A Sordid Situation Read Free Page B

easy, but we managed. We married men who loved us and could look beyond
it. I don’t want to lose what I have and I couldn’t bear to lose you as a
friend and confidant.”
    They’d met first at Eugenia’s engagement party, fast becoming the
best of friends. Something inexplicable had drawn her to Jordanna, and it
wasn’t long before the twosome disclosed the truths about one another.
    “I just need to face facts. If I want to stay here, there is only
one thing to do,” she added. “And you’re right. I’ve worked too hard to let all
of this go.”
    “That’s my girl.” Jordanna dabbed her eyes with a lace
handkerchief. “You and I are kindred spirits. We may not be sisters by blood,
but the stars have fated us otherwise.”
    “We are and there’s no denying that. We’re sisters in the truest
sense of the word.” Eugenia smoothed out her skirt. “Now, let’s stop this talk
and have tea, or something stronger.”
    “Something stronger,” chimed Jordanna. “The stronger the better.”
    “Coffee?” Eugenia joked.
    “Not what I had in mind, you silly thing.”
    “Then shall we adjourn to the library? That’s where the best is
kept. A sniffer or two of brandy will do us both good.”
    Two hours passed and before they knew it, it was time for
Jordanna to toddle off home.
    “I’m slightly tipsy. Perhaps I shouldn’t have had that third.” Jordanna
giggled. “I hope Henri isn’t too observant. He hates it when I drink.”
    “If he should notice, just blame me. He’ll simply think I’m a bad
influence. His opinion of me is low already.”
    Jordanna braced herself against the large mahogany desk.
“Actually, Henri likes you. He has never said one ill word against you.”
    The maid entered, interrupting their conversation which came to a
sudden halt. “Mrs. Wareham, this just arrived for you.” She cast a disapproving
look in Jordanna’s direction. “I thought it best to get it to you straight
away.”
    Eugenia nodded, accepting the envelope. “Thank you.”
    “Well, I’m off. I can see myself out,” Jordanna said, pushing
past the maid. “Eugenia, you will have to come for tea soon. Promise me you
will.”
    “I promise. Next Wednesday looks open.”
    “Then it’s set. Ta-ta for now, mon cherie.”
    “She is a bold one,” spat the maid, her face contorted in
disgust.
    Eugenia shot up one hand to silence her. “That will be quite
enough. Mrs. Champion is a very good friend and a well respected member of the
community. I will have none of that. You can leave now.”
    The maid nodded and cast her gaze downward before quietly
departing.
    Eugenia sat behind the desk and held her breath as she opened the
envelope, reading the words on the paper.

     
    Ms. Wareham,

    In regards to our meeting,
I would like to apologize if I overstepped the boundaries of decency. I assure
you, that was never my intention. I was sincere in my offer to allow you to
stay on at Collingwood House.

    Rest assured, nothing in
life comes without a price, and I consider this just another business
transaction like any other.

    The bottom line is, I find
you incredibly enchanting and intriguing in a way that I have never experienced
before. I’m perplexed as to why you have this effect on me. Every time I think
about you, I feel intoxicated from head to toe.

    I want one night with you.
One night, where you will submit to me in every way I require. If you refuse,
I’ll understand. But if you agree, you will benefit far beyond you could ever
imagine.

     
    Sincerely,

    C. Hawthorne

     
    Intoxicated, enchanting and
intriguing. She smiled and re-read the letter. He was serious, even if she
didn’t think he was—it was right there in ink. Strangely enough, she was
considering his proposal. When he had touched her, she did not want it to end,
and if it wasn’t for the moment and circumstance they had found themselves in,
she might have allowed him liberties.
    She had felt his strength, his muscles, and his erection