Page 56 of The Marquess' Disguised Heiress
The touch of his petal-soft lips against her skin sent shivers right down to her very toes, and Eliza felt as if everything in the world had come to a stop. She could no longer deny her feelings for him, wanting nothing more than to have yet another kiss from him.
What is happening to me?
“Eliza,” he almost whispered her name, finally looking back at her, his mask slid in place, “you are a lady through and through, and no amount of simple, shabby clothing or smudges of dirt can change that or take that away from you.”
He raised his hand and softly rubbed his thumb on her cheek, clearly rubbing a speck of dirt from her face.
A smile appeared on her face as she sensed the affection of his touch since he was trying to touch her as softly as hepossibly could. Eliza could see how he did not want to cause her pain.
“You believe that?” she whispered back, unable to stop the tears forming in her eyes.
His words held so much power that she mostly began to believe him, despite whatever the circumstances.
He was the reason she even remembered her old life, his presence constantly reminding her of her true identity. If it were not for him, Eliza knew she would never have been able to believe she even was a lady.
“I completely believe that,” he said. “You are not just a lady because you were born that way, but it is everything that you are inside and out. You are kind, caring, loving, and honest, and lack any sentiments of hatred and bitterness in your heart. You are the very example of what a true lady must look like, Eliza and nothing or no one can take away the goodness of your heart from you.”
She continued to stare at him, her heart filling with affection at his words. Without realizing what she was doing, herhand inched towards the end of the mask, almost pulling away before he backed off, forcing Eliza’s hand to fall.
She wanted to see his face, his true identity, but his sudden distance was enough of a reminder that he was not ready for that to happen.
“I just wanted to see you.” She stood up beside him, still staring at his face.
“It is not the right time, My Lady,” he sighed. “When it is the right time, I will reveal myself to you in a heartbeat, but you must wait a little longer. I must be going now.”
Eliza felt disappointed, but she had almost expected that, knowing he would not reveal himself this easily. If it really were this easy for him to come before her, he would never have worn a mask in the first place.
She could sense their conversations were completely one-dimensional since he never shared anything about himself, but she had no other choice. She had to take what he was willing to offer and be happy with it, at least until he was ready to come before her fully.
“I believe it is goodbye then.” She smiled at him, maintaining her distance.
“Until next time.”
She watched as he turned around and walked away from her, making Eliza want to stop him from behind, but she knew how inappropriate that would be. With one final wave, she began to walk back towards the house, not wanting to be gone too long. As she almost reached the gardens, her eyes fell on Amelia who was walking towards the house as well, and Eliza quickly matched pace with her friend.
“Amelia!”
“Beth!” she called out to her as the two of them walked beside one another. A gust of wind went past them, and Eliza could smell the faint scent of perfume, which her fairy godmother had sent her on Amelia, making her suspicions correct.
Since the night Eliza had discovered her brush and perfume had gone missing, some other things had gone missing too.
Eliza had been unable to find her sweetmeats, several of her silk undergarments, and a beautiful pot of pink rouge. She had thought about the thief being Amelia, but she did not want to confront her friend without proof. Although now, Eliza was sure.
“Amelia, can I ask you something?” Eliza asked gently, not wanting to offend her friend.
“Of course.”
“Have you taken my brush and perfume? And have you been taking other things from my room as well?”
Amelia’s eyes widened at the question, and she stopped walking, turning to look at Eliza without even meeting her eyes. Her faltering gaze and scarlet face were all the proof Eliza needed to be sure of the fact that Amelia had indeed beenstealing from her, although Eliza knew her friend would deny the accusation.
“How dare you say such a thing? Do you not trust me?” Amelia burst out, definitely angry.
“Of course I trust you.” Eliza smiled, affectionately keeping a hand on Amelia’s shoulder, which she shrugged off. “But my things have gone missing, and no one knows about them but you. You can tell me if you have taken them, and I promise I won’t be angry. All I want is for you to tell me you wish to use those things rather than simply taking them. I would be more than happy to share.”
“You are truly something, Beth,” Amelia replied, appearing even angrier. Although underneath the emotions she was trying to fake, Eliza could see embarrassment in her eyes.
“I just do not want something like this to come in the way of our friendship. Please tell me the truth.”
