Chapter 16

Chapter Sixteen

T he grand dining room of Phoebe's townhouse was ablaze with candlelight, the warm glow reflecting off the polished silverware and the delicate crystal glasses set on the long mahogany table.

The scent of roasted meats and fragrant herbs wafted through the air, mingling with the sweet aroma of freshly baked bread.

Phoebe had gone to great lengths to ensure that the evening would be perfect, from the exquisite menu to the carefully chosen guest list.

Eliza arrived with her aunt at the same time as Anthony. As they entered the dining room, Phoebe greeted them with a warm smile.

"Eliza, Anthony, I am so glad you could join us tonight," Phoebe said, her eyes twinkling with mischief. "Lady Lymington, it's a pleasure to have you here as well."

Lady Lymington sniffed, her lips pressed into a thin line. "Thank you, Lady Rutherford. I hope the evening proves to be… suitable."

Anthony smiled, his hand resting possessively on Eliza's lower back. "Thank you for having us, Phoebe."

As they settled into their seats, Eliza glanced around the table, noting the other guests. Anthony's friend Christopher, whom she had met only briefly, was there along with a couple of other acquaintances from the ton she knew just by name.

Christopher sat next to her and turned to her as soon as they sat down.

"Miss Huxley," Christopher said with a charming smile, "I must say, it is a pleasure to see you again. Anthony has been rather tight-lipped about you, but from what little he's shared, I can tell you are quite the captivating woman."

Eliza blushed slightly, glancing at Anthony, who was seated across the table. "Thank you, Lord Howerton. His Grace tends to exaggerate."

"Not at all," Christopher replied, his eyes twinkling with mischief. "He has been quite smitten, actually. It is rather amusing to see him so… preoccupied."

Lady Lymington sniffed again, clearly disapproving. "Your Grace, I trust you are not filling Miss Huxley's head with nonsense."

Anthony gave her a tight smile. "I assure you, Lady Lymington, I speak only the truth."

Christopher laughed, a deep, hearty sound that filled the room. "Of course, my dear friend. It is my duty to keep you humble."

Eliza giggled, feeling more at ease. "It is quite all right, Your Grace. I am rather enjoying Lord Howerton's company."

"You see, Anthony?" Christopher said, his grin widening. "Miss Huxley appreciates my humor."

Anthony rolled his eyes, but there was a hint of a smile playing on his lips. "Just try to behave yourself, Christopher."

Phoebe, seated at the head of the table, watched the exchange with amusement. "It seems my brother has found himself quite the match. Miss Huxley, how do you manage to keep him in line?"

"I find that a combination of patience and wit works wonders, Lady Rutherford," Eliza said, her eyes sparkling.

Christopher chuckled. "I can see that. Anthony needs someone who can keep him on his toes."

Anthony leaned back in his chair, a bemused expression on his face. "I do not recall coming here to see an alliance formed against me."

Phoebe joined in the teasing, her eyes twinkling. "Oh, but it is so much fun, dear brother."

Anthony shook his head though he could not hide his grin. "I suppose I shall have to endure this, for the sake of your guests."

The conversation continued, lighthearted and filled with laughter. Christopher and Phoebe took turns teasing Anthony, much to Eliza's delight. Even with her aunt's presence, she found herself feeling more and more at ease in their company, her initial nerves dissipating.

Phoebe, ever the gracious hostess, began the meal with a toast. "To friends, family, and new beginnings," she said, raising her glass. "May we always cherish the moments we share."

The guests echoed her sentiment, clinking glasses and sipping the fine wine. As the first course was served—a delicate consommé with hints of truffle and thyme—conversation turned to lighthearted topics.

"So, Anthony," Christopher said, a mischievous glint in his eye, "when can we expect the wedding invitations?"

Anthony chuckled, glancing at Eliza. She did not miss the cutting look he gave Christopher. "We are still in the planning stages, Christopher. But rest assured, you will be among the first to know."

Eliza felt a blush creeping up her cheeks but managed a smile. "We want everything to be perfect," she added, playing along with the charade. "It takes time to plan such a grand event."

"Indeed," Phoebe said, her eyes sparkling with curiosity. "Have you decided which parish you shall read the banns in? Perhaps back in Redfern, or here in London?"

Anthony glanced at Eliza, an eyebrow raised. "I suppose we have not discussed it."

"You have not?" Lady Lymington asked in shock.

"I will just be happy to see you walk down the aisle," William intervened before the countess could say more, sipping on his wine.

Eliza laughed softly awkwardly, reaching for her own glass of wine in discomfort.

The conversation continued, with the guests sharing amusing anecdotes and stories. The main course was brought out—succulent roast beef with Yorkshire pudding, accompanied by a medley of roasted vegetables. As they ate, the talk turned to more personal topics.

"Eliza," one of the guests, Lady Billings, said, her voice warm and friendly, "how are you finding life in London? It must be quite a change from Mrs. West's."

"It is." Eliza flinched, feeling the weight of all the eyes on her.

She did not enjoy talking about her time at Mrs. West's, and she could hear her aunt scolding her for allowing the ton to be reminded of her shortcomings.

"But I am enjoying the city. There is always something new to discover, and the company is delightful," she continued, highly aware of her aunt's eyes on her.

Lady Billings smiled. "I am glad to hear that. Lady Lymington, you must be so glad for the company."

