Page 67 of The Marquess' Disguised Heiress
“Why do you look so concerned? Is something bothering you?”
“No, no. I was just trying to find someone.” She shrugged, her spirits dimming as she realized the masked stranger might not attend the masquerade at all.
“You are wearing a beautiful dress and accessories, and you must focus on enjoying yourself. Everything and everyone else can wait.”
“You are righ-”
Before Eliza could finish her sentence, Victoria barged in from behind them, anger evident on her face.
“I should have known,” she whispered angrily, not wanting to create a scene, “The moment I saw you here, I had the feeling something was wrong. I wonder why I didn’t recognize you earlier. Come with me at once.”
“Victoria!” Margaret tried to barge into the conversation, but Victoria held up her hand.
“Shut up,” she whispered once again. “Mother and Father will deal with you.”
Eliza was aware that if she resisted anything, Victoria would not hesitate to create a scene in front of everyone and quietly followed Victoria out of the ballroom, with Margaret beside her. Within moments, Uncle Edgar and Aunty Beatrice had followed them to the attic as well, their shock written on their faces when they realized what had been happening.
“How could you, Margaret?” Aunty Beatrice asked Margaret, who still stood strong.
Eliza was surprised to see her cousin’s courage, especially since Margaret had always been weak. As for Eliza, a part of her had already prepared for this to happen, but she still could not stop the tears from falling out of her eyes, thoroughly humiliated at the debacle.
“She deserves to have a good time too, Mother,” Margaret replied defiantly, making everyone roll their eyes.
“I want you out of that dress and accessories immediately, and you will stay locked up here until the masquerade is over. Count Fife will take you with him first thing tomorrow, and then you can be out of all our lives for good.”Uncle Edgar’s threat made her heart lurch with fear, but Eliza felt completely helpless.
She knew she had to escape now, or else she would be stuck here forever. But how?
***
“Mother, you do not understand. The situation is utterly complicated, and I need to reach the Russels’ summer masquerade right now before it is too late!” Alexander explained, staring at the clock. He would have been at the ball two hours ago if he had not been delayed by the sudden arrival of his mother and sister. Although his mother demanded to know the truth, Alexander did not think he would be able to explain it.
“Alexander, I will not let you go until you tell me the complete truth.”
“They have been keeping Eliza in the house as a servant! She has been stripped of her identity while the Russels are living on her inheritance. I need to get there so I can reveal their true faces in front of the entire ton today. It is about time.”
“My goodness!” His mother was shocked, but she stood up almost immediately. “I am coming with you right now.”
“But, Mother-” She cut him off.
“I wish to see the daughter of my best friend at once, Alexander. She has already been through so much, and I cannot wait to hold her in my arms.”
Alexander nodded, immediately making his way to the Russel Estate, his white mask slipped in place. He had already been dressed for the ball when his mother had arrived, but in not wanting to reveal the entire situation to her, a lot of time had been wasted.
Despite that, he was glad he had finally told her everything because she deserved to know about it all. They made their way to the entrance, where the footman immediately stopped Alexander, shocking him.
“I apologize, My Lord, but only people with invitations are allowed to enter.”
“Is that so?” his mother chimed in, “I am the Marchioness of Lennox and have merely forgotten my invitation. If you do not let me in at once, I will consider it a slight against me. I am sure you do not wish to cross me.”
Alexander knew the effect his family name had on people since it was one of the oldest and most powerful names in England. The guards must have recognized it, too, since after a few moments, they nodded, letting the two of them enter. Alexander made sure only his mother was announced since he wished to remain anonymous. All he needed to do was find Eliza.
“Where is she?” his mother asked once they were inside. Alexander could feel eyes on him, but the only person he wished to see was nowhere in sight.
“I can’t find her. You must remain here, Mother, while I look.”
He left his mother behind, his eyes suddenly falling on Margaret, who immediately rushed towards him. Without uttering a single word, she handed him a note that read, “My family discovered Eliza in the dress.
They have locked her in the attic. Bring her out to the ball while I bring the documents. Hurry.” Alexander was shocked, but without wasting a single minute, he took the servants’ staircase and rushed to the attic, finding the door locked just as Margaret had claimed.
