No Stone Unturned by Pam Lecky

Author:Pam Lecky [Lecky, Pam]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2019-06-27T22:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER 20

The Strawbridge Townhouse, Mayfair, London

“Tell me truthfully, Sarah, did you ever hear any rumours about Charlie and Florence Bannon?” Lucy asked. “Was I the only fool in London who didn’t know what he was up to?”

A telltale blush rose in Sarah’s face. “The Bannons are unknown to me; however, Geoffrey did mention something a few months’ ago. But as it was an unsubstantiated rumour, Lucy, I didn’t want to say anything without proof, particularly as you were newly widowed. The clubs are notorious for that kind of dangerous gossip.”

“I wish you had mentioned something, all the same. It was so demoralising to hear it from Mr Stone, of all people.”

“Yes, it must have been mortifying.”

Lucy regarded her friend for a moment, unsure if she should voice her worries. “Yes, and now I cannot help thinking there may have been others, too. The idea is stuck in my head, festering away. Having one’s life torn apart, practically in public, gives you great insight, even if it is so late in the day.”

“You had no idea?”

“Oh the signs were there, but I was in denial. The more frequent absences from home and his coldness towards me—it all makes sense now.” She gave a mirthless laugh. “No doubt he felt trapped, much as I did.”

“However, the difference was you didn’t run into the arms of someone else,” Sarah said.

“Yes I was faithful, but I thought—hoped—he would rekindle his feelings for me,” Lucy continued. “Foolish of me, I know. He probably couldn’t help himself, and I’m sure he had no difficulty finding willing partners. He was an attractive man.”

“And charming,” Sarah said.

“Lethally so,” Lucy replied with a sad smile. “I cannot really blame the women, for I fell for it too.”

“You are far too forgiving. Those women knew very well what they were about. Furthermore, he was a fool to risk losing you.”

Lucy almost laughed. “Perhaps that was exactly what he was trying to do; that or at least forget my existence. I imagine once you find solace in the arms of someone else it becomes easier to justify it to yourself, to imagine your partner’s faults have driven you to it.” Lucy frowned. “Perhaps I did drive him away for I tend to be impulsive, and he used to complain I was headstrong.”

Sarah glared at her. “Drive him away? Of course you didn’t! Honestly Lucy, that is foolish talk. Charlie was a lying and deceitful cad. You did nothing wrong. The affairs were bad enough, but his criminal exploits have put your life in danger. Don’t you realise the picture you paint is of a very shallow man who only ever thought of his own needs and desires?”

“I do now.” Lucy closed her eyes briefly, suddenly weary of it all. She knew Sarah was right; it was just difficult to accept the last ten years of her life had been based on falsehoods.

Sarah’s expression softened. “Sadly, infidelity is not uncommon once the first flush of romance dies. Many wives are happy to look the other way once the requisite heir survives babyhood and familial duty is satisfied.

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