“It’s so far away… my own mother died, and I didn’t even know…” she wailed, her body wracked with sobs. My own eyes burned with tears. I knew
this pain all too well. I had been just as numb, just as empty, in my past life. I understood her suffering completely.
This time, I would make sure Arabella tasted the despair of an unhappy marriage for herself.
Arabella had bolts of silk and fine jewelry sent to us. For the next few days, she paraded Calliope and her daughter around at various social gather-
ings.
Surrounded by a gaggle of fawning ladies, she would smile, her eyes alight with smug satisfaction. “You see, this is another of my maids. Look
how well she is doing. I had the physician check; the baby in her belly is a boy.”
“Oh, I’ve heard the Viscount’s men are all so handsome and promising! Lady Arabella, you are so good to your servants.”
“Indeed! This maid must be eternally grateful to you. You are so kind–hearted.”
“My, and this maid standing beside you is so poised and lovely. I’m sure she is also promised to one of the Viscount’s men. How wonderful…”
Meanwhile, Sterling was at a brothel, bidding on the “flower queen” of the night. With Cordelia’s help, I arranged for a few men to start a fight with
him. He was drunk, and his temper was short. As expected, he got into a brawl.
He was carried back to the manor.
“My lady,” the footman reported, “the physician says Sterling’s spine was broken from a blow to the back. He will be paralyzed for life.”
“What?!” Arabella shot to her feet, knocking over her teacup. Her face was dark with rage. “Who would be so bold as to attack one of the Viscount‘
s men?! Do they have a death wish?!”
