Page 16 of The Marquess’ Disguised Heiress (Love and Secrets of the Ton #13)

Eliza sat on the large log in the middle of the forest, George’s note clasped tightly in her hands. She had ventured out into the woods in hopes of finding him; instead, a note had been waiting for her by the stream, which said that the masked stranger would come to see her today.

Even though she had not been expecting this sudden meeting, she was looking forward to seeing him. He was the only one besides Ralph and Lara who knew about her true identity and wanted to talk about her life.

It was refreshing.

With him, she felt like she could simply be her real self and talk about the things that truly saddened her heart. He understood her troubles like no other, making her feel close to him.

She knew she had felt an inkling of attraction towards him, which made her feel torn between him and George, but Eliza knew she was just thinking too much. Neither of the two men had actually confessed their feelings towards her, which simply meant she could like them both.

It was not as if she was pursuing either one of them, and she wasn’t even certain if they liked her too. Hence, she was not going to think too much about it.

But George.

She had not been able to stop herself from thinking about George. Eliza sighed deeply, remembering how the pair had almost ended up kissing the other night, making her feelings for George only grow more.

She was certain he had wanted to kiss her too, and if Amelia had not called her from a distance, they would have ended up kissing. Perhaps that would have solved a lot of problems for her, but then she would have felt guilty about her feelings for the masked stranger.

Everything was too complicated, and her thoughts were beginning to frustrate her.

She ran a hand through her hair, turning around sideways and almost screaming as she noticed someone sitting at the other end of the log, silently staring at her.

“My goodness,” she sighed, realizing it was no one but the masked stranger, “you almost made me shout out loud in fear.”

He chuckled, his voice deep and masculine, pulling at Eliza’s heart. Something about him just felt familiar and affectionate, confusing Eliza even further. Dressed in a deep blue morning coat with breeches, he looked extremely handsome in his perfect dress.

His hair was slicked back as usual, making him appear even more gentlemanly, and his face was covered with a mask. Eliza sighed, the mystery almost annoying her, but she knew he wished to maintain it.

“I have been sitting here for the past five minutes, simply staring at you. But you, My Lady, have been so lost in your thoughts that you completely refused to either notice or acknowledge my presence.”

“Pardon me,” she quickly replied, realizing she indeed had been lost in thought, “my mind was elsewhere.”

He stood up from the other end of the log and came to sit right beside her, the cinnamon of his perfume becoming all-consuming.

Today, he smelled a little like birch, but rather than being earthen, even the scent of wood seemed fancy, suiting his polished appearance. Everything about the man screamed nobility, making Eliza realize the differences between them. Despite that, she had never once felt self-conscious in front of him since he recognized her for who she was.

“What is troubling you? Is it a matter of the heart?”

Eliza’s eyes widened at his question, unsure of how he had even speculated about something so personal.

She had never doubted his intuitive nature, but she felt as if he was beginning to read her mind and her face, which scared her slightly. However, it also worked to pull him closer to her, and she still could not share her troubles about George with him, especially since the two knew each other.

“It’s nothing.” She shrugged, sighing. “I am just tired. I simply look forward to leaving behind all of this and beginning a new life elsewhere, which I would be able to live on my terms. I just want to leave everything behind and start anew with Ralph and Lara. All of this will simply be a nightmare I have moved on from, and I might be able to find happiness again.”

“No, no,” he suddenly burst out, his voice still perfectly controlled, “you are Eliza Gordon, the daughter of a duke and duchess. You have an inheritance and a title. You have a life that is being taken away from you but could be returned. Why would you give up everything that is rightfully yours and leave it all behind? This is your life, and you must live it. Leaving would be unfair to yourself.”

Eliza could hear the emotion in his voice and see how deeply her decision had affected him. Her heart warmed knowing how he was a well-wisher and simply wanted what was best for her, but it was not that easy to achieve.

“None of it is worth my happiness,” she whispered, tears stinging her eyes. “I have no desire to fight for money, wealth, title, and status since I will only lose, and it will bring me additional misery. I would much rather be a commoner and live my life with people who would love me instead of being involved in this never-ending trouble.”

To her surprise, the masked stranger took her hand in his, clasping it tightly. His touch sent tingles down her spine, making Eliza look up into his dark eyes. She could sense he was going to turn out unnecessarily handsome underneath the mask, and she longed to see his face.

“You must not give up so easily, Lady Eliza.”

As she stared at him, she wondered what it would feel like to have someone as powerful and strong as him to be there to protect her from everyone and everything all her life.

But she knew it was just an impossible dream. She would never be able to achieve something this dream-like in her life when all she had written in her fate was misery.

She began to draw her hand away, but he continued to hold on, his touch becoming even tighter. Eliza sighed deeply, no longer pulling away.

She stayed silent as he lifted her hand towards his face before bending down a little and raising his mask only slightly to place a kiss on her knuckles.

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 he possibly 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, her hand 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 been stealing 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.”

“I have not been stealing from you, Beth,” Amelia shouted once again, “and whatever friendship we had is now completely over. Darn you!”

Eliza sighed deeply as she watched Amelia walk away from her in a huff, knowing there was no appeasing her until she was in a better mood.

