Page 96 of His Forbidden Duchess
“It is a pleasure to finally see you, Your Grace,” Stephen said. “It has been so long that your poor wife had almost forgotten what you looked like!”
Felix glared angrily at the Viscount.
As Eloise watched their exchange her mind became foggy, as though she was seeing everything through a haze.
She did notice that, despite Felix’s arrival, Stephen had remained seated. He behaved as though this washishome,hisdrawing room, andhiswife.
Eloise turned to Felix, trying in vain to focus on his words, which now seemed to come from far away.
“I cannot say the same to you, Kaylocke. I do not think it has ever been a pleasure to see you.”
Felix looked around as if searching for something. Eloise could feel the doubt, worry, and fear radiating from him. She wanted to reassure him, but her tongue felt thick and furry in her mouth as she struggled to speak.
“How much tea have you consumed?” Felix asked, looking at her intently.
“Just a little,” she replied.
She shifted, pressing a hand over her stomach as another cramp took hold. She picked up her teacup, hoping a little tea might help soothe her discomfort. Her mother had always told her that tea was the solution to everything.
“Eloise,” Felix said, his voice low but urgent, “stop drinking the tea.”
She frowned and hesitated, the cup halfway to her lips. “Why? It is just?—”
“Do. Not. Drink. The. Tea.”
Eloise stared up at him, a picture of beauty and innocence. Her eyes were out of focus, and he could sense that she was confused.
Felix moved closer to her, knowing his increased presence would be unnerving, and she dropped the teacup down in a rattle. Henodded then turned his attention to the man he had come to see as a villain.
Felix’s wrath remained sharp, directed at the man who had dared to sit alone with his wife, sipping tea that reeked of malevolence.
His eyes drilled into Stephen, observing every nuance in the man’s expression. Where there had once been an easy smile, Stephen’s face had become shadowed by uncertainty.
He shifted uncomfortably in his seat, trying to maintain his composure.
When he finally spoke, Felix’s smooth voice was infused with menace.
“You have been such a gracious guest, Kaylocke.” he drawled. “Keeping my wife company. Making sure that she was well looked after during my absence. Then you will not mind taking a sip from her cup, will you?”
Stephen faltered, his charming façade cracking as he attempted a look of confusion.
“I… I do not follow, Your Grace,” he replied, forcing a feeble smile.
Felix picked up Eloise’s teacup and handed it to Kaylocke.
“Drink the tea,” he commanded, his tone dropping to a dangerous growl.
Felix’s demand left no room for misinterpretation or argument. If he was wrong, then Stephen would happily drink it, and Felix would apologize, but his instinct told him his suspicions were correct.
The silence thickened as Stephen hesitated, his eyes darting between Eloise and Felix. Eloise looked on with a dawning horror as she pieced together what Stephen had done, her hand moving to her stomach as another wave of pain and nausea swept through her.
Did he poison Hannah too?
Stephen cleared his throat, chuckling nervously. “Your Grace, I am not certain that is necessary,” he stammered, trying to deflect. “I would not wish to overstep…”
Felix’s patience snapped. He strode forward in a single, swift motion, his hand reaching for the cup and thrusting it into Stephen’s face, his eyes deadly.
“If you are innocent,” Felix hissed in a low, lethal tone, “then drink it.”
