Part 3, England 1820: Chapters 25-27 Summary

In chapter 25, Clayton has his lawyer send a legal form to Whitney at her father's estate releasing her from their betrothal contract and giving her a large sum of money for what he did to her. Over the next few weeks, Clayton spends time at his mother's estate, avoiding the many women his brother has brought there for their entertainment. One night Clayton becomes drunk and tells his brother, Stephen, all about his behavior toward Whitney. Stephen and his mother discuss Clayton the next morning, both convinced Clayton is in love with Whitney. In chapter 26, Whitney has settled in with the Archibalds, refusing to attend social events where she might run into Clayton. Whitney is emotionally damaged from Clayton's behavior and frightened that she will be socially damaged as well should anyone learn the truth. Eventually Whitney...