Page 98 of The Earl's Reluctant Artist

The time had come to act.

***

Eliza and Clara hurried back from the park. Their steps were fast and their voices remained low. They didn’t want to linger too long after what they had heard.

Especiallyafter what they had heard.

Clara broke the silence first as their feet hurried across the path leading to Evermere. “Eliza, you must tell the Earl. You know this is not something you can keep to yourself.”

“I know,” Eliza responded, her voice strained. “I know I must.”

“So you will?” Clara pressed, her eyes searching her friend’s face. “Tonight?”

They got halfway to the path toward the manor, and Eliza eventually slowed down, her arms folded across her chest as they continued to walk.

“I suppose at this point, I have no choice. He deserves the truth. I mean, I have always assumed the extent of Marcus’ manipulation was only the Berkeley Project, but now ... Now itseems he had orchestrated the entire thing from the beginning. He didn’t create the Berkeley Project because I was married to Tristan. He made me marry Tristan because of the Berkeley Project.”

“Good God,” Clara said firmly. “The lengths that man would go to.”

But Eliza shook her head. “I hate that I didn’t see this, and I should have, Eliza. I was used to it.Tristanwas used. He had forgiven me once. I doubt he would be able to do that again once he learns about this.”

Clara’s expression softened. “Eliza, he is not blind to your character. He has seen you speak with the villagers, and he has seen you stand up to him. He will know your heart.”

Eliza nodded, ignoring the twist in her stomach. Clara was right. He may forgive her once again. But for him to do that, she needed to tell him. She cannot delay. Not again.

Soon they reached the manor, and by that time, she was panting hard. As the footmen welcomed them, a part of her was completely focused on finding Tristan first. Perhaps she could look in his study first, and if possible, his chambers.

However, as they entered, the sound of voices drifted from the drawing room. One was deep. A man’s voice, and one that shedidn’t recognize. The other voice she could distinguish in her sleep. Evelyn’s inflections were clear as they settled in her ears.

She turned to Clara, who raised her brow. “It seems your husband’s aunt has company.”

Eliza hesitated, then stepped toward the drawing room. She pushed the door gently and peered inside, her eyes taking in the sight.

Evelyn sat on a chair close to the fireplace, her hands resting gently on her lap. She looked just as stoic as she always did, the fireplace reflecting the sharp silver in her dress. Across from her stood a tall man with broad shoulders and an air of command. His dark coat was well-cut, and his boots were polished dark.

Evelyn’s eyes snapped up, and she noticed Eliza almost immediately. Eliza thought of retreating, but it was too late. She was already caught.

“Ah, there she is. Eliza, my dear, come in. You must meet Lord Howard.”

The man turned toward her. His eyes were sharp but still held some sort of kindness, and his back stood straight and steady.

He bowed slightly as Eliza stepped inside and closed the door behind her. “Lady Vale, I presume. A pleasure.”

“Lord Howard …” Eliza responded, turning to Evelyn. Suddenly, the color in her cheeks made much more sense. “As in—”

“My husband.” Evelyn was quick to cut in.

“Ah,” Eliza responded and then curtsied, her mind still racing from what she had seen in the park. “My lord.”

Lord Howard’s voice was even and warm, but the weight it carried was still present.

“I have heard much of Evermere’s new mistress. Your arrival has stirred more conversation than you might think.”

Evelyn gave a small laugh. “Do not tease the girl. She has had enough attention as it is.”

Howard smiled faintly, his gaze never leaving Eliza. “It is not teasing, Evelyn. It is true. A household shifts with new leadership, and many watch to see how it fares.”

Eliza lowered her eyes, uncertain how much to say. She still felt the heat of what she had seen in the gardens pressing against her. She forced composure. “Evermere has stood long before me, my lord. I only hope not to fail its people.”