"If that driver moves like that again, I will get down from this carriage and dangle him from the side of a building," I hissed through my teeth.

"Immy, can't you just endure the gallops a little longer?"

I turned to Harry with fury in my eyes. "It's a pity I can't move so quickly without impaling myself with the whalebone in my corset. I'd have broken your nose. Now, stop talking to me."

"You didn't have to wear that if it was so uncomfortable," Harry replied.

I clicked my tongue. "Right you are but unfortunately, whales have to die for me to look most fashionable. I can't let their sacrifice go to waste, can I?" I resisted the urge to pull out the feathers that tickled my neck. "Dang it. When I asked Bella to make me an eye-catching dress, I didn't expect to be uncomfortable for the next few hours."

Harry moved closer to my side of the carriage seat, wiggling his fingers. "Where does it itch?"

After the day of the press release, Marcus Arden had been taken to Parliament for questioning. Although the whole matter was kept under wraps, it didn't stop the townspeople from cursing the Arden family, effectively locking them in their home, and singing the praise of another noble family—the Baines family—who had swooped in and volunteered to help the monarchy uncover the details of the Arden family's 'treachery'.

Since then, the marquess' family's heir has been receiving many marriage proposals from lower-ranked noble families who want their daughters in the best-case scenario to be a duchess. After what was rumoured to be fifty letters in a week, the Baines marchioness decided to host an open tea party, leaving her son in charge of the invitations.

Taking this opportunity, I decided to accept his invitation and present myself to his family as a gold digger from a poor background who just wanted to attend but have no interest in their son. With his family's strong disapproval especially in the presence of many other noble family representatives, Baines would have a harder time taking me to be his wife.

Although a very small detail, it manages to buy more time for Lincoln and Christine who are working to find the second reporter and the source of Baines' 'evidence'. By agreeing to attend today, Baines might drop his guard since everything seems to be going his way.

"We have arrived at the Baines house," the carriage driver announced from the front of the carriage. I rolled my eyes at the grumpy-sounding greeting. The guy was probably upset that he had to drive two commoners in a carriage bearing the Baines family crest.

You know another grumpy man, my subconscious said.

I smiled. My palms lifted to graze the sides of my forearms where he had touched me, telling me to be careful before I left Henry's house. That was after Bella had told me Lincoln was staring at me with 'love' as I came down the staircase.

"Immy, it's time," Harry said, already outside and extending a hand for me to grab onto. Absent-mindedly, I came down from the carriage and walked through the open doors, taking in the decor.

Looking at the chandelier, I had the sudden urge to get a ladder and climb to see if there were real jewels in them. My eyes kept darting around the room awed by the expensive-looking curtains and polished floors. What particularly drew my attention was the long table filled with so many types of food and drinks, buffet style—much more than I've had access to since I came to this century.

A cheeky smile grew on my face. I would definitely be visiting there later.

Although it seemed a little too extravagant for just a tea party, I could still appreciate the beauty of the house.

During my perusal, I finally noticed the eyes of the partygoers near the room's entrance who were watching me like a hawk. My spine immediately straightened and I leaned upwards to whisper to Henry, "I meant to grab attention but why are they staring at me like they've seen a ghost?"

"You are a commoner and just came down from the Marquess's carriage. He has established that you were his favourite among the ladies so far."

My smile plastered on my face. "So the bastard put a target on my back."

Harry made a sound of agreement. "Exactly why you should be even more careful. Despite your resistance to him, he's managed to elevate you to the level of an esteemed guest in the presence of all the nobles here."

"How bothersome." The noise in the crowd was reduced to low murmurs. I looked up and saw the said bastard, walking towards me with an expression more smug than my college valedictorian's on graduation.

He bowed and kissed the back of my gloved hand. I sighed with a smile and whispered in a tone only we could hear. "My lord, I'd have to burn that when I get home."

His eyes flashed dangerously and he let out a loud laugh that had many eyebrows going up. "Behave, Miss Danbury and you might enjoy this gathering."

I gave him a condescending smile. "I'm afraid that your mother might not be inclined to our union. She's giving you and me the worst glare known to man. Are you sure that you don't want to listen to her?"

Aggravating Baines was the easiest thing I could do as Imelda Danbury. There was a joy I got in seeing him lose his cool.

The baby lord's jaw clenched. He turned to Harry. "Mr. Danbury, thank you for accompanying your sister. If you don't mind, I'd like to escort her into the party myself."

Before Harry could reply, Baines extended his arm for me to grasp. I did with a smile too wide and a grip too tight, making sure to press my fingernails into his arm every few steps. Sadly, the polite smile on his face didn't falter for a second.

When we reached the centre of the ballroom, he turned to me with a haughty expression, as if daring me to reject him. "Miss Danbury, may I have this dance?"

"Why, certainly, my lord."

His facial expression switched from arrogant to poorly disguised surprise. My mocking expression turned innocent. "Is there a problem, my lord?"

"I had no idea you cared for my person, Miss Danbury."

I chuckled. "I meant with your nose."

All warmth drained from his eyes and he pulled me roughly against him and began to dance. "I see your tongue is still as sharp as ever, Imelda."

I winked. "All the better to cuss you out with."

One of his hands reached out to caress my cheek. Anyone looking would interpret it as an act of kindness. To me, it seemed like I was an exhibit and he was an art lover, analysing me to know my worth. Despite this, I bit my tongue until he was done.

"You're astonishing when you're silent," he whispered finally. "Your empty threats are angering me, Imelda."

I burst into genuine laughter. "I haven't forgotten our deal, Edward but I'd rather not have you bleed in front of all your guests. It will be a chore to explain."

