Midnight Rain:

Chapter 43: Stopping the Cracks:

Before the hunt, Anthony told Benedict that he had left something in his chambers. But he stopped in the room, picking up the letter that was on Evelina's vanity. He picked it up, scanning the queen's words on the pages. Evelina had informed her mother about the other episode. She fears that if she is with child that the child will be harmed by the rapid convulsions. She requests for a doctor to come to keep a close eye on the child if she is pregnant.

Anthony sighed, looking up as he heard the door open.

"Oh, my apologies, my lord..." Jane apologized, bowing her head to Anthony, who put the letter back.

"Tell me now... Does anyone else know of this?" Anthony asked, motioning to the letter on the wooden vanity.

"Just the staff, my lord... Her Majesty, the queen... she informed us all before the wedding. The staff was sent with clear instructions. For the fear of our heads." Jane explained to him.

"What are the instructions?" Anthony asked, rubbing a hand over his face.

It was at that moment that Anthony knew what his wife was hiding. There were no sharp knives. That's why he realized her meat was already cut up before it was placed in front of her. She must be covered by umbrellas and fans. The queen fears the heat for her condition. He learned that was why she was sent to France—not because of her education, but because the queen sent her away to be isolated to see doctors.

"Hopefully, the festivities are living up to your expectations, Evelina?" Daphne asked as Evelina joined her, Lady Danbury, Lady Mary, Lady Florence, and Edwina for a game of cards.

"Very much, Your Grace. You and your mama are such diligent hostesses." Evelina smiled at her, making Daphne chuckle softly. "I so look forward to hosting my own gatherings one day... after learning from your mama's wonderful guidance." She added with a smile.

"Well, there is certainly pleasure to be had in acting as hostess." Daphne smiled at her. "Well, between you and I, I think you will find there is no greater pleasure than enjoying your home alone with your family. And with your husband..." Daphne continued to say as Evelina nodded, giving her a smile.

"As long as you find the right one." Lady Florence spoke up, looking at Edwina, who was the only one who had yet to marry.

"I do think I know what I desire in a match." Edwina smiled, noticing that Lady Florence was looking at her.

"And what is that?" Daphne asked with a smile.

"I really should like to be with someone kind and gentle." Edwina smiled.

"Mm." Mary and Lady Danbury smiled.

"Someone like your nephew, Lady Tremblay. He is so even-tempered." Edwina smiled again, looking down at her cards.

"James? Even-tempered?" Lady Florence chuckled a bit.

"You would not describe him as such?" Edwina asked the woman.

"Well, not exactly..." Lady Florence sighed, looking at the others.

"Well, perhaps I bring out the very best in him. And is that not what a good marriage should mean? Bringing out each other's best?" Edwina asked Lady Florence while Mary and Lady Danbury smiled at each other.

But Evelina looked down at her cards. Did Anthony bring out the best in her? Did she bring out the best in him? 

She was unsure of the answer.