she appeared quite fashionable. The color was very appealing with her brunette hair and rose-blushed cheeks, and she looked soft, sweet, and delectable, like a Christmas peppermint—and about as complicated.
“So what are your plans this fall, Miss Billings?” Charles’s father questioned. “I understand from your father that you performed some charity work for the local orphanage last year. Quite noble of you, I do say.”
“Thank you,” Elizabeth said shyly. “Mother, Jane, and I have been helping the orphanage for a year now. We take up collections of clothes and other things our acquaintances do not need anymore. Then we bring them to the orphanage. I like to think that we brighten the children’s day somewhat.”
“I am certain that you do.” Charles’s father said. “Now charity work is a wonderful occupation for a woman. A gentlewoman can make a contribution, without taking away from her primary role in life. These modern women today just do not know theirplace. Unsexed they are, wanting to be involved in everything from politics to the workforce.”
Charles knew exactly what his father was getting at. Although the older man had a heart condition which caused most of his family to walk on eggshells around him, Charles was infuriated by his indirect criticism of Winifred. He opened his mouth to reply when his mother stood up abruptly. “I think it is time we had dessert. Gentlemen, would you like to go to the study with your cigars and brandy? We could join you later.”
Charlotte Howe smiled graciously, indicating the parlor. Her husband got immediately to his feet, and after a moment, Charles did as well. There was no sense in involving Elizabeth or Charlotte in this; nor did Charles wish to make them uncomfortable. But he could not resist defending Winifred.
“I think women should make up their own minds about what they want to do, and not be forced into a role for which they may not be suited,” Charles said hotly. “Charity work is very noble, but what is wrong with women having choices?”
He surprised himself. A few weeks ago, he would have agreed with his father’s opinion. Now he saw his father’s face darken with displeasure, even as he held open the door to the library. Elizabeth stared at him in astonishment, as did his mother. Charles smiled. The effect Winifred was having on him was apparently very unpopular.
“Y OU SIMPLY CANNOT let that woman stay in the state’s attorney’s office! The men at the club are appalled, and my contacts in the Senate are openly displeased.… Charles, are you listening to me?”
Charles suddenly became aware that his father hadstopped speaking. His mind had wandered back to Winifred again. She had looked so appealing that afternoon, her eyes sparkling as the attorneys discussed their cases. Even while conducting the meeting, he had envisioned peeling that stiff linen collar from her, placing kisses on every inch of skin that he bared. Downing the rest of his drink, he scowled, clearing the pleasurable thoughts from his mind.
“Yes, I heard you. But I don’t care what anyone says, I have no intention of dismissing Winifred. We need the help around the office, and she is a real asset. She assisted one of the junior attorneys with a case today and found the proper precedent for him. With our workload and lack of help, I would be a fool to get rid of her.”
“You would be a damned fool to keep her! The newspapers will not stop, nor will the gossip. Winifred Appleton is the discussion in every drawing room, and speculation about your relationship with her is rampant.”
When Charles did not react, his father shrewdly changed his tack. “You know, your exploits as the state’s attorney have garnered you favorable press. In fact, your reputation can only do you good, particularly now, with the Tweed corruption exposed. The citizens are tired of graft and dirty politics. It’s time for a breath of fresh air.”
“What has that got to do with
“So what are your plans this fall, Miss Billings?” Charles’s father questioned. “I understand from your father that you performed some charity work for the local orphanage last year. Quite noble of you, I do say.”
“Thank you,” Elizabeth said shyly. “Mother, Jane, and I have been helping the orphanage for a year now. We take up collections of clothes and other things our acquaintances do not need anymore. Then we bring them to the orphanage. I like to think that we brighten the children’s day somewhat.”
“I am certain that you do.” Charles’s father said. “Now charity work is a wonderful occupation for a woman. A gentlewoman can make a contribution, without taking away from her primary role in life. These modern women today just do not know theirplace. Unsexed they are, wanting to be involved in everything from politics to the workforce.”
Charles knew exactly what his father was getting at. Although the older man had a heart condition which caused most of his family to walk on eggshells around him, Charles was infuriated by his indirect criticism of Winifred. He opened his mouth to reply when his mother stood up abruptly. “I think it is time we had dessert. Gentlemen, would you like to go to the study with your cigars and brandy? We could join you later.”
Charlotte Howe smiled graciously, indicating the parlor. Her husband got immediately to his feet, and after a moment, Charles did as well. There was no sense in involving Elizabeth or Charlotte in this; nor did Charles wish to make them uncomfortable. But he could not resist defending Winifred.
“I think women should make up their own minds about what they want to do, and not be forced into a role for which they may not be suited,” Charles said hotly. “Charity work is very noble, but what is wrong with women having choices?”
He surprised himself. A few weeks ago, he would have agreed with his father’s opinion. Now he saw his father’s face darken with displeasure, even as he held open the door to the library. Elizabeth stared at him in astonishment, as did his mother. Charles smiled. The effect Winifred was having on him was apparently very unpopular.
“Y OU SIMPLY CANNOT let that woman stay in the state’s attorney’s office! The men at the club are appalled, and my contacts in the Senate are openly displeased.… Charles, are you listening to me?”
Charles suddenly became aware that his father hadstopped speaking. His mind had wandered back to Winifred again. She had looked so appealing that afternoon, her eyes sparkling as the attorneys discussed their cases. Even while conducting the meeting, he had envisioned peeling that stiff linen collar from her, placing kisses on every inch of skin that he bared. Downing the rest of his drink, he scowled, clearing the pleasurable thoughts from his mind.
“Yes, I heard you. But I don’t care what anyone says, I have no intention of dismissing Winifred. We need the help around the office, and she is a real asset. She assisted one of the junior attorneys with a case today and found the proper precedent for him. With our workload and lack of help, I would be a fool to get rid of her.”
“You would be a damned fool to keep her! The newspapers will not stop, nor will the gossip. Winifred Appleton is the discussion in every drawing room, and speculation about your relationship with her is rampant.”
When Charles did not react, his father shrewdly changed his tack. “You know, your exploits as the state’s attorney have garnered you favorable press. In fact, your reputation can only do you good, particularly now, with the Tweed corruption exposed. The citizens are tired of graft and dirty politics. It’s time for a breath of fresh air.”
“What has that got to do with
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