“However,” Muldrow continued, “I am informed that the marriage must be—er…” He twirled his side-whiskers and tapped one finger on the table. “How can I express this in a style that will not offend your delicate ears, I wonder?” He frowned. “There is nothing for it but to be blunt. The marriage must be consummated to prevent any danger that it could be annulled.”

Muldrow’s words rang in Philomena’s ears. At last, she understood what he meant. Horror struck cold into her heart. Muldrow would keep her here in captivity until she gave birth to a child by Joseph, which her husband would claim as his heir. Philomena’s skin crawled as she imagined Joseph’s hands on her body.

Beneath the revulsion, though, a tiny flicker of hope shone. He had spoken of annulment. Could such a marriage be overturned? Divorce, a long slow process involving an Act of Parliament, was granted no more than two or three times a year. Philomena knew nothing of annulment. What did the word mean? Was there any, faint chance that she could escape this terrible fate?

Philomena took a long, slow breath, determined to conceal a sudden lift of spirits. Her tormentor laughed, his voice a high-pitched titter. “I see you did not know the truth of your position. To put it in a nutshell, our marriage is legal, but there is one tiny flaw. Until we have—er, finalised the process, if I may put it that way, it is just possible for a minister of the church to grant an annulment.”

“How does that work?”

“You hardly need know. Soon, despite reluctance on both our parts to undertake such an act together—” Muldrow’s eyes roved over Philomena, his nose wrinkling in distaste—“Joseph will act on my behalf. All three of us will find something to delight us. I will secure you as my wife, and these very elegant apartments will remain in my possession.”

Philomena’s heart pounded. This was too much to take in. Her head swirled with a thousand thoughts. There might be a way out of this hideous situation, a way that would lift the curse. She could be free of this dreadful marriage, free to marry where she willed. Free to accept Hugh’s offer.

She must not faint. She lowered her head, letting the blood return to her face. Her tormentor mistook the gesture.

“You are wise,” he said, inspecting his green ring. “Give in gracefully and all will be well.” He sighed. “We will do our best to take pleasure in the episode. Joseph and I have enjoyed such incidents before, although I have to say, never with such a charming young lady.