"This is why the townspeople think I'm crazy and that I've read too many stories and am seeking attention."

I sat on the mildly comfortable couch, stiff as a board as I listened to Ms Simeons or Christina as she insisted we call her, go on and on about her theories about transmigration.

A friend of hers had returned from the year 2020 after dying from COVID-19 and told her about the 21st century and transmigration. The longer Christine spoke about what she had been told, the more sure I was that she was telling the truth.

The moment she mentioned TikTok, I interrupted her. "Her story checks out. She's not crazy."

"Are you serious, Imelda?" Henry asked, incredulous. "You're from the future?"

"It sounds unbelievable, right? I don't expect you to believe me. I wouldn't believe me if I were you," I said.

So I wasn't the only one to have experienced this thing. That's interesting. Christine might know the way to return.

Yet I sat silent, unwilling to ask the question. I didn't want to know if there was a way because if there was and I didn't return, I would live with guilt for the rest of my life, indebted to my sister who I promised to protect, and Imelda whose body I stole.

"Not that we don't enjoy being around this Imelda but do you know how she can get back? I wouldn't imagine it would be nice to be separated from one's family and friends like that," Louis said.

My hand formed into a fist. I could hear a slight ringing in my ears yet Christine's answer slipped through.

"I don't know. Alana returned to her normal quiet self one morning and she didn't seem to recognize me. I never saw my fun friend again."

I slumped against Lincoln and let out a breath of relief. Christine noticed this and smiled. "I don't think Miss Danbury minds remaining here."

I let out a small chuckle. "Let's focus on what we came here to do." I looked at Christine with pleading eyes. "Christine, we have an important question. Please answer truthfully."

Her expression turned serious and she nodded. "I always do."

"Did you write the article about the Lord Marcus' treachery?"

Christine's gaze turned icy. "Yes, why? If you ask me to reveal my source, I won't. They chose to be strict-"

"We know your source is Lord Edward Baines." I took a moment to contemplate my next words. "We also know he fed you false information."

After being with Christine for a few minutes, I quickly inferred that she wasn't someone who would lie because of money. She must have been convinced by Baines' evidence to write that article, believing she was bringing the truth to light. Naturally, she would be angry if anyone discovered her authorship challenged her work and would probably lash out.

Quite smart of him to pick a woman who is declared mentally unfit by society.

A slipper flew past my head, narrowly missing my ear. My brothers stood up immediately to cover me.

"How dare you come into my home and accuse me of libel?" Christine shrieked. "And you seemed to have a good head on your shoulders."

Lincoln opened his mouth to respond. I held Lincoln's arm to stop him. "I apologise for whatever is going on but I do know what I'm talking about. Lord Baines told me himself."

"And why would I believe your word over his? He had solid evidence backing him."

Irritation bubbled up my throat. "What do you think I stand to gain by telling you that a marquess' son is framing the future Duke?"

"Your mother wants to marry you into the duke's family. Siding with the duke could be a way for you to seek favours." She grasped at her hair and a crazy look entered her eyes. "This is what I hate most about people in this country—so interested in prestige and power that truth no longer matters."

I ignored her monologue and kept speaking, confident in my human shield that she couldn't touch me. "Baines is releasing another article tomorrow, involving the entire family in the treason. Are you the writer?"

She laughed maniacally. "Another lie. Lord Edward does not need another article. He said so when the first one was published. The truth only needs to be written and spread once."

Lincoln sighed and slumped against the chair. "I don't know if this is a win or a loss."

"Both, I guess." I looked at Christine again. "Ms Simeons, I have zero interest in prestige and don't want to be involved in high society. For that to happen, I need your help."

"Liar. Antoinette Danbury's blood isn't interested in high society. Don't make me laugh."

