For several moments, Mary couldn't hear anything over the violent pounding of her pulse.

“He looked at her for a moment, amazed. "How did you know that? How can a servan…”

“Her Majesty Victoria, by the Grace of God, of the United Kingdom of Great Brita…”

“Angelica rolled the wedding band between her finger and thumb. "It's terrifying…”

“Calmly, slowly, she reached behind with her left hand and came up against — yes…”