Chapter 12

Chapter Twelve

" E liza, you must look your best today," Lady Lymington had insisted earlier that morning. "The Duke's visit is of utmost importance. You must be charming and agreeable."

Eliza sat at her dressing table, absently putting on her earrings. Her mind was a whirlwind of nerves and anticipation.

She had received word that the Duke of Redfern would be visiting today, and the thought of seeing Anthony again after a week of avoidance made her stomach churn with anxiety.

Eliza had nodded at her aunt dutifully though her insides felt like they were tying themselves in knots. She had spent the past week trying to distance herself from him, but it seemed fate had other plans.

"Miss," Mary's voice broke through her thoughts. "Are you ready? Lady Lymington is waiting for you in the drawing room."

Eliza took a deep breath, trying to steady her nerves. "Yes, Mary. I suppose I am as ready as I will ever be."

She descended the grand staircase slowly, each step echoing in her ears. The drawing room door loomed ahead of her like the entrance to a grand theater where she was both the star and the audience.

Pushing the door open, she found Lady Lymington and Anthony engaged in conversation. Anthony stood stiffly, obviously uninterested in speaking with her aunt.

"Ah, Eliza," Lady Lymington called out with an encouraging smile that did not quite reach her eyes. "Come, join us."

Anthony turned to look at her, his expression warm and inviting. "Miss Huxley, it is a pleasure to see you again."

Eliza forced a smile, her heart pounding. "Your Grace, the pleasure is mine."

Lady Lymington gestured for Eliza to sit beside her on the settee. "We were just discussing the latest musical performances in town. His Grace was kind enough to share his experiences from the most recent concert."

Eliza sat down, feeling the weight of Anthony's gaze on her.

"Of course, you must tell me more," she said, suddenly finding it easier to talk to him if she pretended as though he was a stranger.

Anthony nodded, his eyes never leaving her face. "I recall you are quite knowledgeable about composers. Perhaps you could share your thoughts on the matter?"

Eliza's mind raced, recalling the information she had memorized under her aunt's stern supervision. "Beethoven's compositions are particularly stirring. There is a passion and intensity in his music that resonates deeply."

Lady Lymington beamed, clearly pleased. "Yes, Eliza has always had a keen ear for music. She is quite accomplished."

Anthony's smile widened as though he was enjoying her discomfort. "Indeed. It is a rare quality to find such appreciation and understanding of the arts."

Lady Lymington glanced at Eliza, her eyes gleaming with approval. "Eliza, would you be so kind as to play something for us? I am sure His Grace would be delighted to hear you."

Eliza's stomach tightened, but she nodded. "Of course, Aunt."

She moved to the piano, her fingers trembling slightly as she began to play. The music flowed through her, despite the butterflies in her stomach.

As she played, she could feel Anthony's eyes on her, burning a hole in her back. Lady Lymington's pleased expression only added to the pressure.

The whole farce was beginning to frustrate her, having to pretend that she and Anthony were in a real engagement but then having to hide their true attraction. She held her breath, trying to focus on the notes.

When she finished, the room was filled with a brief silence before Anthony applauded. "That was splendid, Miss Huxley. Truly, you have a gift."

Eliza smiled though her nerves were far from settled. "Thank you, Your Grace. I am glad you enjoyed it."

Lady Lymington clapped her hands together. "Well done, Eliza. Who knew even with your… ample fingers that you could play so well?"

Eliza felt a twinge of pain at the comment. However, she noticed Anthony sending a glare towards her aunt, his eyes filled with anger and… protectiveness?

"Her talent is not accidental, Lady Lymington," he said his tone constricted, stifled, as though his patient was running very thin.

Then he stood up and moved towards Eliza. Lady Lymington opened her mouth to respond to him, but he spoke first.

"I would love to hear more of your playing another time. Perhaps we could arrange for a private concert?"

Eliza's heart skipped a beat, the implications of his words sending a fresh wave of anxiety through her. "I would be honored, Your Grace."

Lady Lymington beamed, clearly seeing this as a triumph. "What a wonderful idea, Your Grace. Eliza would be delighted to perform for you."

Anthony's eyes met Eliza's, a hint of something deeper flickering in their depths. "I look forward to it."

