Her request was greeted with good-natured laughter and full attention. Suzanne continued, “As you know, besides the pleasure of your company, I wanted you to meet my friend Kendra Douglas, the former Lady Denshire. She has quite a story to tell, and I thought you would all find it interesting. Kendra, the floor is yours.”

Kendra gulped. “I thought you’d want me to talk after we ate!”

“You’ll enjoy the food more if you aren’t tied in knots,” Suzanne explained.

“You’re probably right, but might I exchange my sherry for brandy?”

There was a ripple of laughter as Suzanne complied. Kendra took one sip of brandy before she stood, setting her glass aside. “I imagine you’ve heard the story of the scandalous divorce of Lady Denshire. That story is based on wicked lies. Suzanne thinks I should tell the truth to a group of powerful, open-minded women. I’m not sure it will make a difference in my life or in the grand scheme of things, but—the truth matters.”

“I shall be glad to hear it,” said Lady Kingston. “Even without knowing you, I thought the story sounded strange. Improbable. Since I’m a curious beast, as my husband says, I’ve wondered. The truth will be welcome.”

Once more Kendra explained what had actually happened. There were gasps when she showed the burn scars on her leg, and frowns when she spoke of how Denshire had drugged her and thrown her out of the house and refused to let her see Christopher.

When she finished, Lady Julia said, “It’s a shocking tale, and having met Denshire a few times, I have no trouble believing it.”

There were murmurs of agreement from the others. Mariah, the Duchess of Ashton, said, “Denshire is not popular among intelligent women. He has social aspirations, and once he sought me out at a ball and attempted to ingratiate himself with my grand duchess self. I kept backing away and was considering tossing my champagne in his face when Ashton joined us.” She grinned. “My usually mild-mannered husband gave Denshire one of his looks. Denshire made an undignified retreat and has avoided me ever since.”

Lady Masterson, tall and incisive, said, “You have been treated outrageously, and as a woman, you’ve had no recourse legally. But situations change and scandals fade. What would you like to see happen?”

“I want my son back!” Kendra said without hesitation. “I’d also like my reputation back. I want people to know that I didn’t behave in such a shocking way. I took my marriage vows seriously and never considered breaking them even though the marriage had died. Unlike Denshire, who broke his wedding vows regularly and in every manner available. I would like to see his reputation blackened.”

After a moment’s further consideration, she added, “I’d like to see him shipped off to whatever penal colony has the worst climate.”