The Lady in the Silver Mask

Chapter 2: The House of Quiet Rooms

By morning, every guest had been told what to remember.

The official story said a poor child with unstable magic had entered the ballroom unlawfully. Lady Ashbourne, moved by compassion, allowed him near her. The child attempted an unsafe healing charm, caused a disturbance, then fled. Lord Ashbourne protected his wife.

By noon, society accepted it.

Evelina sat in her morning room beside the frozen garden. Adrian stood by the fireplace, reading a letter.

"You should not receive visitors today," he said. "Rumors grow when one feeds them."

"Was the boy found?" Evelina asked.

"Not yet."

"You had something in your hand last night."

Adrian looked almost amused. "You were frightened. You imagined many things."

"I felt my legs."

"Temporary nerve stimulation," he said. "Dangerous and meaningless."

"I stood."

His eyes flickered.

"Half-stood," he corrected.

Before she could answer, Mrs. Vale, the housekeeper, entered with an envelope.

"A message for Lady Ashbourne."

Adrian turned. "I will take it."

Mrs. Vale hesitated.

Evelina noticed.

Adrian opened the letter and frowned. There was no crest, only a crude mark: three lines crossing a circle.

"What is it?" Evelina asked.

"Nothing."

"Read it aloud."

Adrian moved toward the fire.

Evelina pushed her chair forward and snatched the paper before he could burn it.

She read one sentence:

Go to the west nursery if you want to know why your legs sleep.

Her heart began to pound.

The west nursery had been locked since before her marriage. Adrian claimed the ceiling was unsafe.

His face now told her that safety had never been the reason.

"Mrs. Vale," Adrian said coldly, "leave us."

The housekeeper did not move.

Then she tipped the tea tray.

Hot tea splashed across Adrian's sleeve. He swore and stumbled back.

Mrs. Vale grabbed Evelina's chair and pushed it into the hallway.

"Hold tight, my lady."

"Where are we going?" Evelina gasped.

"To the west nursery."

"Why?"

Mrs. Vale's voice shook.

"Because that boy was not the first child to try to wake you."