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He came up to the counter wearing an apron that looked to have been used several years too many. He smiled, showing Tabitha that some teeth were missing, but it was a pleasant smile nonetheless.
“Good morning, madam. How may I be of service? Do you need bath salts, smelling salts... love potions?”
Tabitha laughed at the last one. “No, sir, nothing so amorous. My dear mother has been wracked with a horrid cough for the last week and needs sleep. I was wondering if you have a draught I could give her in the evenings to help her sleep?”
“Of course. I have just the thing.”
The apothecary quickly went to work, grabbing his ladder to climb up to take a jar from the fourth shelf. When he brought it to the counter, Tabitha couldn’t make out what the label said.
“The leaves of the valerian flower are quite effective in aiding sleep. You only need a small amount—too much and it is possible to make a person not wake up. Mix it in with her tea in the evening and she should have a restful night’s sleep.”
He filled a small paper sleeve with a few ounces of the ground valerian. Tabitha paid for her purchase and left. She went to the carriage, which thankfully had waited, and returned home. Once she got back to her bedchamber, Tabitha hid her purchase in her jewelry box.
The following evening, Tabitha and her parents attended a dinner party. Her appetite was almost nonexistent, but she tried to put on a cheerful facade. After dinner, the guests went into the drawing room for drinks and games. Her friend Fiona came over and took the empty seat next to her.
“I noticed you said little at dinner tonight. Is something wrong?”
Dear Fiona. She was always acutely aware of others, so caring. Tabitha gave her a reassuring smile. “Everything is fine. I’m just tired. Since being back with my parents, mother has us out most days.”
“I know I’ve also been monopolizing your time with the wedding.” Fiona turned her gaze down.
Tabitha took her friend’s hand. “I love helping you plan. It’s going to be a wonderful wedding. I’m so happy for you.”
“Really?”
“Yes. Henry is a good man. You can see how much he loves you.”
The women glanced over at the man in question, who was speaking with Tabitha’s father. His face lit up when he saw Fiona watching him. It reminded Tabitha of Andrew and the way he’d looked at her when they had made love. The mere memory had Tabitha’s heart racing. What she wouldn’t give to have him look at her that way always. She frowned.
“There is something wrong.” Fiona shook her hand. “Please tell me, Tabitha. I want to help.”
“It is nothing. A small personal matter which will be rectified shortly. Plus, I’m worried about Phillip. He hasn’t written in several weeks, and I want to know that he is well.”
“He does go gallivanting off a lot, doesn’t he?”
Tabitha nodded. “He’s so restless. Father says he may need to put a leash on him just to keep him at home.”
They laughed. It felt good—odd but heartwarming. There had been little to make Tabitha laugh these last few weeks. But it would all be at an end in the next few days.
“Well, if you need anything, you know I am here for you.”
“Thank you, Fiona. You are the greatest friend I could ask for.” And Tabitha meant it.
After that, the ladies fell into lighter banter, and for a time Tabitha felt like her old self. By the time her family left, she was glad she had gone to the dinner.
* * *
The nightwith Lord Vance had finally come. Tabitha had kept to her rooms all day, feigning a headache. The family was to go to the opera, then dinner, so Tabitha had needed a reason not to go. Thankfully, Lady Bedford had fallen for her complaints and allowed her daughter to stay home.
The letter from Lord Vance had said to arrive at ten. Tabitha dressed in a simple gown and placed a long, dark cloak over her clothes. She left the house through the servants’ entrance and hastened down the street to the corner, where she hailed a hansom cab.
During the ride to Lord Vance’s house, Tabitha collected her thoughts, trying to make a plan of attack. The bag of valerian was tucked securely in her reticule. As soon as possible, she would slip the herbs into Vance’s wine and find the letters supposedly implicating Phillip.
The rolling of the cab over the cobblestones caused Tabitha’s already queasy stomach to feel more uneasy. She feared what might happen if Lord Vance didn’t drink the valerian. No matter what, Tabitha resolved to do what was necessary, even if it cost her dearly.
At one point, Tabitha’s thoughts strayed to Andrew, with his handsome face and that cocky smile he wore so well. She smiled to herself. Tabitha would much rather be spending the night with Andrew, safely ensconced in his bed. Hopefully, he had forgiven her for the way she had dismissed him. No doubt, he had forgotten about her and moved on to another lady. But the idea didn’t make her feel any better.
The sudden stop of the cab brought Tabitha back to reality. She exited, then walked to the front door and knocked. Her heart was in her throat, nervous she would be caught or not be able to follow through with her plan. Tabitha wrapped her hand around her reticule. It felt like it was burning a hole through her dress. Would Vance suspect anything?
