The Cavendon Women by Barbara Taylor Bradford

pinpoint anyone.”
    â€œWho was the person who informed you, may I ask?”
    â€œA very old friend, Alfie Fennell,” Diedre answered. “And he was so sincere I did believe him.”
    â€œIs he any relation to Sir Hubert Fennell?” Lady Gwendolyn asked.
    â€œYes. That’s his uncle.”
    â€œHow did young Fennell get to know about this so-called enemy of yours?” Lady Gwendolyn now asked.
    â€œThrough his cousin Johanna Ellsworth. They are close. Neither have anything to do with the War Office. Alfie is a barrister, and Johanna does not work. She has a private income. But she is very well connected. Moves in political circles.”
    â€œIt seems that your friend Johanna knew about this first and passed it on.”
    â€œShe told Alfie she had heard a strange rumor about me, and she wanted him to alert me, even though she said it was only a rumor.”
    â€œI think you have to find out who told her.”
    â€œI did do some probing, and I know the right questions to ask. I gathered that it was just … out there.”
    Lady Gwendolyn was silent for a moment, before remarking, “You say you can’t think of anyone who might want to cause you trouble. But maybe it’s not someone … highly visible . Have you ever offended anyone, without realizing it? Have you rejected a would-be suitor whom you didn’t know was a suitor? Is someone in competition with you?”
    â€œNone of those things. At least, not that I know of. I just plow into my work every day, and keep my head down.”
    â€œHave you told any of your colleagues at the War Office about this rumor?”
    â€œNo, I haven’t. I thought it better not to say a word to anyone except you. Obviously, I know people there, and we’re friendly as colleagues, but I don’t have any bosom chums. Actually, I’m baffled at the mere idea of an enemy.”
    â€œHow can I help you, Diedre?”
    â€œI’m not sure. Being able to talk to you about this helps a lot, because now I don’t feel so alone, coping with this problem.” Diedre let out a small sigh, shook her head. “I thought you might know someone at the War Office, or in the government. But now, as I’m saying that, I know you can’t just start asking your friends who my enemy might be, now can you?” Diedre began to laugh at her own absurdity, and so did Lady Gwendolyn.
    After a few moments, Diedre added, “I suppose all I can do is just wait and see who tries to make trouble for me.”
    â€œThat is true, my dear, in one sense. But I’m afraid I can’t just leave it at that. Let me think about this. I am going up to town next week. I have several engagements to fulfill, and who knows what I might find out as I circulate in Mayfair and Westminster with my friends.”
    â€œThank you, Great-Aunt Gwendolyn, I do appreciate your help. I love my work—” Diedre broke off as her voice started to quaver unexpectedly. She was on the verge of tears. Swallowing, promptly taking hold of herself, she continued, “The War Office is a huge part of my life, as you know. I’ve been there twelve years, and I love what I do. Without it I would be lost.”
    â€œI truly understand,” Lady Gwendolyn murmured sympathetically, having always been aware that Diedre found great fulfillment in her work, and was dedicated to her professional life.
    *   *   *
    They talked of the wedding and other things as they sipped the lemonade Mrs. Pine had brought out, enjoying being together.
    At one moment, Lady Gwendolyn said, “I’m going up to town on Monday. When do you plan to return?”
    â€œAlso on Monday,” Diedre answered. “Perhaps we can travel together on the train.”
    â€œWhat a good idea, my dear. And it will give us a chance to talk some more about this problem hovering over you.”

 
    Fifteen
    It was a weird and dubious