He froze, staring at me with an indecipherable expression. "I've never seen you laugh."

This guy probably doesn't realise that I'm laughing at him and not with him.

I rolled my eyes. "Don't go falling in love with me. Lovesickness won't make me feel any more inclined to be yours."

"Love or not, you will be mine," he hissed through his teeth.

"I will never be yours. As greedy as you are, I know you want everything in me—my body, soul, heart, everything. I'll be nothing more than a possession to satiate your ego. Can you stop being a baby about the first time a female has rejected you to your face? Not every human on earth would like you, much less when they discover you have a knack for framing innocent people and committing murder and treason."

I felt his hand lift, probably to slap me. I leaned closer to him. "You want to add abuser of the fairer sex to the list in front of all these people?"

"It would be best for you to shut your mouth about things you fail to understand with your frail mind, don't you think?"

At that moment, it occurred to me just how much Baines underestimated me. To him, I was nothing more than a senseless dog lashing out without the ability to understand or affect the situation.

"My frail mind appreciates your unwanted concern, doctor," I said, sarcasm dripping in my voice. "As you should already know as the resident expert, I need fresh air and solitude after being in areas of toxicity and discomfort. If you don't mind, I would like to make my way to the balcony." I gave a curtsy worthy of Pride and Prejudice. "Have a good day."

As I maneuvered the crowd, I had to make a conscious effort to stifle my laughter at how ridiculous the other young ladies looked, clustered together, whispering behind their overly decorated fans and casting glances that they didn't think I noticed. I knew that some of them were going to approach me with threats and prying questions before the afternoon was over. This gossiping seemed like an intimidation technique that didn't have its supposed effect.

Tch. Amateurs.

Finding a balcony wasn't difficult. I picked my head to the silky curtains. It was fortunately unoccupied. I let out a breath of relief and walked slowly to the railings. Leaning over, I ran my hand across the flowers that were planted on the other side. The water droplets on them just made them seem all the more beautiful.

I heard movement behind me and smiled.

They didn't take long.

"Imelda Danbury, was it?" someone said behind me.

I turned around and dipped into a curtsey. "Pleasure to make your acquaintance. May I know who I'm speaking with?"

The girls around the speaker gasped like I had committed a social blunder. I probably had but I didn't care less about the teenage girl whose dress looked like it was choking her.

For some reason, triumph flashed in her brown eyes. She took a step closer to me, making me realise how much shorter she was than me. That little detail made it harder to take her seriously. "You cannot identify other nobles on sight and you seek to become the wife of a future Marquess. How pitiful."

I looked at her with an innocent expression. "Who said anything about being his wife? I wasn't informed about that announcement."

Her condescending demeanor faltered for a second. "Who do you think you're fooling? You're nothing but a peasant."

"Thank you for your truthful and inspiring words. May I be left to my thoughts now?"

The edges of her eyes prickled with tears as she yelled. I could tell she was used to people cowering at the sight of her. "Do you have any idea who you're talking to?"

I curtsied again. "You haven't graced me with the honour of your name."

"My father is Earl Owen Davidson."

Why did that name sound so familiar?

When I remembered, my polite smile dropped and I leaned closer to her to prevent the other girls from hearing. "Unfortunately, I have no respect for your unfaithful father. Telling me his name would not improve the way I treat you."

From the look of panic that crossed her eyes, I could tell she knew what I was talking about. What greater shame in society was there than being labelled the daughter of a man publicly known for his infidelity? I already saw that much in Imelda's body.

"However, I sympathise with you as I am in your situation so I would warn you only once. Stay away from me." I leaned back and smiled widely. "If you wish to pursue Lord Baines, go ahead. I'm only here because he's repaying me a favour."

Lady Davidson and I maintained eye contact for a few more seconds. Although her eyes mostly projected contempt, I could see a little gratitude in them. I chided myself for being so mean to her.

After all, she was only a child forced to survive in a harsh society.

She turned around and left the room with her posse hot on her heels. I stared after them with a soft smile on my face.

That was fun.

"As soon as you stepped in, I knew I was going to like you," a voice said to my right.

Looks like the balcony wasn't as empty as I thought.

I turned to the intruder. Before I could speak, I stopped short. Standing there was a female Anthony Danbury in a beautiful red dress that looked so good on her that it could be displayed in a museum.

My eyes trailed from the bottom of the large dress that had lines of sparkling jewels to the waist. The deep red colour darkened from the waist up that at the neck, it was made of black lace cut in flower patterns. Her jewelry was silver—real silver—with...

Was that an uncut diamond?

The bright smile on her face completed the look. "Honest opinion?"

"Girl, you look like a work of art," I said before suddenly remembering that I was speaking to a marquess' daughter. I curtsied, hoping I had not offended the goddess-like woman with my loose tongue. "I mean, you look most exquisite, Lady Danbury."

She sighed. "You spoiled our fun."

"What?"

"You look most exquisite? I have heard that multiple times tonight. You said something different earlier."

"You look like a work of art?"

She nodded, all smiles again. "I prefer that." She walked briskly to me and linked arms with me. "Now, tell me what you told Earl Davidson's daughter. I couldn't hear that part."

I laughed. "The truth. Her father is intimate with my mother."

Lady Danbury's eyes widened. "I don't believe it. The Davidsons are the most respected Earl family in the dukedom. Their family is a model of harmony. To hear that he's unfaithful with your mother of all people...I shouldn't have said that. I apologise for offending you."

I chuckled. "Oh, don't worry about it. I don't like what she does either. However-"

"I apologise for the intrusion, Lady Danbury," A man dressed like a butler said. "Marchioness Baines has asked to see Miss Danbury."