~April 8~Never had Claire dreaded going to a Ladies’ Wagering Whist Society meeting, yet today she did. It wasn’t so much telling her secret as it was the humiliation that was sure to come with it. The thought that she’d been tricked was rather mortifying. The fact that her nieces had ignored the basic rules of civility with this ruse… If Claire wasn’t so very particular about following the rules, she supposed it would make things so much easier. But she was, and this was not going to be an easy day for her.
Dearest Christianne, who knew her so well, understood immediately the moment she saw Claire’s expression.
“It’s going to be fine,” she said softly. “Remember, you’re among friends.”
Claire nodded and did her best to smile.
“Ladies,” Christianne said, clapping her hands to get every
