Page 51 of The Marquess' Disguised Heiress
Could it be jealousy?
“You must be George!” Eliza’s eyes widened as Amelia introduced herself, walking towards the table to stand just behind his chair.
To keep herself from staring or doing something stupid, Eliza quickly busied herself with the other maids, pulling out food from the fridge to place it on the table.
Whenever these little parties were held, the servants had a feast of their own, consuming whatever was left over or unwanted. The entire kitchen counter was laden with different kinds of bread, cheese, and ice cream. A few maids were heating up stew, and the entire kitchen wafted with the sweet scent of caramelized onions.
“I am,” she heard George’s reply, “and you are?”
Eliza tried to ignore the interest she thought she heard in George’s voice, quickly placing pitchers of lemonade and ale on the table.
“Amelia. I am Eliza’s friend.”
Eliza almost wanted to laugh at the statement, wondering if Amelia even knew what the word friendship meant. Eliza could feel how Amelia was simply using Eliza’s friendship as an excuse to find a reason to converse with George.
“Good to meet you, Amelia.” Eliza turned around, noticing how George was now out of his chair and standing in front of Amelia.
“You do not have anything to drink,” Amelia said, lightly touching his arm. Eliza felt needles prick her heart at the sight, no longer denying that she was jealous. Despite not having any reason to be jealous since she and George were supposed to just be friends, the emotions were very much alive in her heart, and she could not ignore them any longer. Amelia added, “We have been very bad hosts. I will get you something at once.”
“Oh, that is unnecessary.”
Before Amelia could come towards the counter, Eliza immediately poured ale into a tall glass and handed it to George, who was now making his way towards the counter himself. Without wasting a single second, Eliza deposited herself right in front of George, and he gratefully took the glass from her.
“He just arrived, Amelia,” Eliza said, “I am a very good host, I can assure you.”
“Of course.” Amelia must have heard the anger in Eliza’s voice because her smile completely faded, and a few other maids around them also turned to look.
Oh God. I must not make a scene.
With a deep sigh, Eliza quickly shook the anger off and poured ale for herself as well, wanting to loosen up a bit. She had never been much of a drinker, but she felt as if a little bit of drinking would not hurt her tonight.
After all, the family was not supposed to return for hours, and she could simply enjoy herself, especially now that even George was here.
“I did not know you drink,” George said, taking a sip from his glass as the pair stood by the counter.
“I don’t.” Eliza giggled, almost drinking half of her glass in one sip. “I just thought, why not?”
“I think you should slow down a little.” George took the glass back from her and gulped down the rest of it, placing it back on the counter.
Eliza suddenly felt more aware of her surroundings, realizing how closely George was standing with her. She could not help wishing to be alone with him right now, once again wanting him to herself.
She knew she should be slightly afraid of how quickly her feelings for him were growing, but for some reason, it did not feel wrong. Despite the fact that he had never once claimed to feel the same way, Eliza could not control the effect he had on her heart.
A loud noise from the table broke their stare, and they turned around as Marcus danced in his seat, collecting all the money. Both George and Eliza began to laugh at the scene and made their way towards the table.
“Guess I should be scared of you the next time I play, Marcus,” George said, raising his glass to him.
“Oh yes.” Marcus nodded, “I will take all of your money.”
Eliza felt annoyed as she noticed Amelia approaching the table to stand right beside George, laughing at the situation. The entire thing seemed completely fake since Eliza knew Amelia had never taken part in such gatherings.
Whenever the family was away, she would barge in on the gathering, take food for herself to eat in her room, and fall asleep. The simple fact that she was suddenly trying to be a part of it now that George was here was enough to tell Eliza her intentions.
“Hey, come on, Marcus,” George replied, completely ignoring Amelia, who was staring at him. “You are scaring me into never playing with you.”
Before Marcus could reply, Amelia began to laugh, lightly slapping George’s shoulder as if he had just said the funniest thing in the world. Those busy in their own conversations glanced at Amelia sceptically, but she went on laughing, even making George turn to look at her.
“Has anyone ever told you that you are very funny, George?” she said, holding eye contact with him.
