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Chastity nodded. “Precisely. We could not be more different. His way is passion. My way is science. Not Lucien. Not marriage. And I never want children. So you see, it is quite liberating that I’m not attractive to men. Truly.”

Patience shook her head. “I cannot fathom why a beautiful and smart woman would ever think of herself that way! You are a diamond of the first water. Any man would be lucky to have a drop of your attention. But…you both are attending Pryde’s upcoming month-long house party. Will you manage?”

Chastity scoffed. “Of course I’ll manage. It’s a mere inconvenience with my research. Nothing more.” She cleared her throat and put on a strict face. “Anyway, I would appreciate it greatly if you would read my findings so far and give your feedback.” She pointed at a stack of handwritten papers lying on the tea table.

Patience agreed eagerly and then asked Chastity’s opinion about her next hybridization project, the challenges and opportunities.

The two women spent the next hour discussing their projects and excitedly planning their new club, Chastity’s earlier mishap all but forgotten. They were deep in discussion, giggling like schoolgirls, when a knock sounded at the door.

“Who is it?” Chastity called out, trying to stifle her laughter.

“It’s Dorian,” came the muffled reply. “Is everything all right in there? I heard a loud noise earlier, and there is a strange odor in the hall.”

Patience and Chastity exchanged a conspiratorial look. “Everything’s fine, brother,” Chastity called back. “Just a small accident in the lab. Nothing to worry about.”

“Are you sure?” Dorian’s voice was laced with concern. “I could come in and help clean up.”

“No!” both women exclaimed in unison, dissolving into another fit of giggles.

“We have the situation under control, Dorian,” Patience managed between laughs. “We are discussing women’s matters. We’ll see you at dinner.”

There was a pause, then a sigh of resignation from the other side of the door. “You know it’s not polite sending your husband away like this.”

Patience’s smile tugged at her lips. “Perhaps said husband may need to discipline such a rude wife…later?”

“I’m afraid measures must be taken,” he said, and Patience’s skin heated.

Chastity frowned. “She wasn’t really rude, Dorian! Don’t you dare hurt your pregnant wife.”

Patience felt her cheeks flush as she turned to Chastity. “Oh, no, dearest, we’ve been just jesting. Right, Dorian?” she called.

“Of course,” he called back, his muffled voice amused. “Sister, you know I’d never really— Er…all right, ladies. I’ll leave you to it.”

As Dorian’s footsteps receded down the corridor, Patience and Chastity grinned at each other, their hearts light with the promise of their new adventure. The world may not always understand or appreciate their passion for science, but together, they would face any challenge that came their way.

For they were Misses with Microscopes, and nothing could stand in the way of their quest for knowledge and discovery.

EPILOGUE

Four months later…

Dorian inhaled the lungful of humid, warm air and didn’t flinch. His fists didn’t clench, and his stomach wasn’t burning with the desire to destroy everything. He was in the glasshouse with the love of his life, the sun falling on his face through the leaves of a palm tree that almost reached the glass ceiling.

The door was closed.

Fig, lemon, and orange trees, bushes of hibiscus and other plants surrounded him, and he didn’t feel trapped.

He felt at peace. And in love. He wrapped his arm around Patience’s shoulders.

She wrapped her arm around his waist and leaned with her head against his shoulder as they walked down the aisle.

“Are you all right, love?” asked Patience. “Your palms aren’t twitching to burn everything to the ground?”

He chuckled and kissed the top of her head.

“No,” he said. “I have no need for that anymore. I have you.”

She chuckled. “And you have someone who will very much need you in maybe three months.”