Dangerous Masquerade (Regency Masquerade)

“Thank you.”

She looked in the direction of the hearth for reassurance.

Monty smiled at her. “I’ll be with you the whole time. Don’t worry.”

Her fingers trembled as she smoothed her black bombazine skirts then, straightening her shoulders once again, left the room. Monty followed close behind.

As they entered the drawing room, Mr. Geoffrey James Danielson was sprawled in a lilac velvet-covered chair, casting what could only be described as a propriety eye over the room. His gaze encompassed everything from the delicately painted ivory walls, gilded friezes, and ceiling medallions to the rosewood furniture, silver candelabra, and porcelain figurines.

Someone who did not know him could be forgiven for thinking a thin-lipped cherub had decided to grace the drawing room with his presence—a twenty-three-year-old cherub with a taste for fashion, as shown by his intricately tied cravat, high pointed collar, and shiny Hessian boots.

Unlike the other gentlemen in the room, he didn’t immediately stand as Ria entered. He merely looked at her, his thin lips curved in a sly smile. Then, after a long pause, he indolently stood up, stretching his elegant form as he did so. His whole manner was an insult.

As it was obvious he wasn’t going to introduce her to the other men present, she looked at them. After a pause, the older of the two spoke.

“Madam, my name is Dr. Haines, and this is Mr. Danielson’s solicitor, Mr. Reginald Smythe.”

“Good morning, gentlemen. How may I help you today?”

The two men looked at each other then at Geoffrey.

“They are here, my dear Honoria,” he drawled, “at my request. I have petitioned the courts to have my dear departed late uncle’s will overturned.”

At his words, the other two gentlemen looked at her. Ria had the distinct impression she was supposed to swoon. She assumed she looked convincingly surprised and horrified as they seemed satisfied with her reaction.

She kept her response simple. “On what grounds? The estate was not entailed, so my husband could leave it to whomever he wished.” She was pleased her voice was calm and firm.

At this Geoffrey smiled. “Ah, but he left his estate to his wife, and you were not legally my uncle’s wife.” He then dramatically added in a lowered tone, “The marriage was not consummated!”

She had known what Geoffrey was about to say, but even so, hearing him actually say it caused her stomach to roll. She swallowed hard against the rising tide of nausea. Placing her hand over her stomach, Ria told herself, You just have to get through the next hour. Then it will be over.

After taking a moment to compose herself, she answered him. “That’s ridiculous. What evidence could you possibly have to support that assertion?”

“I have a reliable witness. As for it being ridiculous, we shall soon see.” In the best tradition of villains, he paused for effect, then with relish told her, “Dr. Haines is here to examine you.”

At his words, the other two gentlemen again looked at Ria. Knowing she needed to show some sign of emotion, she felt for the chair behind her and collapsed into it. She was only half acting. The moment she had dreaded was now upon her. Just get through the next hour, she told herself yet again, then everything will be fine. We will all be safe.

Geoffrey continued, “Smythe has the court papers. You may examine them if you wish, but you cannot delay the examination. They specify it must take place on the day you are advised.”

Mr. Smythe walked over to Ria and timidly handed her the papers.

She took them, annoyed to see her hand shake slightly. Hopefully Geoffrey had not noticed. The thought of showing such weakness in front of him made her feel even more ill.

She stared at the papers. She knew what they would say. Knew Geoffrey told the truth. But in the vain hope there was something within them she could use to prevent the invasive physical examination, she carefully scrutinized them.

There was nothing.

Her throat tight, she stood. Disdainfully ignoring Geoffrey, she turned to Dr. Haines and said, “I shall retire to my bedroom, Doctor. When I am ready, my maid will come down to you.”

Gravely Dr. Haines nodded.

Head held high, Ria left the room—pleased her trembling legs could still carry her.

Monty did not follow Ria or, later, the doctor; instead, he remained in the drawing room and kept an eye on Geoffrey. The young man prowled around the room, looking at the oil paintings in their gilt frames, picking up porcelain figures and vases, presumably trying to judge their worth.

With a sigh, Geoffrey sprawled once again on a sofa. Addressing no one in particular, he said petulantly, “What the devil is taking so long?”

Just then, the door opened.