The first week of preparation passed in a whirlwind of strategic planning and romantic stolen moments that made Felicity fall even more deeply in love with her husband. Adrian had transformed from the cold, calculating man who had married her for revenge into a partner who consulted her on every decision, valued her insights, and showed his love in a thousand small gestures throughout each day.
"You're staring at me again," Adrian said without looking up from the documents spread across his desk in the study. They had taken to working side by side in the evenings, Felicity managing Foundation correspondence while Adrian handled his parliamentary duties.
"I'm admiring my husband," Felicity replied with a smile. "Is that a crime?"
Adrian set down his pen and pulled her from her chair into his lap with easy strength, his arms wrapping around her waist as she settled against his chest. "If it is, then I'm equally guilty. I find myself distracted at least a dozen times a day by thoughts of you."
"Only a dozen?" Felicity teased, her fingers playing with his cravat. "I'm disappointed."
"More like a hundred," Adrian admitted with a laugh that rumbled through his chest. "It's becoming quite problematic, actually. Lord Pemberton asked me the same question three times yesterday before I heard him."
Their playful moment was interrupted by Mrs. Hartwell with the evening post. Among the usual correspondence was a cream-colored envelope that made Adrian's expression darken immediately.
"What is it?" Felicity asked, sensing his tension.
Adrian opened the letter, his jaw tightening as he read. "It's from Victoria. She's sent a personal note reminding us of the ball and expressing her... eager anticipation of our attendance."
He handed the letter to Felicity, who read the carefully worded message with growing unease. Beneath the polite society language was an unmistakable current of malice and triumph.
"She thinks she's already won," Felicity observed.
"Then she's in for a considerable surprise," Adrian said grimly. "I received word today from my investigator. He's uncovered some very interesting information about Victoria's financial situation and her recent activities."
Over the next hour, Adrian laid out what his investigator had discovered. Victoria was indeed deeply in debt—not just to merchants and tradespeople, but to some rather unsavory moneylenders who were growing impatient for repayment. Her late husband had left her nothing but the house and a mountain of gambling debts.
"She's desperate," Felicity said slowly. "That makes her dangerous."
"It also makes her predictable," Adrian countered. "Desperate people make mistakes. And we're going to be ready to capitalize on every one of them."
The second week brought unexpected allies. The Duchess of Marlborough called personally, bringing with her several other influential society matrons who had become genuinely fond of Felicity through their work on the Foundation.
"My dear," the Duchess said warmly, settling into the drawing room with the air of someone preparing for battle, "we've heard whispers about what Victoria might be planning for her ball. And we want you to know that you have our complete support."
Lady Pemberton nodded agreement. "Victoria has been spreading rumors for weeks, trying to undermine your position. But she's forgotten that some of us have known her since she was a girl, and we remember what she's truly capable of."
"What do you mean?" Felicity asked.
The ladies exchanged meaningful glances before the Duchess spoke. "Victoria has a history of... shall we say, vindictive behavior toward women she perceives as rivals. Three years ago, she destroyed a young woman's reputation simply because the girl had danced twice with a man Victoria fancied."
"The poor thing was forced to leave London entirely," Lady Pemberton added. "Her family sent her to live with relatives in Scotland to escape the gossip."
"We should have stopped her then," the Duchess said with obvious regret. "We won't make that mistake again. Whatever she attempts at this ball, Felicity, you won't face it alone."
After the ladies departed with promises of strategic support, Felicity found herself alone with her thoughts for the first time in days. She moved to the window overlooking the garden, her hand unconsciously resting on her slightly rounded stomach.
"Talking to our baby?" Adrian's voice came from the doorway, warm and tender.
"Promising them that their mother won't be intimidated by jealous women and social schemes," Felicity replied with a smile.
Adrian crossed the room to join her, his hand covering hers on her stomach. "Our child is going to have the bravest, most magnificent mother in all of England."
"And the most devoted father," Felicity added, leaning into his warmth.
They stood together in comfortable silence, watching the winter afternoon fade into evening. It was in these quiet moments that Felicity felt most connected to Adrian—not the passionate embraces or grand romantic gestures, but these simple instances of shared peace and absolute trust.
"Adrian," she said softly, "whatever happens at Victoria's ball, whatever she reveals or accuses us of—it can't touch what we have. You know that, don't you?"
"I know," Adrian murmured, pressing a kiss to her hair. "But I also know that I won't let her hurt you. Not with lies, not with schemes, not with anything."
The third week arrived with increasing tension that seemed to permeate all of London society. Everyone knew something significant was going to happen at Victoria's ball—the whispers and speculation had reached fever pitch.
Two days before the ball, Princess Sophia summoned Felicity for another private audience. The Princess received her in a small, informal sitting room with obvious concern on her elegant features.
"Lady Blackwood, we've heard some troubling rumors about Lady Victoria's intentions for her ball," Princess Sophia said without preamble. "We wanted to assure you of our continued support, regardless of what accusations might be made."
"Your Royal Highness is very kind," Felicity said, genuinely touched by the concern.
"It's not kindness, it's justice," the Princess replied firmly. "We've observed your character, your work, your genuine dedication to helping others. Whatever Lady Victoria claims about you, we know the truth of your worth."
The Princess paused, then continued with deliberate intent. "We will be attending the ball tomorrow evening. And we wanted you to know that our presence there is specifically to show our support for you and Lord Blackwood."
Felicity felt tears prick at her eyes. "Your Royal Highness, I don't know what to say."
"Say you'll hold your head high tomorrow night," Princess Sophia said with a warm smile. "Say you'll remember that truth and character always triumph over malice and deception—though sometimes the triumph takes longer than we'd like."
That evening, as Felicity and Adrian prepared for bed, she told him about Princess Sophia's support. Adrian's relief was visible, though his protective concern remained evident.
"I still don't like walking into whatever trap Victoria has prepared," he admitted, pulling Felicity close as they lay together in the darkness. "Every instinct I have says to keep you far away from her schemes."
"But we can't hide forever," Felicity said, her fingers tracing patterns on his chest. "We have to face this, Adrian. Together."
"Together," Adrian agreed, his arms tightening around her. "Always together."
The night before the ball, neither of them slept well. They lay awake in each other's arms, talking quietly about everything and nothing—their hopes for their child, plans for the Foundation, dreams of a future where they could simply enjoy their love without the shadow of Victoria's machinations.
"Whatever happens tomorrow," Adrian said as dawn began to lighten the sky outside their windows, "I want you to remember something."
"What?"
"That I love you more than life itself. That you've transformed me from a man consumed by revenge into someone who understands the true meaning of happiness. That our love is the greatest victory I could ever achieve, regardless of what society thinks or says."
Felicity kissed him with all the love and passion in her heart. "I love you too. And tomorrow, we're going to show Victoria and everyone else exactly what that love can withstand."
As they rose to face the day that would bring Victoria's ball and whatever challenges it held, Felicity felt surprisingly calm. They had prepared as well as they could. They had allies who believed in them. And most importantly, they had each other.
The ball was tonight. And the Blackwoods were ready.