Episodio 13

Tabitha woke to another gray morning, feeling the weight of the past days. Ethan had disappeared, and the silence about his whereabouts was deafening. Despite her attempts to keep her composure, she felt the growing emptiness in her heart. The last few days had not been easy for her physically, as she had been waking up with a persistent feeling of nausea. Initially, she attributed the sensation to anxiety over Ethan, but the intensity of the symptoms increased. It was only after much insistence from Amélie that she agreed to call a doctor.

When the doctor left the room, Amélie looked at Tabitha, holding her hands tightly. “My dear, the doctor has something to tell you,” Amélie said, trying to stay calm.

The doctor entered again with a gentle expression. “Miss Lyons, there is no reason for alarm. What you are feeling is perfectly natural... for a pregnant woman.”

Tabitha blinked, confused. The word seemed to echo in the air. “Pregnant?” she whispered, placing a hand on her belly.” That can't be...”

The doctor smiled softly. “It’s true, Miss. There is no doubt. Now, you must rest and take care of yourself. And if you need anything, don’t hesitate to call me.”

After he left, Tabitha fell into a deep silence. Amélie sat beside her, stroking her hair. “My dear... This is a blessing, even if it feels difficult right now.”

Tabitha looked at her, her eyes brimming with tears. “Ethan... he doesn't even know. What if he never returns? What will I do, Amélie?”

“My dear, you must stay calm,” Amélie said, trying to comfort her. No one needs to know. “We will try to find a solution together.”

Tabitha shook her head, struggling to control her tears. “If anyone finds out... it will be a scandal, Amélie. My grandfather’s name will be dragged through the mud, and I...” She couldn't finish the sentence. The weight of social shame and the secret was overwhelming.

Amélie held her hand firmly. “We will find a solution. You must be strong. This baby is a gift, even if the world does not see it that way.”

Tabitha knew Amélie was right, but the pain of Ethan’s absence made everything harder. He had disappeared without a trace, and her life seemed to be falling apart.

Days passed as they searched for a solution until one of them, the Duke of Eddington, came to visit her again. He was the embodiment of elegance, but there was something in his gaze that made Tabitha shiver. Still, society revered him, and his position as a duke made him one of England’s most sought-after suitors. Sitting in the parlor drinking tea, Eddington went straight to the point.

“Miss De Lyons, the news of your ascension as the heir to the Count of Devonshire has been received with great interest. However, I understand that you are in a vulnerable position, especially with the recent... events.”

Tabitha looked at him, confused. “What events, Your Grace?”

He gave a cold smile. “The disappearance of Devereux, of course. A man so influential and connected to your family. That could lead to... speculation. I am here to reiterate my previous proposal—marry me, and in return, I will provide you with security and stability. With me by your side, no one will dare question you.”

Tabitha fell silent, absorbing his words. The weight of her secret pregnancy and the scandal it would bring seemed to push her in one direction.

“I need time to think,” she said finally.

Eddington inclined his head, a calculated smile on his lips. “Of course. But don’t take too long. Time is a luxury we cannot always afford.”

With that, he stood up, bowed, and took his leave.

That night, Tabitha was awakened by screams and the strong smell of smoke. When she ran to the window, she saw flames devouring one of the stables on the property. The servants were desperately trying to put out the fire, but it was too late. Amélie entered the room, pale.

“Tabitha, are you alright?”

She nodded, but couldn't take her eyes off the chaos outside. “What’s happening?”

“One of your grandfather’s stables is burning, I don’t know why, but something tells me it wasn’t an accident.” Amélie whispered. Tabitha looked at her but didn’t say anything.

The next morning, the news was grim. Two servants had died in the fire, and the investigation pointed to a criminal act. Tabitha felt more vulnerable than ever. The sense of being watched, which had been haunting her since leaving Paris, seemed to take shape.

“Something came with me, Amélie,” she murmured.” From France.”

Amélie placed a hand on her shoulder and gently pressed. “If that’s true, we need allies. And quickly.”

Tabitha, consumed by fear and uncertainty, was in this state of mind when she decided to send a message to Eddington, requesting that he visit her again. When he arrived, he was introduced into the tea room almost immediately by a grim-faced Amélie.

“Thank you, Amélie, you may go. The conversation I wish to have with the Duke is private.” Tabitha said firmly.

“Yes, My Lady, but if you need me, I’m in the room next door,” Amélie replied, her face hard, leaving and closing the door behind her.