The rest of that day passed in an atmosphere of brittle civility. Victoria had retreated to her chambers after their return from the folly, claiming a headache, but Felicity could see the servants whispering among themselves as they went about their duties. Word traveled quickly in a house like Blackwood Manor, and it was clear that everyone sensed the tension crackling in the air like lightning before a storm.Felicity found herself unable to concentrate on anything for more than a few minutes at a time. She tried reading in the library, but the words swam before her eyes. She attempted some needlework in the morning room, but her stitches were so uneven that she eventually gave up in frustration. Even a walk in the gardens failed to settle her nerves, as she kept glancing up at the windows of the guest wing, half-expecting to see Victoria watching her with those calculating blue eyes.It was while she was attempting to arrange flowers in the conservatory that Annie found her, the young maid's face flushed with excitement and something that looked suspiciously like worry."My lady," Annie said breathlessly, "you're needed in the drawing room immediately. There are... visitors.""Visitors?" Felicity set down the roses she had been arranging, her heart sinking. "What sort of visitors?""Gentlemen from London, my lady. They arrived about an hour ago and asked to speak with his lordship urgently. But..." Annie wrung her hands nervously. "But his lordship is meeting with his steward about the harvest, and Morrison thought perhaps you should receive them instead."Felicity felt a familiar knot of anxiety form in her stomach. Receiving important guests was exactly the sort of social situation she felt least equipped to handle. "Did they give their names?""Mr. Charles Whitworth and Mr. Edmund Whitmore, my lady."The names hit Felicity like a physical blow. Whitworth—a relative of her father's former partner? And Whitmore—surely this must be the doctor who had helped Adrian fabricate his injuries. What could they possibly want, and why were they here together?"Where is Lady Victoria?" Felicity asked, though she suspected she already knew the answer.Annie's expression confirmed her worst fears. "She's in the drawing room with the gentlemen, my lady. She... she seems to know them quite well."Of course she did. Felicity took a deep breath, smoothed her afternoon dress of amber silk, and prepared herself for whatever trap Victoria had set for her.The drawing room was filled with afternoon sunlight when Felicity entered, making the three figures seated near the fireplace appear almost ethereal in the golden light. Victoria sat in the center like a queen holding court, resplendent in a gown of deep emerald that perfectly complemented her coloring. On either side of her sat two gentlemen Felicity had never seen before—one middle-aged and distinguished, the other younger and bearing an uncomfortable resemblance to someone she couldn't quite place."Ah, Lady Blackwood!" Victoria rose gracefully, her smile bright as a blade. "How perfect. Gentlemen, may I present the new Lady Blackwood? My dear, these are very old friends of mine—Mr. Charles Whitworth and Dr. Edmund Whitmore."Both men rose and bowed appropriately, but Felicity noticed that their eyes held a strange mixture of curiosity and something that might have been pity."Lady Blackwood," said the older man—Whitworth, she presumed. "What a pleasure to meet you at last. We've heard so much about your... remarkable marriage."There was something in his tone that made Felicity's skin crawl, but she maintained her composure. "Indeed? I hope it was all complimentary."Dr. Whitmore stepped forward, and now Felicity could see the family resemblance that had been nagging at her—he had his father's weak chin and calculating eyes. "Lady Blackwood, I wonder if I might have a private word with you? As your husband's former physician, I have some concerns about his... condition.""His condition seems perfectly satisfactory to me, Dr. Whitmore," Felicity replied carefully. "Perhaps you should discuss any medical matters directly with his lordship.""Ah, but that's just it," Victoria interjected sweetly. "Dr. Whitmore has some very interesting information about dear Adrian's injuries. Information that might help explain some of his... recent behavior."The way Victoria emphasized the word 'recent' sent a chill down Felicity's spine. There was definitely a trap being laid here, and she was walking right into it."I'm afraid I don't understand," Felicity said, though she suspected she understood all too well.Dr. Whitmore moved closer, his expression one of professional concern mixed with something less savory. "Lady Blackwood, I treated your husband after his terrible accident three years ago. The burns, the damage to his legs—it was truly tragic to see such a vital man reduced to such a state."Felicity's heart began to race. She knew, of course, that Adrian's injuries were fabricated, but these people didn't know that she knew. They were clearly building toward some revelation that they expected would devastate her."However," Dr. Whitmore continued, his voice dropping to a confidential whisper, "I feel it's my duty to inform you that there have been some... miraculous improvements in your husband's condition.""Miraculous how?" Felicity asked, though she dreaded the answer."Well, for instance, I understand he's been riding again. Quite vigorously, from what I'm told. Most remarkable for a man who could barely walk without assistance just a few months ago."Mr. Whitworth leaned forward in his chair, his pale eyes fixed on Felicity's face. "And the scarring, Lady Blackwood—has your husband shown you his scars?"The question was clearly designed to embarrass and humiliate her, implying as it did intimate knowledge