II

The grey, overcast sky enveloped the city, casting it into a heavy melancholy, as though winter itself had settled in for good. Though February didn't usually bring the coldest winds, that day the air felt icy and sharp, cutting through thick coats and slipping through the smallest cracks. Chimneys smoked tirelessly, and a thin mist hung over the cobbled streets, blurring the outlines of buildings.

Grace stared out of the carriage window; her gaze was fixed, but her mind was far away as the vehicle moved slowly toward its destination. The sound of the wheels on the stones seemed like a distant echo, a soundtrack to the whirlwind of emotions swirling inside her. The blurred faces of passers-by melted into a haze, each person immersed in their own life, unaware of the burdens she had to face.

Beside her sat Lesly Kranst, her lady's maid, watching her intently. It was impossible to miss the tremor in the young woman's hands, hidden beneath the thick woollen blanket draped over her lap. Lesly had known Grace since her birth, and over the years, she had learned to read her emotions better than anyone else. She knew that, although Grace was trying to maintain her composure, the uncertainty was gnawing at her from within.

" Relax, milady, " she said softly, almost maternally, trying to offer some comfort. " I know this damned city like the back of my hand, and no one will suspect you're appearing for the first time. "

Grace tried to smile, though the expression barely managed to convey any relief. Her eyes, a frosty blue like the winter sky, still reflected the anxiety that had gripped her since they left Scotland. She had spent so many years hidden away in that small corner of the world, under her mother's protection, that every place she had seen since their departure felt foreign. She hoped Lesly would help her, as she promised, or her disguise would be uncovered before she could achieve her goal.

The carriage came to a smooth stop in front of the hotel her fiancé had chosen for their stay until the wedding. The building before them was imposing; its grey stone facade stood out even under the leaden sky. The tall windows, illuminated by gas lamps, glowed with a warm, welcoming light, in stark contrast to the cold outside. A pair of lion statues flanked the entrance, silent guardians of the wealth awaiting inside.

The freezing air hit her immediately when the footman opened the door and offered his hand to help her down. Grace's breath formed a small cloud in front of her face, quickly dissipating into the icy wind.

" Don't be afraid. I'll always be by your side, " Lesly remarked in a reassuring tone as she moved closer, linking arms with her.

With her heart racing, Grace crossed the threshold of the hotel, feeling small and insignificant compared to the grandeur surrounding her. As she entered the lobby, the warmth of the place enveloped her, though it did little to ease the knot of nerves in her chest. The floors were covered in rich, thick rugs, so plush she could barely hear her own footsteps. An imposing crystal chandelier hung from the ceiling, casting sparkling reflections on the gilded walls. The soft murmur of conversations and the clinking of glasses from a nearby parlour added an almost dreamlike quality to the scene.

Grace paused for a moment, letting her gaze wander over everything around her. She couldn't help but feel a mixture of awe and apprehension. She wasn't used to such luxury, and although everyone there seemed to be enjoying it, she still longed for her small country home. Keeping an eye on her maid, she watched as Lesly approached a small mahogany desk to her right. After exchanging a few words, she returned accompanied by a uniformed young man.

" He'll take us to our room, " Lesly announced, breaking through Grace's thoughts as she once again linked arms with her to encourage her forward.

They walked in silence, their footsteps muffled by the thick carpet covering the stairs. Each step Grace took felt like a torment, as they led her directly towards the future she had never wanted. When they finally reached the room, the attendant opened the door with a bow. Lesly entered first, inspecting every detail with her usual meticulous attention. Grace, however, lingered for a moment in the doorway, taking in the luxurious space that lay before her. The four-poster bed, draped in satin sheets; the velvet curtains falling gracefully to the floor; and the exquisite furnishings all spoke of an opulence that only made her feel even more out of place. A large mirror adorned with gold filigree reflected her figure, making her appear smaller and more fragile.

" Lord Hantersey has been very generous with the accommodation, milady. He's spared no expense to ensure your comfort, " Lesly said, attempting to cheer her with a smile as she turned to face her.

Grace gave a faint smile in response, but her heart remained heavy. Despite the luxury surrounding her, none of it could alleviate the weight pressing on her chest. It felt as though she were playing a part in a grand play, one she had never asked to star in.

" Come, I'll help you change, " added the maid, breaking the uncomfortable silence that had settled between them.

The young woman nodded silently and allowed herself to be undressed. Her travelling gown fell to the floor with a soft whisper, as Grace gazed at her reflection in the full-length mirror. Her face, framed by her blonde hair, looked tired, though her youth still shone in her features. However, her eyes, filled with a deep sadness, betrayed the emotional exhaustion she was feeling. She noticed the dark circles beneath them and the pale tone of her skin, clear signs of the stress that was consuming her.

" Something's not right, " she murmured suddenly, breaking the silence.

Lesly, who had been folding the dress, looked up with a faintly worried expression.

" What do you mean, milady? "

Grace hesitated for a moment, searching for the right words.

" I have a premonition… " she finally confessed in a whisper. " I feel that something bad is going to happen. "

Lesly frowned but tried not to show too much concern. She knew Grace's mind had been filled with doubts and fears since her mother's death, but she couldn't allow those worries to take control now.

" Don't say that, milady. Everything is under control. The late countess planned every detail with great care. Nothing can go wrong, " she replied firmly, almost with authority, as if saying it aloud would ward off any misfortune.

Grace tried to believe her maid's words, but the unease wouldn't leave her. It felt as though an invisible shadow had been following her since she'd arrived in London, and no matter how much she tried to ignore it, the sense of impending danger continued to haunt her. She remembered her mother's final words, the promises she had made on her deathbed, and a shiver ran down her spine.

After changing, Grace walked over to the window and gently pulled aside the heavy velvet curtains. Outside, the city continued its frantic pace. Carriages clattered down the cobbled streets, street vendors shouted their wares, and the gas lamps were beginning to light up as the afternoon slowly faded into evening. Everything about London seemed noisy, chaotic, a city alive and constantly in motion. But to her, none of it mattered. The sound of a child's laughter drifted up from the street, filling her with a melancholy she couldn't quite explain.

" I think we should go for a walk. We're like caged cats in here, " Lesly suggested gently, approaching her with an understanding smile. " Besides, it's been a long journey, and some fresh air will do you good. "

Grace sighed, tearing her gaze away from the window and back to reality.

" I'm not sure I want to face London right now, " she confessed, crossing her arms over her chest. The thought of speaking to strangers, of assuming a role that didn't feel like her own, overwhelmed her.

Lesly looked at her kindly, but with the same firmness she always showed when it came to Grace's well-being.

" A brief walk will do you good, and I assure you, you'll feel better afterwards, " she insisted.

Grace hesitated for a moment but finally nodded. She knew Lesly was right. She couldn't stay locked away until it was time to visit her fiancé; that would raise questions and stir suspicion about her.

" All right. Let's go for a walk, " she agreed reluctantly, stepping toward her maid.

Lesly smiled broadly and helped Grace into her coat before guiding her to the door. As they stepped into the cold London air, Grace felt the icy wind hit her face, tangling her blonde hair. The streets felt even more foreign than she had imagined, but she knew she couldn't run from them forever. As they walked together along the cobbled pavements, the noise of the city, though muffled by the general bustle, was a constant reminder of the irreversible change that was approaching.

The sounds of horses' hooves against the stone, the calls of the vendors, and the distant chime of church bells formed an urban symphony that contrasted with the tranquillity of her former home in Scotland. Despite being surrounded by life, Grace felt more alone than ever.