Lady Lymington gave a tight-lipped smile, her eyes narrowing slightly. "Indeed, Lady Billings. I must say, Eliza does have a certain knack for finding her way in society."

Anthony squeezed her hand under the table. "Miss Huxley hardly needed the assistance," he said, his voice filled with pride. "She has a natural grace and charm that endears her to everyone she meets."

Eliza glanced at him, her heart swelling at his words. Despite the complexities of their arrangement, there were moments when she felt a genuine connection between them.

After the main course, dessert was served—an assortment of pastries and a rich chocolate torte. The conversation continued with the guests discussing their plans for the upcoming social season.

"Are you looking forward to the season, Eliza?" Lady Billings asked, her eyes twinkling with interest.

"Yes, I am," Eliza replied, her smile genuine. "It will be my first full season in London, and I am excited to experience everything it has to offer."

"Well, you have already secured your match, so that means that you can just enjoy yourself," Lady Billings said kindly.

Eliza forced herself to give a tight smile. "Yes, I am definitely going to make the most of it."

Making eye contact with Anthony, she tried to raise her eyebrows to get him to change the subject.

"Phoebe, how is Violet getting along these days?" Anthony asked. "Did she convince you to give her a piece of torte before bed?"

"She did try," Phoebe laughed.

Eliza breathed a sigh of relief, glad to have the attention off of her.

After the main course, Phoebe stood and clapped her hands together. "Ladies and gentlemen, I thought it might be nice to stretch our legs a bit. Please, ladies to the drawing room, gentlemen, off to the parlor with you all."

As the guests began to rise from their seats, Phoebe caught Eliza's eye and beckoned her over.

"Eliza, would you join me for a moment? I have something I wish to discuss with you."

Eliza nodded, curiosity piqued. "Of course, Phoebe."

Anthony watched them go, his brow furrowing slightly. He felt a nudge from Christopher, who raised an eyebrow. "Care for a drink, Anthony?"

Anthony nodded, grateful for the distraction. "I hear Rutherford keeps the good whiskey in the study; let us go."

Phoebe led Eliza to the drawing room behind the other ladies, staying off to the side of the room.

She turned to Eliza with a conspiratorial smile. "I have been wanting to have a word with you, Eliza. How have you been finding everything? Adjusting well, I hope?"

Eliza smiled though she could not help but feel a bit anxious. "It's been… interesting, Phoebe. Your brother can be quite the enigma."

Phoebe laughed softly. "Yes, Anthony has always been a bit of a mystery, even to those of us who have known him all our lives. But I must say, I have never seen him quite like this before."

Eliza's curiosity was piqued. "What do you mean?"

Phoebe's eyes twinkled with amusement. "He seems genuinely happy, Eliza. More at ease. And I believe that is because of you."

Eliza felt her cheeks flush with warmth. "I do not know about that. Anthony is still very much his own man."

"Perhaps," Phoebe agreed, "but he's also a man who has clearly found something, or rather someone, worth caring about. I have seen the way he looks at you. It's different. More sincere."

Eliza's heart swelled at Phoebe's words, but she tried to temper her emotions. "I care for him deeply. But there's still so much I do not know about him."

Phoebe nodded, her expression softening. "Anthony hides behind jokes and charm. He has always been guarded with his true emotions. He's had to be, given our family's position, and the expectations placed upon him. But I have seen glimpses of the man he truly is, and I believe he wants to share that part of himself with you. Just be patient with him."

Eliza smiled gratefully. "Thank you, Phoebe. Your words mean a lot to me."

Phoebe placed a gentle hand on Eliza's arm. "Just promise me you will take care of him. He may not show it, but he needs someone like you in his life."

Eliza nodded, still feeling hesitant. "I promise."

"Is there something amiss?" Phoebe asked, furrowing her brow. "He has not said anything… or done anything, has he?"

"No, no," Eliza insisted, flushing. "You just seem so sure how he feels toward me, but I am not so sure."

"Why would he not?" Phoebe asked, confused. "He did propose, so what does it matter?"

Eliza tried to figure out how to convey her doubts without revealing the sham engagement. "I just feel that he proposed out of responsibility, to have a wife, produce an heir, perhaps because of my dowry…"

"I shall stop you there," Phoebe said, her expression stern. "Anthony has been very vocal about not wanting to marry, even to his family. Everyone knows why. He would never marry out of duty and especially not for money. The only reason he would have proposed is if he was drawn to you."

Eliza blushed but did not respond.

"So, tell me, Eliza, how do you really feel about Anthony?" Phoebe asked.

"I… I care for him deeply. More than I ever thought I would," she admitted.

Part of her tried to believe she was just acting in character for their charade, but she knew some part of her felt relieved to be telling the truth.

Phoebe's smile was gentle. "I can see that. And I believe he feels the same way about you. He has his flaws, no doubt, but I truly believe you are the one who can help him overcome them."

Eliza nodded, feeling a renewed sense of determination. "I will do everything I can to be there for him."

Phoebe squeezed her hand. "That is all I can ask for. Now, let us rejoin the others before they start suspecting we have run off to scheme."

Meanwhile, Anthony and Christopher had retreated to the study where Christopher poured them each a glass of whiskey.

Anthony took a sip, savoring the warmth of the liquor as it spread through his chest. Christopher watched him with a knowing smile.

"You seem a little less perturbed than the last time I saw you," