Behind them, Theodora stood brimming with such fury that the red in her face had climbed past anger and entered the dangerous territory of humiliation.
Lionel approached her. He should not have enjoyed it. He absolutely did. "I think it is safe to say," he murmured, low enough that only Her Grace could hear, "you have awakened your own nightmare."
Theodora turned her eyes on him. If hatred could kill, Lord Ashcroft would have dropped into Bella's open grave.
Lionel gave her a smug smile. It was a reckless smile, and he knew it. He was a man already walking towards his execution. A little smugness on the road seemed reasonable.
He bowed and followed after Livia. Theodora remained still until he was gone. Then she looked around.
No one seemed close enough to have heard anything. Her Grace drew in a slow breath and forced herself towards her carriage.
