Chapter 72
He was clever and capable; these days, Effie entrusted most of her affairs to him, knowing she could always count on him.
Once everything was arranged, Effie finally felt at ease.
Since Lyman was still out of town for business, she hadn’t mentioned any of this to him. Besides, his position was rather unique, and their marriage had been quite unexpected. The last thing Effie wanted was to cause Lyman any trouble.
She knew Shepard well-if he ever found out she was married to Lyman, he’d stoop to all sorts of shameless antics.
Shepard was nothing if not thick-skinned. Effie knew his type all too well.
Before she knew it, the weekend had arrived.
The Bagnold family was one of the city’s most prominent old families, so Selma’s birthday celebration was a grand affair. Guests arrived in droves, each carrying a gift to pay their respects.
Selma herself wore an elegant deep red evening gown, adorned with a set of exquisite emerald jewelry. She looked energetic and regal, seated in the place of honor, her eyes fixed on the entrance.
Effie slipped into a simple, tasteful dress and drove to Bagnold Mansion. The ancestral home was as imposing as ever, with luxury cars lining the driveway-a testament to the distinguished company gathered inside.
Taking a deep breath, Effie stepped out of her car and walked through the grand doors that felt both familiar and strange after all this time.
The moment she entered, she spotted Shepard and Vera holding court near the foyer, exuding all the airs of a master and mistress of the house. Vera was dressed to the nines in a lavish gown, her arm looped through Shepard’s, greeting guests with a bright, practiced smile.
As soon as Vera caught sight of Effie, her smile faltered for just a moment before she recovered her composure.
“Well, look who’s here! Effie, Lady Selma was just asking about you,” Vera called out, feigning warmth.
Perfect, the little tramp actually showed up. Vera had been worried Effie wouldn’t come, but now she could finally put her little plan into action. She wasn’t about to waste such a golden opportunity.
Soon, everyone would see Effie’s reputation torn to shreds. Just thinking about it sent a flicker of satisfaction across Vera’s face.
Effie simply nodded and offered no more than a curt greeting before making her way toward Selma.
“Grandma, I’m here,” she said gently.
Selma’s face lit up with genuine affection. “Effie, you made it! Come, let me have a good look at you.”
Effie stepped forward, and the old lady clasped her hands with excitement, her eyes brimming with love. “You’re getting thinner. Are you working too hard?”
Effie shook her head, reassuring her. “No, Grandma, I’m fine. You don’t have to worry.”
The two soon fell into an easy, heartfelt conversation.
Watching them, Vera felt a stab of resentment. Damn that old woman-she’d always favored Effie.
Ever since Vera had married into the Bagnold family, Lady Selma had never warmed to her and Suzan. But that was fine. Vera had time. One by one, she’d get rid of them. One day, every inch of this house-every stick of furniture, every last silver spoon-would be hers.
Just then, Suzan entered with Mitchell in tow.
With it being Lady Selma’s birthday, Suzan had seized the chance to bring Mitchell along, eager to showcase her impressive boyfriend to the whole family. She wanted everyone to see just how well she’d done for herself-unlike Effie, who, since breaking up with Mitchell, was, in her eyes, nothing at all.
The moment Suzan came in, her gaze landed on Effie. She couldn’t help wrinkling her nose in disdain. Effie still looked every bit the pauper.
Suzan was dying to see what kind of gift Effie would present to Lady Selma. She could hardly wait for Effie to embarrass herself in front of everyone.