Lady Masterson laughed. “A suitable punishment for a vile man. I’d like to see all those things happen, and a good precedent set for other women in the future.”

“I agree. A woman wronged needs allies,” Lady Kingston said thoughtfully. “I think all of us here have had experience of how abusive some men are. I don’t know if anything can be done for you through the legal system, but collectively we have a great deal of social power, and we all are lucky to have fine and reasonable husbands. We might be able to help you regain your reputation, and from that, perhaps your son.”

“I would be so grateful if you could!” Kendra exclaimed, startled by what Lady Kingston was suggesting.

“If we are going to be conspirators, I think we should be on more intimate terms,” Lady Wyndham, a striking redhead, said mischievously. “I’m Cassie.”

“Not to be confused with me, Callie,” Lady Kingston said. “I lived several years in the United States, which enhanced my rebellious streak. I’m all in favor of fighting injustice.” Her smile showed teeth. “I would love to see justice visited on your horrid ex-husband.”

“I was also once threatened legally by an appalling bully,” Lady Romayne added, her face shadowed. “A greedy brute who wanted to take my daughter from me.” Her expression eased. “Sometimes justice does prevail. Please call me Jessie.”

“I’m Mariah,” the duchess said. “If Denshire craves acceptance in the highest levels of society, we definitely have weapons to wield against him.”

“I’m Julia, of course,” Lady Julia said. “My courtesy title makes it obvious.” She cocked her head to one side. “The standard divorce decree does not allow remarriage. Do you think you might wish to remarry some day?”

A swift image of Lucas flashed through Kendra’s mind. “I haven’t been able to imagine taking another husband. But who knows what the future holds? I’d like to have the choice available.”

Callie nodded approvingly. “Half the women here are on their second husbands.”

“Or third,” Jessie said under her breath.

Callie chuckled. “Perhaps practice improves our judgment. In my experience, a second husband is far superior to the first, so it would be good to make acquiring one possible for you.”

“I have a cousin who might be able to help with that,” Julia murmured, but added no details.

Athena lifted her almost empty glass. “A toast to finding justice for Kendra Douglas!”

The others all raised their glasses and chorused, “Justice for Kendra Douglas!”

Kendra bit her lip, unable to stop her eyes from tearing up. “I don’t know what to say,” she whispered.

“Thank you,” Suzanne prompted. “And now let’s eat!”

CHAPTER 14

CHAPTER 14