little about women; he doesn’t realize that creatures so delicate can also demonstrate such immense strength. His greatest sin is that he underestimated you, but I feel it was done in ignorance, not condescension.”
Felicity covered her eyes. Wishing like hell she could be different somehow. That she could have inherited only a modicum of Mercy’s boldness, Prudence’s sense of adventure, or Honoria’s courage.
A crack of thunder ignited her frayed nerves, causing her to jump, just before the sky opened up to release a torrent of rain.
Raphael put his hands on his thighs and pushed to his feet. “It is late. Perhaps we should rest and talk about this in the morning?”
“Actually, I need to speak with Mercy. I’ve much to tell her.”
He nodded. “I hope you forgive Mercy. She hated the idea from the start. It would break her heart if there were a chasm between you.”
She nodded, loving him a little for his regard of her sister.
“Raphael? I’m glad you’ve both come home.”
His features softened into a lovely smile. “So am I, mon sœur.”
She took his arm and he conducted her down the hall with all the ceremony of someone escorting a queen to court. When they passed Gabriel’s door, she hesitated but somehow knew she wouldn’t find him skulking in his room. That wasn’t his way.
Mercy met them on the stairs, her features anxious and expectant. “Felicity, I—”
“It’s all right.” She embraced her sister. “I’m not angry any longer.”
“Oh good.” Mercy squeezed a little too hard. “You know I hate apologizing. I’ve never been good at it.”
Suddenly she was so glad to have her sister back, she couldn’t decide whether to giggle or cry.
“Where is everyone?” Mercy asked, keeping one arm locked around her as they made their way to the parlor. “I can’t even find Mrs. Winterton.”
Felicity revealed the entire story of the letter, the poison ingested by Mrs. Winterton, her attack in the street that led her to posting the advertisement for a guard. She told them of the fight in the garden, and didn’t miss the meaningful glance between Mercy and Raphael as she recounted Gabriel’s bravery that night.
After careful thought, she omitted the part about her fainting.
“Where is Gabriel?” Raphael queried. “I was certain he’d be prowling close by.”
Mercy shrugged. “He was patching a broken windowpane with planks on the glasshouse, last I saw.”
Raphael nodded, tapping his chin in a pensive posture. “I will consult with him, but the poisoning aspect of this… it doesn’t feel like Marco. Neither does hiring others to do his wet work. If there is killing to be done, that bastard will jump at the chance to get his hands dirty every time.” He studied Felicity so intently, she swore she could hear the gears of his brain grinding away. “Tell me of this fortune you have inherited… It is common knowledge?”
Felicity squirmed. “Yes.”
“Have you turned down any proposals lately, from men who would be after your assets?”
“There have been a several suitors of interest, most recently the Earl of Bainbridge. However, he proposed after I was threatened or attacked. I can’t think of what his motive would be.”
“I can,” Mercy interjected. “He is our cousin of some distance, and an earl, besides, but I have heard he’s quite penniless. He needs an heiress.”
“Yes, but he was honest with me about that. It’s part of why I decided we wouldn’t suit. And while he made it abundantly clear that he didn’t love me, he was nothing but cordial when I refused him.”
Raphael stroked his angular jaw. “Bainbridge… he lives in the vicinity?”
“He does, just on the other side of the park.”
Nodding, he seemed to come to a conclusion. “Well, it’s important we find Marco whether he’s behind this or not. I won’t feel that either of you are safe until I’m able to spit on his grave. However, I’d like to speak to this Bainbridge.”
“Gareth— Gabriel didn’t seem to think highly of him,” she said.
Smirking, Raphael went to the door. “My brother has excellent instincts, though in this case, they might be a bit suspect. Perhaps we can get Morley involved, now that he’s back from the Continent.”
At that, Felicity groaned. “I don’t want everyone to make a fuss.”
“If your life is in danger, Felicity,” Mercy shook her elbow, “best you get used to a bit of fuss, and be glad it’s not an all-out war.”
Felicity proffered a weak smile, deeply grateful for such a family as this, regardless of her trepidation over the attention.
“Well, let us all get