chapter thirty-seven
THE POISONER
“ I take it you liked the pastries?” Phoebe hummed.
“Anything with citrus, you know I can’t fight it.” I bit into my fourth tart of the morning.
Breakfast was enjoyed outside along with the other guests.
As I stared down at the pastry, I lost my facade, the smile dissipating like a flame on a wet wick.
So much energy was dedicated to looking happy instead of actually being happy.
The weight of my situation was stealing my appetite and dragging my mood down every time I remembered it.
The sensation always came on so suddenly.
“Morbs?” Phoebe asked once she noticed my demeanor.
“Morbs,” I answered.
I was lucky that Phoebe understood my moods, like she could read me faster than her tabloids. As a socialite, one had to get alarmingly good at reading people.
The brunette from the other day, Clarissa, glared in our direction and whispered viciously among the other debutantes.
So young and high-strung. It was hard to blame them.
I was the same not too many years ago. They were settled on a picnic blanket by the pond with their parasols.
Though I did not have to be good at reading people to know she was not my biggest fan, I could expect a slur of nasty rumors in a few days’ time.
I had not seen Silas all morning, which was odd because he usually made himself known as often as possible. All that talk about possession last night. His cocky attitude was insufferable at this point. Could it kill him to be pleasant for once?
My thoughts were interrupted by the thud of hooves pulling a carriage up to the front of the estate. I glanced at Phoebe, but she just stared at the carriage, seemingly not expecting anyone.
That was when that familiar flash of blond appeared, stepping out and surveying the early birds. Those gray eyes finally fixated on me, prompting a handsome smile as he approached.
“Aston,” Silas acknowledged Phoebe, but did not take his eyes off me. “Alina, we have an appointment.”
I looked over at Phoebe, confused, and she looked back at me equally as perplexed, a worried tinge on her face.
“What appointment?” I glanced back up at him, his shadow blocking the morning sun.
“One that you won’t want to miss.” He held his gloved hand out to me.
“Why must you steal my friends whenever you find yourself bored?” Phoebe grumbled, and took a sip of her tea, glaring at Silas over the rim of her cup.
“Steal? You give me too much credit.” He rolled his eyes at her. “I will return her afterward…maybe.”
I took his hand and stood. “What about my things?”
“You won’t need them. I’ll have them delivered back to London,” he answered, beginning to lead me away.
Phoebe and I shared unsure looks before seeing the other guests staring. I knew that word would get back to every tabloid in London by the time I returned.
He politely gestured for me to enter the coach before following suit. The coachman closed the door securely before the vehicle lurched forward.
We sat across from one another, silent.
The car was furnished in dark leather with red lining. The outer parts were painted a sleek black with gold detailing. Not once had I ridden in something this expensive before, but I would rather ride miles on the side saddle than trap myself in here with him. Though it was a bit late for that.
“Where are we going?”
“So many questions.” He leaned back. “You act like I am abducting you. I’m trying to be kind.”
“You? Kind?” I laughed. “I don’t think you do anything without a purpose.”
“You’re right.” He tapped his shoe against the floor of the cab. “I am clearly trying to trick you into leaving the pretentious parties and useless conversations about diets that you so clearly enjoy so that I can have you selfishly to myself,” he said sweetly.
“Well, the birds will have a field day with that stunt. You knew that those girls would talk.” I glared, nervously picking at my nails.
“All part of the plan.” He grinned. “I told you, I want everyone to know, whether you want them to or not. You will play the part if you know what’s good for you.”
“Why do all of your confessions sound like threats?” I fixed my eyes on the passing scenery.
He paused for a moment as if to ponder my question. The silence went on for a while. He might have given up on a proper answer as we spent the ride just looking out the window, stealing cautious glimpses at one another as we traveled.
After a long journey, we arrived at a different estate. It looked more like a castle the closer we came. Many carriages were parked in the side lot, and horses were being tended to. We arrived in the front and stopped, the door opening for us upon arrival.
Silas stepped out first, offering his hand out to me.
I reluctantly took it and looked up at the structure before me. It looked less like a home and more like a fortress.
Silas tried in vain to hide any smugness in his visage.
What in the world is he up to?
As we approached the tall entryway, someone checked our names before letting us in.
There were mainly men bustling about, talking, flipping through papers, and pointing at the many displays scattered along the hallways.
In certain rooms, there were presentations with spectators.
Some women were here, but they all looked to be accompanied by a man not too far off.
Excitement melted away any prior aversion.
He’d taken me to a private exhibition.
“Why?” I turned to him.
His eyes had been fixed on me since before I looked, fully attentive to my every move.
“You get that light in your eyes whenever you look at something you’re curious about.
I wanted to see more of it.” He shrugged.
“You belong here, not in a stuffy house surrounded by people who don’t understand you. ”
Blood rushed to my cheeks. There was no hint of mockery or sarcasm in his voice. I might be able to trust that he was being sincere.