ring. “No, I think not,” she said softly. “It is simply not