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Mr. Emerson didn’t try to engage her, and she held her tongue, determined not to be the one to open a dialogue between them when she didn’t even want to be here. Bessie trailed a few yards behind, also silent.
For two people who could seamlessly navigate social situations, it was painfully awkward.
When they were farther from the other people enjoying the gardens, Mr. Emerson finally spoke.
“I know you’ve been creating medicine,” he said.
Seraphina’s feet stopped, and she almost stumbled over. Pinpricks of light flashed in front of her eyes, but she forced herself to straighten up and continue like he hadn’t just blindsided her. “I have no idea what you’re referring to.”
He glanced sideways, the corner of his mouth hitched up. “Quinine. Used to treat malaria. You, my dear girl, are making it.”
Her heart hammered wildly, but she did her best to regulate her breathing so he wouldn’t notice. “You’ve lost your mind.”
“I thought so, too, when I first began to suspect that you aren’t quite what you seem. You’re the perfect society miss, after all. It seemed incredible that a fashionable, popular woman like you could be such a deceptive bluestocking. Honestly, it’s beyond the pale.”
“It’s beyond the pale because it isn’t true.” Seraphina felt compelled to look over her shoulder at Bessie to see how her maid was reacting to the accusation—if she could hear their whispered conversation at all with the wind blowing the words away from her. “I’m afraid your imagination has run away with you. I merely dabble in perfumery.”
He stopped and turned to her. “I admire how easily you lie to my face. We could be an even more powerful couple than I dreamed of.”
“I’m not lying.” She raised her chin, daring him to contradict her.
He laughed. “Oh, you are delightful, but you can stop pretending. One of my footman’s nephews used your medicine, and it didn’t heal him. It only made him more ill.”
Her insides went cold. Could that be true?
If Mr. Emerson had somehow figured out her secret—and was right about it—then he might be correct about this too.
She was always careful. She never rushed her preparations or skipped any steps. She was painfully cautious in order to ensure that her medicine never harmed anyone. But might she have slipped up? If so, had anyone else been hurt? Had she inadvertently caused further injury to people who were already sick?
The possibility made her stomach roil. She was trying to protect others from the fate her mother had suffered, not hasten their death.
“What happened?” she asked.
“He got hives and puffed up like a toad.”
“Did…” She wet her lips. “Did he survive?”
His mouth twisted into a mockery of a smile. “Fortunately, yes.”
Thank God.
Whether or not her medicine had actually caused any negative side effects, she felt like dropping to her knees in gratitude.
Instead, she asked, “What do you want?”
“What do I want?” He looked hurt, as if he wasn’t in the process of trying to blackmail her. “Only for everyone to be healthy and well. I’m concerned about the consequences this could have if it were to become known that you’re creating and distributing subpar medicine.”
He sounded apologetic, but he didn’t look it. He was acting like he was simply pointing out an unfortunate possibility, not threatening her. Nonetheless, it was clear to her that he had an agenda, and it wasn’t the positive well-being of herself and their fellow Englishmen.
“I suppose you have a suggestion as to how we could address that concern if it ever became an issue.” Not that she wanted to hear it.
The path veered around the corner, and he moved closer to her under the pretense of being buffeted by the wind, ignoring her subtle attempt to pull away.
“I have always been adept at navigating the gossip of the ton. If you were to marry me, I would protect your good name and provide you with a home to look after so that you would have no time to commit any further crimes.”
“Crimes?” Seraphina sputtered.
She hadn’t committed any crimes.
