Winifred Kendall.

Winifred Kendall came from a long line of, nobody really knew. Her family had old money that was running out and she was expected to get them out of poverty. Which didn’t bother her all that much. The only thing she loved more than the prospect of having a wealthy husband was the opposite sex. She loved to flirt and tease. To be desired and wanted. Which is what happened when she accepted and invitation to the Willoby’s garden party. Not many people were able to catch a glimpse of Charles Willoby. He had arrived in the city ten months ago but spent most of his time in mourning. Within the confines of his home. Winifred was determined to be the first girl that got his attention when he was ready to pursue another bride. 

There were many ladies at the party but with a few well placed compliments and a gentle touch on the shoulder Winifred had Charles eating out of the palm of her hand. Soon he was leaving his house to meet up with her at the library on a daily basis. They would flirt behind the bookshelves on the second floor.

He had yet to ask her if he could court her. To which she knew what her response would be. The man, though cute, had lost his fortune in some fire. She would never be allowed to marry him any more than he would be able to provide the extravagant lifestyle she desired. She would refuse him. But, until that day came she would enjoy the hunt.

“Oh, Winifred. It is so nice that you were able to coax you Mr. Willoby out of mourning. Do I hear wedding bells in the future?”

“Of course not Valerie, Charles could never afford me. But, a woman must keep her options open if she is to secure a good match.”

“But isn’t that unfair to poor Mr. Willoby?”

“It is most certainly not. Look at what he has gained. Confidence in himself and a chance to move on. I am providing a service to Charles. Besides, the men have their sports, and, we have ours.”

Valerie O’Neil.

Valerie had humble beginnings. Her father was a farmer when she was just a child but, he had very good connections. A friend of his had persuaded him to go into business together in trading goods. Pretty soon he was able to save up enough money to move them to the city and open up his own second hand shop. He told Valerie that no one liked to admit it. But, everyone wanted to save a penny when they could. Valerie met Winifred when they moved to the city. Her parents would frequent Papa’s shop bringing goods to sell, and occasionally buying an item or two. She knew that their family was in financial trouble. However, Winifred was kind to her when no one else would be. And they became friends.

By the time Valerie was fourteen her father had saved up enough money to send her to finishing school. Convinced that he could make a lady out of her. And raise her up from their humble beginnings. Valerie never cared for advancement in life. But, she did so love to make her Papa proud. And so she did her best and returned five years later with the skills he had hoped she would gain. She knew that next he would expect her to begin courting. However, it seemed that many of the eligible men in the city were already predisposed with Winifred. And the woman did not seem to care or have a desire to slow down and allow some of the other ladies a chance. So when she found out that Winifred had been playing with poor Mr. Willoby a recent widower, her anger got the best of her and she met Winifred to talk about it.

“Don’t you have enough suitors Winifred? This is shameful.”

“Oh, Valerie, you will never understand the rush of a man desiring you. Just look at you. It’s not like you had a chance anyways.”

Valerie could feel the anger boiling in her veins. She knew they were in a public place and spoke quietly and with diction.

“End it, let him down gently. Let them all down gently and settle yourself. Because trust me Miss. Kendall, I know enough about you to put even the sky to shame.”

At those words, Valerie calmly walked away, and a long friendship abruptly ended.