Page 61 of The Marquess' Disguised Heiress
But where was she?
“Hello, stranger.” Eliza’s voice from behind startled him, and he turned around to look at her.
“Lady Eliza.” He bowed when she curtsied, formalities out of their way. He could not determine what the matter was, but for some reason, she appeared tired.
Almost exhausted. When he had met her in the morning, she had looked better and well-rested, but now, it was evident she’d had a long day already, and the day was hardly even over.
“I apologize for being late. I do not know what the matter is, but Lady Victoria seems suspicious about my whereabouts and held me up for too long rather than letting me go. I amafraid I will not be able to stay for long,” she said, sitting down on the log as Alexander sat beside her.
“It is perfectly alright,” he said, taking her hand in his. “I just needed to see you.”
“How have you been?” The softness of her smile filled his heart with warmth, but Alexander knew they did not have time for idle conversation today. He would hate her to get in trouble because of him; hence, it would be better if she returned promptly.
“I have been well, but that is not the reason I wished to see you today. I have a few questions I need you to answer.”
“Is everything alright?” Her brows furrowed, and Alexander quickly shook his head, trying not to worry her.
“Everything is perfect. I need to know if there is someone in the household who can testify and bear witness to the behaviour of the Russels towards you. Anyone who can straightforwardly tell the cruelty your aunt, uncle, and cousins have put you through and will not be afraid of speaking the whole truth.”
“There is Ralph and Lara, of course, but why would anyone believe the word of two old servants over the word of the earl and the countess?”
Alexander knew she was right. Ralph and Lara were witnesses to everything that had happened, but despite that, their word was not going to be believed. A witness was not necessary if he had the entire set of evidence with him, but he simply wished to be prepared for all outcomes.
“You are right.” He nodded. “I will think of some other way.”
“My Lord,” she squeezed his hand, staring into his eyes, “it is really good to see you, and simply meeting you here brings me immense happiness. You mustn’t trouble yourself with this situation, and I will eventually escape when the time is right.”
Alexander sighed deeply, knowing she meant every word. Eliza was one of those people who would never wish to trouble anyone due to their problems, and it made Alexander realize once again how kind she was. Despite all of it, he was not going to listen to her about this and make sure she never had to escape. What belonged to her would be in her rightful possession soonenough. Without thinking, he picked her hand up, placing a soft kiss on her knuckles.
“You must not give up so soon, My Lady,” he replied, “you will not have to escape. I promise.”
“I must head back now,” she snatched her hand back, and Alexander let her go, understanding her troubles.
“I will see you again soon.”
Eliza nodded, quickly turning around to head back to the house. As Alexander waited in the forest to watch her completely disappear before returning, he felt odd.
It was as if someone in the distance was staring at him, but he had heard or seen nothing. Not wanting to take any risks, he took the longer route back to the house and only removed his mask once on the estate. He needed to be careful.
***
“Are you absolutely certain that Amelia is not lying, Victoria?”
Victoria shook her head quickly, assuring her mother that Amelia had not been lying.
When Amelia had told her just a few minutes ago that Beth had once again gone to see the masked stranger, Victoria had been sure something was going on.
However, the later revelation was even more shocking since Amelia had followed the masked stranger and had found him entering the earl’s estate. To Amelia’s surprise, the masked stranger had been no one else but George and by the respect the servants were giving him, it was evident he was not an ordinary stable hand.
Victoria had known something about George was not right. He appeared too noble just to be a commoner.
Hence, Victoria had rushed to tell her mother, because now she was certain how George could very well be the earl’s sonor even the earl himself. Something about the whole thing made her sceptical.
“I am certain, Mother. Amelia is not bright enough to get so inventive.”
“If George is the earl or the earl’s son, and he was the one asking questions about the duke and his daughter, it only means he has an agenda. He probably knows Beth is not Beth but Eliza instead, and he could cause serious trouble for us.”
Victoria was horrified.
