Page 47 of Duchess in Disguise
Valerie's grip on her hand tightened, and a burst of warmth spread through Isobel. “I feel that way too. As a child, I felt... incomplete somehow. As though there was someone out there who was supposed to be with me, but I could never find them.”
She lowered her gaze to their intertwined hands and squeezed slightly, her eyes widening as though she was rediscovering the sensation of touch. She laughed, the sound watery and messy.
“I… this will sound so strange, but I used to dream about you. A girl who looked just like me, who understood me in ways no one else could. We never did much other than enjoy each other’s company, but still, you comforted me greatly then, in ways I could never find here. I thought I was simply being silly, but –”
“You were not,” Isobel interrupted, squeezing her sister's hand. “I felt it too. That emptiness. And now it is gone.”
They stared at each other, and Isobel felt the strangest sensation – as though she were looking into a mirror that reflected not just her appearance but her very soul. This woman, this stranger who wore her face, felt more familiar than anyone she had ever known besides her adopted family.
Despite the fact that she had felt so incredibly out of place acting as Valerie, meeting her made her feel the most welcome.
“I wanted you at my wedding more than anything,” Valerie said suddenly, her expression crumpling. “I begged father to invite you. I told him it would mean everything to me to have my sister there, to share the happiest day of my life with you. But he refused. He said – he said it would be needlessly complex. He said that you were content with your own life in Scotland and would not want to be bothered with English affairs… I am so sorry. I should have demanded it. I should have insisted –”
“Hush,” Isobel soothed, reaching up to brush away her sister's tears with her free hand. “You have nothing to apologize for. I am here now, am I not? And I am so very pleased to finally meet you, Valerie. Truly.”
“But the circumstances –” Valerie glanced around the attic, confusion returning to her features. “Why am I in the attic? What happened to me?”
Isobel leaned in closer, “What is the last thing you remember?”
Valerie frowned, and Isobel watched with almost morbid fascination how the muscles in her face contorted together to give the image of displeasure.
“The last thing I remember is... dinner. I remember the cheers and the kind words of congratulations. Then… I began to feel a little unwell. And then... nothing.”
Isobel and Richard exchanged a glance, both reaffirming what they already knew – there was no way to soften this blow, no gentle way to tell Valerie that someone had tried to kill her.
Richard nodded, silently offering to take the lead. Isobel appreciated his strength and was thankful for his presence, inhaling deeply as he turned his attention back to Valerie. His expression was grave, his usual stern demeanor tempered with genuine concern.
“Valerie,” he began carefully, “What we are about to tell you will be distressing. But I need you to remain calm and listen carefully. We are here to answer whatever questions you might have afterwards. Is that all right?”
Valerie's grip on Isobel's hand tightened, but she nodded. “Yes. Please, just tell me what is going on.”
“You were poisoned,” Richard informed her bluntly. “On the first day of your wedding party, someone slipped poison into something you consumed – we believe it might have been your tea, but we cannot be certain. A few hours later, you collapsedand fell unconscious. You have been in this state for over a week now.”
The color drained from Valerie's face. “Poisoned? But... but who would...?”
“That is what we have been trying to determine,” Isobel said gently, tightening her grip when she noticed how shaky Valerie’s hands had become. “Father – our father – was quite alarmed when you fell ill. He was concerned that if you were unable to proceed with the wedding, it would be a scandal – for both you and your… groom. And whatever benefits your marriage was meant to guarantee. So he... he sent for me.”
Valerie's eyes widened. “He sent for you? I am glad – beyond words, and relieved as well – that you are here. But truthfully – I can’t help but wonder why he would invite you, following an illness that had befallen me due to being poisoned. Unless you run an apothecary. Do you, sister?”
“Um… no, I do not run an apothecary. After my father summoned me, I arrived believing I had been invited to attend your wedding, only to discover the truth upon my arrival.” Isobel tried to keep the bitterness from her voice, but some of it must have leaked through because Valerie's expression became pained. “Father asked that I take your place and pretend to be you. To continue with the wedding preparations and interact with the guests, all while trying to determine who among them might have poisoned you.”
“You have been pretending to be me?” Valerie looked horrified. “But that is – Isobel, that is dangerous! Whoever poisoned me, if they realize you are not who you claim to be –”
“They will likely try again,” Richard finished grimly. “Which is why we have been taking precautions. I have been assisting Miss Wightman – Isobel – in her investigation, and I have taken measures to ensure her safety as much as possible.”
Valerie turned her gaze to Richard, and something flickered across her face – recognition mixed with confusion. “Your Grace. I... forgive me, my mind is still foggy. But you are here helping my sister?”
“I am,” Richard confirmed. “I discovered her ruse almost immediately upon her arrival and confronted her. Once I learned the truth, I offered my assistance. We thought it was best to inform your betrothed, Adrian, somehow, as well. My assistance might not have been needed, but I could not stand idly by and allow an innocent woman to put herself in danger without at least ensuring someone was watching over her.”
“Adrian,” Valerie breathed, and for the first time since waking, a smile touched her lips. “Is he...?”
“He has not arrived yet,” Isobel said gently. “Though we expect him any day now. A letter was sent to inform him of the situation, but we are uncertain whether he received it before he set out on his journey here.”
Valerie's smile faded, replaced by worry. “He will be so frightened when he learns what happened. Adrian is... he tries to appear stern and composed, but he cares so deeply. This will devastate him.”
“Then all the more reason to find whoever is responsible before he arrives,” Richard said firmly. “We have been investigating the guests, trying to determine who might have had motive and opportunity. We have some suspicions – identified some suspicious people, but nothing concrete has been found yet.”
“Who would want to harm me?” Valerie asked, her voice becoming small and bewildered. “I have tried to be kind to everyone, to never give offense. I do not understand why someone would do this.”
