How to Murder Your Husband

A story set in mid-18th-century Britain.

A ball is underway at Praton Manor.

Melodious singing echoes through the hall, gentlemen and ladies glide across the floor, and nearly a thousand candles illuminate the magnificent vaulted ceiling.

The baroness sits by the window, absorbed in a book.

"Darling, hurry down and dance. A ball can't be without its hostess," the baron says with a smile, knocking on the door.

"Just a little longer. Let me finish," the baroness says without looking up. "Darling, once I'm done, I'll go down and lead the first dance. This book is fascinating. It tells how a clever knight plots to poison his enemy and exposes a conspiracy."

"All right, all right. Just don't take too long." Indulgently, the baron shakes his head and goes out to entertain the guests.

In the room, the baroness looks up and watches her husband's retreating figure, a faint smile spreading across her face.

My dear husband... How could I kill you?