The venom in Christine's voice made me want to recoil. I could barely keep my anger at bay as I spoke. "I thought we concluded earlier that I wasn't Imelda Danbury." I stood, brushing non-existent dust particles off my dress. "I see there's no reason to remain here. I do hope you come to your senses soon, Ms Simeons. You seem like an intelligent woman. However, whether you do or not, expect us to visit within the next few days."

Since she wasn't tomorrow's reporter, I would have to wait to see what happens. That didn't mean I couldn't use her to gather ample evidence against Baines. After all, my maternal aunt used to say, 'There's no more informed person than an intelligent woman with a lot of time on her hands.'

"Do not come back, you..."

I felt large hands cover my ears and lead me out of the house. Lincoln's kind blue eyes met mine. I leaned on him, grateful for his support.

"She'll come around tomorrow," Lincoln leaned down to whisper near my ear.

I nodded. "I guess we'll have to wait out the consequences."

***

"Miss Danbury, do you think it's really good?" the man moved the frying pan to the left and the right.

"I never lie about quality, Mr. Green." I picked up a similar pan and skipped to Mrs. Green. "Mrs. Green, what do you think about this?"

The grey-haired rubbed her thumb across the face of the pan. "What nice quality!"

I looked at Mr. Green meaningfully. "Your husband seems to doubt me."

Mrs. Green walked briskly to her husband. "Come now, darling. I have a few things to teach you." She then delved into a fifteen-minute explanation about the uses of a good pan. All the while, I added tidbits at opportune times and added a few more items to their shopping list.

"Is that so?" Mr. Green turned to me. "If you would pack this up for me, Miss Danbury."

"You're buying a new frying pan?" Mrs. Green asked curious.

"Yes. You've wanted one recently. I thought I'd get you a good one for your birthday."

I turned around and went behind the counter to wrap the birthday gift before I got jealous of the love between two people old enough to be my grandparents. I glanced over the counter at the cute hug. Lincoln and I in that position flashed behind my eyes. I clutched my chest to slow down my rapidly beating heart.

"You would excel as a saleswoman. You've emptied the store," Louis said behind me, taking the pan from me and putting it with the other wares. I smiled. It felt good to be able to help him.

"The people can't just resist my charming sister-in-law," Sarah said, rubbing my cheeks. Sarah was Louis' wife. They had married when he was eighteen and she was sixteen and  I was fourteen. Five years later, they still stared at each other with the spark of newlyweds.

I looked at the Greens leaving the store with the goods, hand in hand.

Why had I never wished for long-lasting love like that?

Or maybe I had but never thought it was possible.

"Stop it, Sarah," I said. "I don't like the way they look at me sometimes."

"I do recall there is a certain man who looks at you that way and you don't seem to mind," Sarah teased.

I involuntarily smiled. "That's enough, Sarah."

"Oh, there's that lovely smile again." She sighed dreamily before looking at me curiously. "When are you two getting married?"

"Sarah!" I stuttered. "W-we haven't talked about that. A lot is going on right now."

"So if there wasn't a lot going on and he asked to court you, would you agree?"

Yes.

"Well, I..."

"Imelda Danbury," someone yelled from outside. The woman burst into the store with a speed I didn't think was becoming for her age.

I stepped out from behind the counter to steady her as she threatened to fall. "Ms. Simeons, are you alright?"

A paper came into my line of vision. I only had to read the headlines to know what it was. Glancing through the contents, my heart sunk deeper than I thought was possible.

"I believe you," Christine wheezed out between pants. "I'm sorry that I didn't earlier but now, I'm willing to help in any way I can."

I squeezed her shoulders slightly to express my comfort as she looked more disappointed in herself than anything. "It's alright. I don't blame you."

Louis walked up to us and grabbed the paper. After reading through it, he clicked his tongue and gave it to Sarah.

"What do we do next? What's the next part of his plan?" Louis asked.

I thought about the headlines.

Royal Guards Arrive At The Arden Manor.

Right below it was:

The Story Unfolds: Treason of a family sworn to protect the monarch.

"I think it's time I visit the Baines manor."