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And in that moment, he knew he was home.

Patience squeezed his hand, her eyes shining with happiness and love. “I love you, Dorian.”

Dorian felt the last vestiges of his old, bitter self fall away.

For with Patience by his side, he could do anything, be anything. She was his redemption, his salvation, his everything.

“It is me who loves you, sweet girl,” he murmured. “I’ll spend the rest of my days proving myself worthy of the precious gift of you.”

39

Two weeks later…

Patience hurried up the stairs of Chastity’s round turret in the east wing of Rath Hall, her heart pounding. Just a moment ago, she had heard a loud explosion coming from the tower and feared for her sister-in-law’s safety.

As she burst through the door, she stopped. Shattered glassware littered the floor, and a thin layer of smoke hung in the air. Chastity stood in the middle of the room, her hair disheveled and her face smudged with soot.

“Chastity! Are you all right?” Patience rushed to her side, checking for any signs of injury.

Chastity coughed and waved away the smoke. “I’m fine, sister. Just a small mishap with my latest experiment.”

Patience looked around the sunlight-filled laboratory, taking in the damage. The large tables in front of the diamond-pane, leaded windows were covered in broken beakers, flasks, and test tubes. The air smelled faintly of burnt alcohol.

The two women opened the windows to let out the smoke and fumes, then made their way to the adjacent room, a cozy space filled with bookshelves and comfortable armchairs. The same diamond-pane windows let in great light for reading here. Patience rang the bellpull for tea as Chastity sat in an armchair. Patience couldn’t help but notice how her hands shook slightly.

“What happened?” Patience asked, helping Chastity to a nearby chair.

Chastity sighed. “I was heating spirits of wine with quicklime, trying to increase the concentration of ethanol. I must have added too much quicklime, and the vapors ignited.”

Patience shook her head, relief washing over her. “Thank goodness you’re not hurt.”

Chastity nodded but said nothing.

“Are you sure you wouldn’t like to lie down, Chastity?” Patience asked gently. “Shall I send for a physician?”

Chastity shook her head, a determined look in her eye. “I’m fine, sister. It’s just frustrating, you know? I’m so close to a breakthrough, but it feels like the world is against me.”

Patience reached out and squeezed her hand. “I understand completely. It’s not easy being a woman in science. But you’re not alone, Chastity. We have each other.”

Mrs. Knight knocked and brought in a tray bearing a teapot, teacups, and a plate of biscuits. When she retreated, Chastity poured, the teapot shaking in her hand, and the tea spilled on the saucer.

“Oh, I’m sorry,” said Chastity as she picked up a snow-white linen to wipe up the brown drops. “I’ve never had a visitor here before. Mrs. Knight and the maids don’t count. And I’m afraid my social manners are the weakest quality I have.”

Patience smiled kindly at her. “Please, sister, do not worry. I’m not a visitor. We’re family.”

Chastity nodded, her sky-blue eyes wide and beautiful behind her spectacles. “We are. Never did I think I’d have a sister who’s a scientist, as well.”

“Neither did I,” said Patience, beaming as she picked up her teacup and sipped.

“Would you like a biscuit?” asked Chastity, picking up a plate of cinnamon biscuits. Patience swallowed an onslaught of nausea.

“Oh, no, thank you. Those make me queasy.”

“Right…” Gingerly, she placed the plate as far away from Patience as she could—so far that it balanced precariously on the edge of the table. “I’m sorry, sister. I didn’t mean to do anything that made you uncomfortable. In your condition, especially.”

Patience shook her head and sipped more tea. “Don’t worry, you couldn’t know they would disturb me. And you can always learn social manners if you wish. Though I would argue you have much more important qualities. Like a brilliant mind many would envy.”

Chastity picked up her own cup and sipped. “Don’t most ladies and gentlemen value beauty over brains?”