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For some reason, though, she enjoyed the ability to prod the Viscount and make him sweat while his eyes looked at her with growing animosity. She suspected that she would soon regret this, but she could not help but take the temporary victory.

Eventually, Linpool seemed to not be able to take it anymore. He stood up and gave a polite nod to her father.

“I’m afraid I must take my leave, Lord Grisham. However, it was a pleasure, as always. I am grateful for your company, as well as that of your lovely daughters,” he offered.

“You may call anytime,” her father said, making her shudder with disgust.

“Your Grace.” Linpool gave her a low bow.

Marianne met his gaze steadily and, in a low voice, said, “Do be careful, my lord. As you can see, accidents can happen to us members of the ton. I dare say it can happen to anyone.”

“Again, you know that I agree with you on this matter. One must remain vigilant.”

With those last words, he departed.

She swore that his strides were faster. He could not wait to leave the Grisham townhouse, for certain.

“Father, I do need to speak with you,” she told her scowling father.

Of course, her father preferred his study for the conversation.

Marianne remained standing as she thoughtfully looked at the fire in the hearth. With her arms folded across her chest, she wondered how she would say what she needed tactfully, without sounding like a madwoman.

“Father, I did not have much reason to tell you this before, but I now know that Linpool is dangerous. You should take care not to get too close to him,” she warned softly, looking at him with what she hoped was a neutral expression.

Her father immediately scoffed. “Nonsense, Marianne. Is that what the accident did to you? Battered your brain, aside from bruising you? Linpool is a respectable lord. A viscount who is vying for your sister’s hand in marriage.”

“I understand that he is not what he seems, Father. He had charmed me, as well, in the beginning,” she protested.

“Enough, Marianne!” her father snapped. “I don’t want to hear you say another word against him. To think that?—”

“He tried to kill me, Father! Listen to what I have to say. See all the bruises I got from the supposed accident? He made them all happen,” she hissed, not easily giving up.

“You’re nothing but a hysterical woman, Marianne! I thought you were better than most young women, but apparently, I was wrong.”

“Did you even think that, Father? Or are you simply using that to cover the fact that you are trying to dismiss an argument without listening? At least think of Elizabeth! Do not let her marry that man!”

Lord Grisham raised his cane. This time, the tip was merely inches from Marianne’s face. She thought that she would meet her end—not through Linpool, but through her very own flesh and blood.

Suddenly, Elizabeth slipped between them. Her arms were open wide, as if she were trying all she could to protect Marianne from their father’s cane.

“Stop it, Father! I am never going to marry Linpool! I don’t know how you cannot see him for what he is,” she cried. “I believe Marianne. Do you think she’ll just lie about someone for whom you obviously have a preference? I can’t marry a man who hurt any of my sisters!”

The cane moved a little closer, so close to her nose. Marianne told herself that she would not cry like a little girl who was again subjected to their father’s anger.

“Your Lordship?” a servant called, interrupting them. “I am here to remind you of a business meeting. You also have a poker game with Lord Mayfield and Lord Egerton.”

Their father was furious, but he let out a frustrated shout before he lowered his cane. He glared at the servant, who quickly bowed and scurried away. Then, he stormed out of the study.

Marianne could swear that he was vowing they’d regret this argument when he returned.

Elizabeth hugged her tightly. Marianne could feel her sister’s tears dripping on her shoulders.

“Are you all right, Marianne?” Elizabeth asked, still sobbing softly. “How can anybody want to hurt you?”

“I am fine, Elizabeth,” Marianne reassured her. “I am no longer hurt.”

It was a lie. Her hips still hurt, and her bruises stung. However, she did not want to come home simply to worry her sisters.

They heard running footsteps. Then, a flurry of silk and lace burst into the study in the form of their younger sisters. They rushed to Marianne, looking distraught.

“What happened to you? We heard that you were here! Why didn’t you go straight to see us upstairs?” Daphne cried while Wilhelmina rubbed her back soothingly.

“I am fine,” seemed to be Marianne’s new refrain.

“Don’t lie, Marianne!” Victoria scoffed. “We heard you bravely tell Father that Linpool had hurt you. By the looks of it, he tried to kill you!”

“You heard all of that?” Marianne gasped, not knowing whether to be proud or angry. “You should not eavesdrop when the adults are conversing, Victoria!”

Daphne cried harder when she heard what her twin had to say, while Wilhelmina looked quietly horrified.

“Look at me, Daphne. I am safe. I am here with you. And as always, I won’t let anything happen to any of you. I hope you understand me.”

Marianne’s thoughts went to Linpool again. She wondered if his thinly veiled threats had made things worse for her and the people she loved.