Amelia found herself seated beside Lady Rose—still unsure of the woman's intentions, but determined to keep up appearances. They chatted casually as if they were old friends. Rose asked softly, "I hope no one's giving you trouble, dear. Is everything alright in the manor?"
Amelia glanced sideways, careful not to betray her thoughts. How does she know what's been happening?
She laughed lightly. "You care so much, Lady Rose. I'm truly lucky."
They must have been close. Too close, she thought, hiding the unease blooming in her chest.
Soon, the room quieted as Celina called for attention. She stood near the platform with an exaggerated smile.
"I want to thank everyone for coming tonight," she began, her voice sugary sweet. "To celebrate this special evening, I'd like to invite someone truly dear to me—my beloved sister, Amelia—to open the first dance. Let us all enjoy the sight of her happiness tonight."
The crowd clapped politely. Amelia simply raised an eyebrow but offered no protest. Act sweet. Smile. That's what she expects, she reminded herself.
As the music began, Lord Theodore approached and offered his hand. "May I?"
She accepted with practiced grace. As they danced, he whispered, "You move like water. You've been trained."
Amelia chuckled. "Let's just say I know how to keep up appearances."
The crowd watched, intrigued by the surprising elegance of the Viscount's once-forgotten daughter.
The TurnLater, Celina stood surrounded by her group of friends, giggling, soaking in the praise for her "graceful" hosting. But then her body swayed. Her smile faltered.
"Are you okay?" one of her friends asked.
"—I just feel dizzy…"
Her knees buckled slightly, and a maid quickly caught her. Murmurs rippled through the room.
Amelia stepped forward with a concerned expression.
"Oh, dear sister," she said, her voice smooth. "You should try the same special tonic you gave me last week. You always said it helped with dizziness and weakness. Beatrice, fetch it for her."
Celina's eyes widened. "No! I… I don't want—"
Her voice rose too loud.
The Viscount and Lady Jennifer approached swiftly. "What's going on?" he asked sternly.
Amelia answered before Celina could speak. "Celina's not feeling well. I thought I'd repay her kindness by offering the same tonic she's been giving me. After all, it's always helped me."
The Viscount nodded. "Then give it to her."
Trapped by the eyes of the crowd, Celina had no choice. She accepted the cup, hesitated, then drank it—face pale and lips trembling.
Within minutes, her legs gave out. Gasps filled the room.
"Someone call the physician!" Lady Jennifer screamed. "What did you give my daughter?!"
Emilia stepped back, hands raised. "The same tonic she gives me every week. I thought it would help."
The doctor arrived in a rush. After examining Celina, he shook his head. "She's not poisoned. Just very weak and slightly overmedicated. She'll recover."
The Viscount's expression darkened. "Examine the tonic anyway."
Guests began murmuring, unsure what to believe. As the tension rose, the Viscount clapped once.
"The party is over. Everyone, thank you for coming. Please return to your homes."
The AftermathLater that night, at the family dining table, Celina had regained enough strength to sit upright. She sipped soup slowly, her face unreadable.
Amelia leaned over with a gentle smile. "Are you feeling better, sister? I had no idea the tonic would affect you that way. I'm truly sorry."
Celina didn't answer. She simply clenched her spoon harder.
You ruined everything, she screamed inside. But she kept her face calm.
When the meal ended, the Viscount asked Celina to remain behind.
As the room cleared, he stepped forward, cold fury in his eyes.
"You gave her that tonic knowing it would damage her health. And now you've embarrassed me in front of nobles. What were you thinking?"
"I didn't—she tricked me into drinking it—"
He raised his voice. "You drank your poison. Are you stupid? I told you not to make a scene. And now you've turned your sister into a victim in front of everyone!"
Celina looked down. He continued.
"From now on, you're not to leave this estate without my permission. And you are banned from hosting events. Until I say otherwise."
She stormed out of the room, cheeks flushed in humiliation.
Outside, she passed Amelia walking with Beatrice. Emilia gave her a side glance, her voice low.
"Rest well, sister."
Amelia turned away with the faintest smile of satisfaction on her lips.
One battle won. Many more to come.