Free A White Room by Stephanie Carroll Page B

She hesitated. “Well, he—we wanted for fresh air.”
    I wondered what the real reason had been. It obviously had something to do with Marcellus. I wondered if some scandal had forced them into exile. I could sense how uncomfortable she had become, so I changed the subject. “What exactly does the church committee do?”
    Ida lifted her glass and the butler quickly moved to pour more Port. “I created an event committee to organize balls and other events for the families of higher standing.”
    “That sounds entertaining.”
    “But that’s not the committee you will be joining. Only the highest-class women in town are members.”
    “Oh.”
    “The church committee used to do little useless things around town, so I had Margaret spruce it up and now it funds my event committee.”
    “What did they do before?”
    “Oh, nonsense activities to keep themselves busy, I suppose—taking food to families with newborns, knitting scarves just to give away.”
    John stirred his soup. “Walter, perhaps Ida would enjoy hearing about her husband’s and your accomplishments in Murielle County.”
    Marcellus grumbled.
    “Thank you, John,” Walter said. “I’m certain the ladies hear enough of that day to day.”
    “Nonsense.” Margaret pepped up. “His father was very impressed with his recent catch.” She shifted in her seat to face him. “I’ve never seen him congratulate you in such a manner.”
    “How so?” Ida rolled her sleepy gaze toward him.
    “I—” Walter tried.
    Margaret continued. “I haven’t seen your father that pleased since the day you agreed to join his practice—”
    “It wasn’t anything.” Walter waved a hand and tried to hide his dimples. “We merely enjoyed a cigar together.” His cheeks grew a little flush. “Besides, I’m sure our work with Mr. Coddington’s firm is not appropriate for dinner conversation.”
    “Indeed,” Ida said.
    Margaret leaned forward. “Ida, I think it is our duty to inform Emeline of a certain individual.” She tilted her head.
    Ida nodded, sipping her wine.
    “Pardon?” I asked.
    “There is a despicable woman named Olivia Urswick you must do your best to avoid.”
    “Mother!” Walter’s eyes shot open.
    John froze with a spoonful of soup at his lips. Marcellus continued eating.
    Margaret ignored her son’s protest and dabbed her lips with a napkin. “She is a horrible, wretched woman, a spinster, posing for polite society.”
    “Oh, yes,” Ida said. “She’s not just a spinster, either.”
    John’s eyebrows slanted and he slumped, clearly uncomfortable. I didn’t want to upset our hostess, but this was not light or pleasant conversation.
    “She had a child out of wedlock,” Margaret exclaimed.
    Oh, dear God, I thought.
    Walter shook his head.
    “Uh, I’m sure there are plenty of respectable women, though.”
    “Her father was a fool,” Ida said.
    Margaret continued. “He left everything to her despite the fact that she refused to marry, and her bastard child was a girl.” She shook her head. “Not even a son to carry on the family name.”
    John cleared his throat. “Uh, Walter how did you—”
    “Why did she not marry?” I asked without thinking. “I never heard of such a thing.”
    “You won’t believe it, Emeline.” Ida widened her eyes. “She refused him.”
    “Why would she do that?”
    Margaret shook her head. “Stubborn. A stubborn mule of a woman. She willingly brought shame to herself and her family.”
    “Perhaps there is another suitor?”
    “This was twenty years ago. Her daughter is grown. Fled this town and her family’s shame. Olivia’s in her late forties now. Trust me, she couldn’t tempt any man with half a wit.”
    “Oh my.”
    John glared at me.
    “All right, Mother, that’s enough,” Walter said.
    “Her bastard child even considers her mother a wretched woman,” Margaret said. “She doesn’t even speak to her.”
    John stared at me for a moment longer and then stood. “Excuse