As they continued to converse, Eliza struggled to maintain her composure. Anthony's presence was overwhelming, and she could not shake the feeling that she was being scrutinized, every word and gesture evaluated. She knew she had to be perfect, to uphold the image her aunt expected of her.

Beneath the surface, her emotions churned. His pleasant demeanor, his compliments and attention, all seemed to be part of a game she was not entirely sure she knew how to play. And yet, she could not deny the thrill of his attention, the way her heart raced whenever he looked at her.

Lady Lymington continued to steer the conversation, ensuring that Eliza remained the center of attention. "Eliza, why do you not tell His Grace about your interest in literature as well? She is quite well-read, Your Grace."

Anthony shifted slightly, his eyes twinkling with curiosity. "Actually, I have heard much about your conservatory, Lady Lymington. They say you have quite the collection of exotic plants and flowers. Might I trouble you for a tour?"

Lady Lymington's face lit up with pleasure at Anthony's request. "Why, that is a splendid idea! Eliza, do show His Grace the conservatory. It will be a wonderful opportunity for you both."

Eliza's heart sank slightly at the prospect of being alone with Anthony—well, alone except for a chaperone—but she knew there was no refusing her aunt. "Of course, Your Grace. I would be happy to show you the conservatory."

Lady Lymington's subtle glare reminded Eliza of the importance of this visit. She stood and led Anthony towards the conservatory, her nerves on edge. As they walked, she could feel his presence beside her, a constant reminder of the precariousness of her situation.

As they entered the conservatory, the warm, humid air washed the fragrance of blooming flowers over them. Eliza felt a momentary sense of calm amidst the plants. Mary stayed nearby, Eliza's only saving grace in that moment.

Anthony's eyes roamed the lush greenery, a genuine smile lighting his features. "This is quite the collection, Miss Huxley. You must spend a great deal of time here."

Eliza nodded, trying to focus on the conversation rather than the tension between them. "Yes, Your Grace. The conservatory is one of my favorite places. It offers a sanctuary from… everything, really."

Anthony chuckled softly, his gaze shifting to a particularly striking orchid. "A sanctuary indeed. And what demands do you find you need sanctuary from?"

She threw him a look suggesting he should know already.

They continued to walk through the conservatory, exchanging polite remarks about the various plants and flowers. Anthony's interest seemed genuine, and Eliza could not shake the feeling that there was more beneath the surface.

She could sense his eyes on her, studying her with an intensity that made her heart race, as though he were a lion in wait for prey.

"This orchid is quite rare," Anthony remarked, leaning in to inspect the delicate petals. "Beautiful, but not as beautiful as you."

Eliza felt a blush rise to her cheeks, her fingers nervously brushing against a nearby fern. "Thank you, Your Grace."

Mary hovered in the background, her watchful eyes ensuring that the boundaries of propriety were maintained. Yet, the tension between Anthony and Eliza was palpable, a silent current that neither could ignore.

Anthony turned to Mary with a concerned expression. "Mary, I cannot help but notice that Miss Huxley looks a bit pale. Could you please fetch her some water?"

Mary, looking between Eliza and Anthony, seemed to hesitate at the request. Eliza gave her a little nod, as though assuring her she would be fine.

"Of course, Your Grace," Mary said with a curtsey. "I will return shortly."

As Mary left the conservatory to fetch the drink, Eliza felt a surge of nervousness. The idea of being alone with Anthony sent a thrill down her spine, but it also heightened her awareness of the situation's impropriety.

Anthony turned to Eliza, his frustration barely contained. His eyes burned with an intensity that made her take a step back.

"How dare you ignore me?" he demanded, his voice low but filled with a possessive anger that sent shivers down her spine.

His ire was unexpected, given his earlier charm.

Eliza's heart pounded in her chest. She lifted her chin, refusing to be cowed. "I have no obligation to respond to your messages, Your Grace."

Anthony stepped closer, his gaze never leaving hers.

"No obligation?" he repeated, his voice dripping with incredulity. "Do you think this is a game, Eliza? Do you think you can simply dismiss me as if I am nothing?"

Eliza swallowed hard. "I never meant to dismiss you, but I needed time to think and to gather my resolve, if you will. This situation is not as simple for me as you may think."

Anthony's eyes narrowed, a dangerous glint in them. "You think I do not understand the complexity of our situation?"