of her husband's body. Felicity felt her cheeks burn, but she lifted her chin defiantly."My husband's medical condition is a private matter between us," she said with as much dignity as she could muster."Of course, of course," Dr. Whitmore said soothingly. "But as his former physician, I can't help but be concerned. You see, the last time I examined Lord Blackwood, his injuries were quite... extensive. If he's made such a remarkable recovery, surely he would want to share that joyous news with the world?"Victoria's smile was triumphant. "Unless, of course, there's some reason he prefers to keep people believing he's still damaged and reclusive."The implication hung in the air like a sword over Felicity's head. They were suggesting—no, they were stating outright—that Adrian had been deceiving everyone about his condition. But why? What did they hope to gain from this revelation?"I'm sure I don't know what you're implying," Felicity said carefully.Mr. Whitworth rose and moved to the window, his hands clasped behind his back in a gesture that reminded Felicity uncomfortably of her late father."Lady Blackwood," he said without turning around, "are you aware that your marriage settlement included certain... unusual provisions?"Felicity's blood ran cold. "What sort of provisions?""Clauses that would void the contract should it be discovered that either party had misrepresented their circumstances or character." Whitworth turned to face her, his expression grave. "Deception, in other words, would render the marriage null and void."The pieces of their scheme finally clicked into place in Felicity's mind. They were threatening to expose Adrian's deception about his injuries, which would indeed void their marriage contract if such a clause existed. But what they didn't realize was that Felicity already knew about Adrian's deception—and that she had reasons of her own for keeping it secret."That's a very serious accusation, Mr. Whitworth," Felicity said quietly. "I hope you have substantial proof before you make such claims about a peer of the realm."Dr. Whitmore stepped forward eagerly. "As a matter of fact, we do. I have detailed medical records of Lord Blackwood's supposed injuries, and I can testify that no man with such damage could possibly be leading the active life your husband appears to be enjoying.""And I," added Whitworth, "have been investigating certain... irregularities in your husband's business dealings over the past three years. Dealings that would have been impossible for a man confined to his estate by injury and disability."Victoria clapped her hands together in delight. "Isn't it wonderful, my dear? Your husband is completely healthy! No scars, no limp, no reason to hide from society. He's been deceiving everyone, including you."Felicity stared at the three conspirators, her mind racing. They clearly expected her to be shocked, devastated, perhaps even grateful for their revelation. They had no idea that she was already fully aware of her husband's deception, or that she understood his reasons for it.More importantly, they seemed to have no idea that their little scheme was about to blow up in their faces spectacularly."Well," Felicity said slowly, allowing a note of uncertainty to creep into her voice, "this is certainly... unexpected news."Victoria leaned forward eagerly. "I know it must be shocking, darling. To discover that your husband has been lying to you about something so fundamental. But you see, this means the marriage can be dissolved. You can be free of this sham, and Adrian... well, Adrian can return to where he belongs.""With you, you mean," Felicity said quietly."Naturally. We were meant to be together, Adrian and I. This unfortunate interlude with you was simply a result of his... confused state of mind."Felicity looked around the room at the three faces watching her so intently—Victoria's triumphant, Whitmore's slyly expectant, Whitworth's coldly calculating. They were so certain they had won, so confident that their revelation would destroy everything Adrian had built.They had no idea that they were about to discover just how dangerous it was to underestimate a merchant's daughter who had learned to fight for survival in ways they could never imagine."I see," Felicity said softly. "And what exactly do you want from me?"Victoria's smile was radiant with victory. "Simply your cooperation, my dear. Agree to the annulment, and we'll ensure that you're provided for. A comfortable settlement, perhaps a small property somewhere quiet where you can live out your days in peace.""And if I refuse?"Whitworth's expression hardened. "Then we'll be forced to make our evidence public. The scandal would destroy your husband's reputation and political career. He would be ruined, and you along with him."Felicity nodded slowly, as though considering their offer. In truth, she was calculating how much longer Adrian's meeting with his steward might last, and how quickly she could get word to him about what was happening."This is all very sudden," she said finally. "Might I have some time to consider your... generous offer?""Of course," Victoria said graciously. "Take all the time you need. We'll be staying for dinner, naturally."As the three conspirators exchanged satisfied glances, Felicity excused herself from the drawing room with as much dignity as she could muster. But as soon as she was out of their sight, she picked up her skirts and ran.She had to find Adrian, and she had to find him quickly. Because if Victoria and her allies thought they could destroy her marriage with threats and blackmail, they were about to learn just how wrong they were.The game had taken a decidedly dangerous turn, but Felicity was discovering that she had more weapons in her arsenal than anyone had suspected.Including herself.
