Silence stretched.
Beatrice stepped off the stairs. Edward moved to the side to give her space, the movement almost cautious.
She folded her hands. “Speaking of scandals…” she began quietly.
Edward raised an eyebrow. “Miss Verity?”
A small breath escaped her. “Yes. It still troubles me, not knowing who did it. Who took the name. Who took the words.” Her voice lowered. “It was such a good imitation. Whoever did it knows how she sounds. HowIsound.”
Edward’s expression shifted—protective, controlled. “We will find out who it was. The article may be old now, but its consequences linger.”
The wordwebrushed against her like an unexpected touch.
“They do,” she murmured. “And I would like to know why someone would do such a thing.”
He cleared his throat. “But the article… It suggested that Miss Verity had insight into the matter. As though she was the one to uncover the truth.”
Beatrice stiffened. “That is not what Miss Verity was meant to be.”
“I know,” he said gently.
“Whoever stole her…” She swallowed hard. “Stole everything she stood for.”
Before Edward could respond, footsteps sounded in the entrance hall. Immediately, they straightened. The conversation about Miss Verity dropped cleanly between them.
The front door opened.
“Forgive the early hour,” Simon said as he and Amelia entered, her arm looped through his. “We hoped to see you before the day began.”
“You’re always welcome,” Beatrice said smoothly.
Amelia smiled at her, soft and bright. Her cheeks were pink from the morning chill, but Simon was looking at her as though she were the only person in the room.
Beatrice’s heart swelled at the sight.
“Good morning,” Amelia said warmly. “I hope we’re not intruding.”
“Not at all,” Beatrice assured, waving them forward with a small smile. “We were just… discussing matters.”
Simon looked between them. “Amelia and I… we are grateful. Truly. For everything you have done.”
Amelia nodded, her voice earnest. “Pip is safe. And she knows us. Sheknowsus, Your Grace. She fell asleep on Simon’sshoulder last night.” Her eyes shone. “I never thought we would have that.”
Simon squeezed her hand with a tenderness that made something flutter in Beatrice’s chest—something that felt like longing, or envy, or admiration.
Amelia leaned closer to him. “We wanted to go over the plans for tomorrow,” she said eagerly. “The carriages, the ceremony—oh, and the flowers arrived early.”
Simon squeezed her hand, his thumb brushing lightly over her knuckles. “She barely slept from excitement.”
Amelia flushed. “Simon.”
He smiled down at her, then cleared his throat. “I love seeing you this excited, I won’t allow anything steal that away.”
Amelia’s cheeks turned pink and she smiled, “You were absolutely charming while speaking to my parents about the cancellation of my earlier scheduled wedding. I was terribly charmed.”
Simon chuckled lightly, pulling Amelia closer still, “I’d love you fiercely if that’s what you want, I’d also love you tenderly if that’s what you want.”
Beatrice clapped her hands to her chest, her heart filled with joy at the couple.
