Edith stared at Ines's back. She wanted to rush forward and hug her mistress. She wanted to tell her it would be alright. But she couldn't. She didn't have the right words. The secret Ines had guarded for so long was out. The dam had broken.
Ines turned back to the window, looking out at the sprawling city of London.
"I think she knew long ago but my engagement to Carcel made her act. She gave me a choice," Ines continued. Her voice trembled with rage now. "She dare threaten me. She leaned into my ear and told me I have two options."
Ines held up two fingers, mocking the gesture Priscilla had made.
"Retire Arthur Pendleton," Ines listed. "Burn my books. Destroy my work. Never write another word."
Edith gasped. "She cannot ask that! Writing is your heart!"
"Or," Ines said, ignoring Edith's outburst, "Leave Carcel. Cancel the wedding. Break his heart and mine."