Eliza took a deep breath, trying to steady herself. "I know you do, but your actions make it difficult for me to believe that you care about anything beyond your own desires."

Anthony's jaw tightened, and he reached out, gripping her by the shoulders. "Is that what you think this is about? I care about your desires too."

"My desires?" she scoffed, even though she could feel the fire his hands merely touching her lit within her. "I want a life where I can be free and secure and not controlled by my aunt or an elderly husband. I cannot afford to be another notch on your bedpost."

Anthony's grip softened slightly, but his eyes remained fierce. "You are not just that, Eliza."

Eliza pursed her lips, her breaths coming in quicker pants. "Then what could you want from me that I would be willing to give?"

Anthony's gaze bore into hers, and for a moment, she saw a flicker of vulnerability beneath his anger. "I want you to consider your needs for once. Not the needs you spoke of. The desires beneath. Because I know they are there—I see them in your eyes every time you look at me."

Eliza's heart ached with conflicting emotions. "I cannot just ignore the risks. My reputation, my future… It all depends on making the right choices."

Anthony's hands slid down her arms, his touch gentle now. "And you think pushing me away is the right choice?"

Tears pricked at the corners of her eyes. "I do not know. I just know that I am terrified of what might happen if I let down my guard."

Anthony cupped her face in his hands, his thumb brushing away a stray tear. "Eliza, you worry too much. You must learn to let go of all these ideas society has forced on you."

She closed her eyes, leaning into his touch. "It is easy for you, being a man."

Anthony's voice was low and seductive, the voice of temptation, void of reason. "You have no idea how free you could be."

Eliza opened her eyes, meeting his gaze with a mixture of hope and fear. "And what about the harm you might cause me?"

Anthony's expression softened, and he leaned in, "Think, rather, what about the pleasure you could experience?"

For a moment, they stood there, the world outside the conservatory fading away.

Eliza felt the walls around her heart begin to crumble, but she knew that trusting him would be the greatest risk she had ever taken.

"I must protect myself," she said, her voice barely above a whisper. "I cannot afford to be ruined."

Anthony cut her off, his voice firm. "We have an agreement, Eliza. You cannot just walk away from it."

Eliza glared at him, her anger flaring. "You tell me to trust you then have to remind me of our agreement when you do not like my response?"

"I did not mean it like that," he protested.

"I hate you," she spat, shaking her head with disbelief.

Even as she said the words, she knew that she did feel them, and neither did he.

Anthony leaned very close, his breath warm against her skin.

"You do not mean that," he murmured. "You feel the fire between us just as much as I do."

Eliza's breath hitched, her resolve wavering as his words sank in. She did feel it—the intense pull between them, the undeniable attraction that made her heart race and her skin tingle.

Anthony's eyes darkened with desire, his lips brushing against her ear as he whispered, "You cannot deny it, Eliza. This fire… it will consume us both if we do not act on it."

Eliza trembled, torn between her fear and the overwhelming desire that surged through her.

She stood frozen, unable to step back as Anthony leaned in, his lips hovering inches from hers. The world seemed to hold its breath; the only sound the soft trickle of the fountain nearby.

Just as Anthony was about to close the distance between them, they were interrupted by the sound of footsteps.

Mary had returned, a glass of water in hand. She stopped short, sensing the tension in the air, and eyed them both skeptically.

"My lady," Mary said, her voice breaking the spell, "I brought the water you needed. It does appear as though you are not feeling well."

Eliza stepped back quickly, her heart pounding in her chest.

"Thank you, Mary," she managed, taking the glass from her maid's hand. "I shall be fine in a moment."

Anthony straightened, his composure returning. He glanced at Mary and then back at Eliza, his eyes still smoldering with unspoken desire.

"I should take my leave," he said, his voice smooth.

He took Eliza's hand, lifting it to his lips. The touch of his mouth against her skin sent a shiver down her spine.

"Until tomorrow," he whispered, a reminder of their deal.

Eliza could only nod, her emotions in turmoil.

As Anthony turned and walked away, she watched him go, the echo of his words lingering in her mind. She knew tomorrow would bring another test of her resolve, another battle between her heart and her mind.

The conservatory fell silent once more, save for the gentle rustle of leaves and the soft trickle of the fountain.

Eliza stood there, her heart still racing, wondering how long she could continue to resist the pull of the Duke's desire.