Although, Eliza did not know if she even wanted to make things up with her. If Amelia could not be honest with her, Eliza was much better off without her friendship. She continued walking back towards the house, her heart slightly heavy with sadness.

***

Amelia directly made her way towards the parlour where Lady Victoria was resting, her steps faltering slightly.

She was filled with anger at the accusation Beth had made of her, even though it had been completely true. She had indeed been stealing from Beth’s room, but she almost felt as if she were allowed to.

Why did Beth have to be the one to get the nice things, and the fairy godmother and the men flocking around her? Just because she was beautiful, she did not have a right to everything in the world.

Both were maids and commoners, so why did it have to be Beth and not her?

She huffed loudly, remembering how Beth and George had almost kissed the other night, and if it were not for her calling Beth’s name, they would have certainly done it. As if that was not enough, she had gone to meet the masked stranger in the woods again today, making Amelia even angrier. Beth was getting a little too much attention from all those around her, and Amelia was not going to let it go.

She might have forgotten about it if Beth had not accused her of stealing, but now she simply did not care. Lady Victoria deserved to know. She knocked quickly before she might change her mind.

“You may enter,” Lady Victoria’s voice called out from inside, and Amelia walked inside, bowing to Lady Victoria and Lady Margaret, who was also there.

Amelia did not know if it was wise to discuss this in front of Lady Margaret, but what difference would it make? Even though Lady Margaret was disliked by her entire family, the two of them were still sisters after all.

“Amelia …” Lady Victoria perked up after seeing her, sitting straight from her almost reclined position on the couch, “I hope you have something interesting to tell me. I am counting on you.”

“I do, My Lady.”

“Good.” Lady Victoria smiled. “Go on.”

“I went to Beth’s room the other day and found out that her entire room has been filled with nice things. She has new pillows, clothes, perfumes, and even a looking glass. I believe she could be stealing from the house.” Amelia quickly breathed all of it out, choosing not to tell about the fairy godmother since that might sound unbelievable.

Although, if Beth were accused of theft, it would teach her a lesson.

“Is that so?” Lady Victoria hardly reacted, her gaze speculative. “What else?”

Amelia felt almost disappointed with her reaction, knowing she would have to give her something even bigger.

“I have seen her in questionable situations with both George and the masked stranger from the masquerade ball.”

“The masked stranger, you say?” Lady Victoria suddenly looked interested, and Amelia knew she had hit her mark.

“Yes, My Lady. I have seen them together multiple times in the woods, and I have seen her with George whenever he comes to visit her in the house. Beth has been getting comfortable with both of them, and it looks extremely inappropriate.”

Lady Victoria nodded, her face turning blank once again.

“Thank you for your good work, Amelia,” she replied, “You are dismissed.”

Amelia bowed quickly and walked back out, unsure if she had done the right thing. However, she knew this was the best way to get revenge on Beth because Lady Victoria would certainly make her suffer.

***

“The masked stranger again,” Victoria whispered loudly, her worry growing after hearing everything Amelia had told her, “Why does Beth’s name keep coming up again and again along with the masked stranger? Even Count Fife saw them together the night of the masquerade.”

“I do know one thing,” Margaret chimed in, making Victoria look at her, “she could not be stealing. Beth is anything but a thief, which means this accusation is baseless.”

“I agree.” Victoria sighed, agreeing with her sister for once. “Which means these things she is getting could be gifts from someone. It could be the masked stranger, or perhaps even George since Amelia has seen her with George as well. Although, the masked stranger did seem quite interested in her at the night of the masquerade when we danced.”

“In Beth?” Margaret asked, confused.

“In Eliza Gordon. He asked me questions about her.”

“He asked me things, too. We had a conversation while we danced.”

Victoria burst out laughing at Margaret’s comment, knowing the masked stranger could not have had an intelligent conversation with Margaret. She was almost sure he only danced with her because he felt sorry for her since there could be no other reason for it.

“Really?” Victoria said smugly. “What kind of questions?”

“He told me how he remembered this estate used to belong to the Duke and Duchess of Gordon, and they had a daughter named Eliza. He asked me if she was one of our cousins and if I knew where she was or if she was even alive. I simply evaded the question.”

Victoria’s eyes widened as she realized these were the exact same questions he had asked her as well, making her realize how he was doing nothing but fishing for information. Victoria stood up, extremely worried, unsure of what this could mean.

It certainly could not be a coincidence that a strange man came to their house with his identity concealed, asking questions about Eliza Gordon, and later, he was seen with her by not just one but two people.

Something was clearly not right about this.

The parlour door opened, and their mother walked inside, making Victoria breathe a sigh of relief. If someone could get to the bottom of this matter, it was her mother.

“Why are you pacing about, dear?” she asked, walking inside and taking a seat on the empty sofa. Without wasting a single second, Victoria repeated everything Amelia had told her and the questions the masked stranger had been asking both her and Margaret.

Just as she had expected, her mother’s worries grew with every word as she took it all in.

“We must do something, Mother,” she coaxed, sitting beside her.

“We must not jump to conclusions this quickly, Amelia,” her mother advised, sitting straighter, “We must do a little more digging. You need to ask Amelia to keep an even closer watch on Beth so we can see what she is up to and promptly decide what needs to be done. Understood?”

Victoria nodded. She was glad to finally have found something that might finally push Eliza out of this house for good.