Later that evening, Anna sat by the window of Amelia's room, the gold hues of the setting sun bleeding into the room. Grace, ever cheerful and dutiful, stood nearby brushing out the new gown fabrics the designer left behind.
"Grace," Anna spoke calmly, setting down her teacup. "Call the maid who brings my tonic. I wish to speak with her."
Grace blinked in surprise but nodded. "At once, my lady."
A few minutes later, the familiar, sharp-faced maid entered, her head bowed. Anna didn't miss the way the girl's eyes darted around the room nervously.
"You sent for me, Lady Amelia?"
Anna smiled — a slow, unsettling thing. "Yes. What's your name?"
The maid hesitated. "Beatrice, my lady."
"Beatrice," Anna repeated softly, rising from her seat. She strolled over to the table where a small decanter of the so-called tonic sat. "This… you've been giving this to me for how long?"
Beatrice's throat bobbed. "Since you were… since you fell ill, my lady. Lady Geneva's instructions."
"I see." Anna picked up the bottle, swirling the liquid inside before setting it back down. "And what is it, exactly?"
"Herbal medicine, my lady. To keep you strong." Beatrice's voice quivered just slightly.
Anna's gaze turned sharp. "Let's stop pretending, shall we?"
The maid's face paled.
Anna leaned in, voice a low, commanding whisper. "From now on, Beatrice, you'll be adding this tonic to Celina's drinks. Not mine."
Beatrice's eyes widened in horror. "My lady, I—I can't—"
Anna straightened, her tone calm but steely. "Oh, you will. You'll make sure Celina drinks it, and when she does, you'll come straight to me and tell me. If anyone asks, you'll swear on your life you did nothing of the sort. Because if you don't—" Anna smiled coldly. "I'll make sure your entire family disappears. Understand?"
Beatrice trembled but quickly nodded. "Y-Yes, my lady."
"Good girl," Anna said, sitting back down. "And don't worry. You'll find acting far easier than you think."
She waved a hand dismissively, and the terrified maid scurried out.
Anna smirked to herself.
That's one rat dealt with. Now let's see how the others squeal.
Later that night at the dining room glowed softly in the golden light of the chandelier, the polished silverware gleaming against pristine white linens. The Viscount sat at the head of the table, Geneva on his right, Celina on his left — and Amelia directly opposite them, her face calm, her eyes unreadable.
As dessert was cleared, the Viscount set down his glass of wine and offered Amelia a thin, practiced smile.
"I must say, Amelia," he began, "you've done well these past days. Keep up this fine behavior, and you'll make this family proud yet." He gestured to the butler. "Your new room is prepared. You'll move in after dinner."
Anna gave a sweet, practiced smile. "Thank you, Father. I'm grateful for your generosity."
Celina, who had been unusually quiet, perked up. She leaned slightly toward the Viscount. "Father, I was thinking," she began, her voice honeyed, "perhaps we should host a gathering next week. A small soirée. I'll invite all the young nobles. It would be lovely… don't you agree?"
She flicked her gaze pointedly toward Amelia.
The Viscount, oblivious to the undertones, chuckled. "Why not? It's been too quiet around here. Go ahead, Celina. Make the arrangements."
Celina's lips curled into a triumphant little smile. "Of course. I'll see to it immediately."
Anna met her gaze, one brow arched just slightly in quiet challenge.
After dinner, Grace eagerly led Amelia — or rather, Anna—to the new chamber at the far end of the east wing.
The moment the doors opened, Anna's breath caught.
It was everything one imagined a noble lady's room should be.
Tall arched windows framed by sheer ivory drapes overlooked the moonlit gardens. The walls were painted a soft pearl cream, accented with delicate gold leaf patterns. A grand four-poster bed stood at the center, its canopy draped in diaphanous lace, the bedding a rich blend of ivory and pale rose.
A crystal chandelier sparkled above, catching every flicker of candlelight. In one corner sat an elegant vanity with an ornate oval mirror, delicate perfumes, and fine hairbrushes already in place. A small sitting area, complete with a carved marble hearth and plush velvet chairs, completed the space.
Grace clasped her hands together, beaming. "Isn't it beautiful, my lady? A room fit for a princess."
Anna slowly stepped inside, her fingers brushing the silk hangings of the bed. A grin tugged at her lips.
Well, Amelia… if you couldn't have it, I'll enjoy it for both of us.
She turned to Grace. "I'll need new perfumes and hairpieces tomorrow. And have the designer bring options for engagement accessories. Nothing too plain."
Grace blinked in surprise, then quickly curtsied. "Of course, my lady."
Anna gazed around the room one more time, a sense of satisfaction settling in.