Page 97 of A Literary Liaison
“Miss von Linde,” he said with careful casualness, “I hope you are not developing a romantic attachment to Miss Lovelace’s literary rival?”
Elisha’s blush deepened noticeably, and she quickly averted her gaze. “Certainly not, Your Grace. I am merely curious about my professional competition.”
“Of course,” Edgar replied, though his tone suggested skepticism. “I must say, such a development would provide material for quite theromantic novel. It possesses all the elements of popular fiction, does it not?”
Elisha smiled without meeting his eyes, and Edgar found himself torn between admiration for the becoming color in her cheeks and inexplicable jealousy toward his own alter ego.
For the remainder of the dinner, Edgar studiously avoided extended eye contact with Elisha, finding himself increasingly disturbed by the evening’s revelations. Her easy adoption of this fabricated identity, her transformed bearing, her apparent romantic interest in his literary persona—it all created a complex web of deception that sat most uncomfortably with his understanding of their relationship.
As the elaborate meal drew toward its conclusion, Edgar found himself torn between admiration for Elisha’s remarkable adaptability and growing unease about the path they were all embarking upon. She was performing her role brilliantly, but at what ultimate cost? And what would happen when the inevitable investigations began and the truth of her origins surfaced?
The questions haunted him as he prepared to fulfill his duties as host, casting shadows over what should have been a triumphant evening. Change was indeed coming—he could feel its approach like a gathering storm—and he was no longer entirely certain whether it would bring salvation or catastrophe to all their carefully laid plans.
The Garden
As the lastof the dinner guests retired for the evening, Edgar made his way to his mother’s private sitting room. His mind was awhirl with questions and suspicions, all centered upon Elisha and the evening’s peculiar events. He rapped upon the ornate door, entering at his mother’s soft, “Come in.”
The duchess was seated in her favored chair, a tome resting in her lap. She looked up as Edgar entered, a knowing smile playing upon her lips. “I had anticipated your visit, my dear.”
Edgar dispensed with pleasantries. “Mother, what machination are you orchestrating with Miss Linde?”
The duchess closed her book, setting it aside. “Whatever can you mean?”
“Pray, do not affect ignorance,” he said, pacing the chamber. “This sudden revelation of her aristocratic lineage, her placement at dinner… It is all rather excessive, is it not? Surely, a diligent reporter could easily uncover the truth of her birth with a few well-aimed inquiries.”
His mother’s smile did not waver. “While that may be true, I am relying upon theton’s inclination to believe what they wish to believe.”
Edgar ceased his pacing, turning to face her. “Is the fabrication of a false heritage truly necessary? We are deceiving our guests.”
“We are affording her an opportunity that was denied her due tomisfortune. Who is to say that she is not of noble birth? She comports herself with remarkable grace. You care for her, Edgar. I perceive it in your eyes and know the truth of it from your words. This is not the moment to suddenly embrace righteousness. We both know you harbored no scruples about deception where your pleasure was concerned.”
Edgar ran a hand over his jaw, suppressing his frustration. “The consequences of my deceptions were trifling. What shall transpire if the truth about her is discovered? She would be crucified, tenfold worse than had we been forthright.”
The duchess rose, approaching her son. “It need not come to light, Edgar. Who would dare to accuse a duke and his duchess? And if they do, we deny it with enough fortitude to create doubt in their minds. With time, people shall accept her as one of their own.”
“Elisha is a woman of principle. Does she concur with your scheme?”
“At times, my dear, we must compromise our ideals for the sake of love.” The duchess’ voice was soft, tinged with an ancient melancholy. “And Miss von Linde, while principled, is not without wisdom. She comprehends which aspects of our Society she may hope to alter and which she must accept.”
“I pray you are correct, Mother. I fear only for her well-being. I dread losing her to the cruelty of theton.”
“You shall be at her side to shield her from some of the pain. Love is not always sufficient, Edgar, but Elisha possesses the resilience to thrive regardless of circumstance. It was this quality I sought to ascertain before bestowing my blessing, and she has not disappointed. She possesses all the requisite skills to navigate the treacherous waters of high Society. She demonstrated as much to me this day.”
Edgar sank into a nearby chair, the gravity of the situation weighing heavily upon him. “And should she wish to discontinue this charade?”
The duchess’ expression softened. “Then she will have proven herself worthy of you in a manner no title could ever hope to match. But the choice must be hers and yours, Edgar. I can but provide the opportunity while I still draw breath.”
“I am most profoundly grateful, Mother.”
The duchess nodded. “Then go to her, my dear. And remember that oftentimes the kindest truths are those which open doors rather than close them.”
As Edgar rose to take his leave, the duchess reached for a small, ornate box resting upon the nearby escritoire. With delicate fingers, she opened it, revealing a ring of exquisite craftsmanship nestled within.
“Edgar, my dear,” she said, her voice imbued with emotion, “this ring has been in our family for generations. Your father presented it to me upon our betrothal, and now I entrust it to you.”
She removed the ring from its velvet cushion, holding it up to the soft candlelight. The large emerald at its center sparkled brilliantly, surrounded by a halo of diamonds set in intricate gold filigree.
“When you are prepared to announce your engagement to Miss von Linde, I should be most gratified to see this adorning her finger,” the duchess continued, placing the ring in Edgar’s palm.
