She Was Slapped...Again!

And Lady Dumbray? She belonged to the higher society. Her mother was friends with the Dowager Duchess and enjoyed flower planting as much as the Dowager Duchess. But was her daughter as kind as she was? Beth doubted. It was not prejudice, but she was Lady Cossington's friend.

Beth hesitated at the door, closed her eyes and exhaled. A second later, she opened them and willed her legs to carry her to the waiting women. She entered the Red Room.

"All hail Lady de Nocrosse. Or would you rather I called you Lady Carlisle." Lady Cossington declared. She was staring at the portrait above the fireplace when Beth entered. She walked over to her. "Should I bow or shall I curtsy?" She walked over, smiling. It was not genuine.

Beth almost sighed. This would be tough, she thought. "Good afternoon, Lady Cossington. How do you do?"

"I do not know. Celeste," She called, her hand on her chin. "What do you suppose I tell the woman who stole my husband how I am fairing?"