Page 26 of The Rogue's Christmas Gift

Well aware of society’s rumors, Kitty was constantly being gossiped about. The women insisted she was sleeping with their husbands, and ruining happy homes. The men claimed they all had either slept with her or she’d done them some type of sexual favor.

All lies of course.

“My lady.” Hendershot greeted Lady Wyndam, walking over and taking her offered hand in his.

He bowed gracefully, and Kitty was sure that the formidable woman was blushing.

“The Earl of Hendershot in my home.” Her smile was wide as her eyes roamed his physique. “I had heard you had an obsession with our Mrs. Delcour here. I guess some rumors are true.”

Hendershot sat down beside Kitty. “This one is at least,” he responded, his hungry gaze falling onto Kitty.

Kitty could feel her cheeks heat with the memory of just how insatiable he was in bed.

“Hmm, I see indeed,” Lady Wyndam responded before turning to face Kitty. “I’ve heard of your recent troubles with your late husband’s brother, is it?” she asked, sitting back in her chair.

Kitty inhaled a deep breath, not accustomed to asking anyone for help. She had taken care of herself and those around her for years; now she was being saved by everyone. It was strange, to be sure, but also nice to know that others would help her in her time of need.

“Yes. My late husband, Jacques’s, brother claims that he provided the initial investment to open Pleasure House,” Kitty said, the words tasting like acid on her tongue.

In all her conversations with Jacques, not once had he mentioned receiving funds from Pierre. No matter who shared Jacques’s bed, he and Kitty had always maintained a close friendship.

She’d discovered only months after arriving at Pleasure House that she had quite a head for business and numbers. Kitty had always enjoyed helping her father keep his ledgers and had once dreamed of owning a business herself.

“Two judges of the Court of Chancery are backing his claim, saying he provided proof.” Harrison sat forward beside her.

“Woodson and Belville, I’m sure.” Lady Wyndam sneered out their names.

“How did you know?” Kitty asked her.

“Belville and Woodson’s proclivities are well circulated among the ton. Of course, they would work with your brother-in-law to gain access to your business.” She tapped her cane on the carpet twice. “Did your late husband leave a will?”

Kitty pressed her fingers to her forehead, dreading the mention of a will again. “He had one created after we wed, to ensure that me and …” Kitty closed her mouth, clearing her throat several times before she continued. “In the event of his death, he ensured that Pleasure House remained in my possession.”

She looked over to Harrison, praying he didn’t catch her slip of tongue. She had agreed to be Jacques’s wife on the condition that he would provide for her and her unborn child if something ever happened to him.

“Have you any idea where it may be?” The older woman peered at her, waiting patiently.

After Jacques died in a duel, it had been absolute chaos at Pleasure House. Half of the workers Jacques employed left immediately after the news of his death came. Only those loyal to Kitty remained, and Lilias, who had nowhere else to go.

She and Lilias had packed up his belongings, the study and Pleasure House officially belonged to Kitty. All he requested was that she never take down the horrible painting of his beloved Lyon. His mother had painted it before the family moved to England.

A gasp left her. She had kept the painting hanging in the study since his death, never taking it down or throwing it out like she’d wanted. Although she’d never loved Jacques, he was a friend to her, and despite everything, he’d saved her.

“I believe I know where it is,” she said, shocked that she had not thought of it earlier.

It was the one thing he’d always insisted upon, that she never part with the painting.

“You do?” Harrison asked.

Doubt clouded her mind, but she hoped she was right.

“I believe so.” Renewed hope filled her, and she couldn’t stop her leg from bouncing up and down in anticipation.

“Good, retrieve the will and have your barrister take it to the court. Once that is done, your business will be yours.” Lady Wyndam gave her a triumphant smile.

“Is it really that easy?” Kitty couldn’t believe that her nightmare would soon be over.

Lady Wyndam stood, using her cane for leverage. “My dear, if there is one thing The Court of Chancery takes seriously it is a will. Believe me.”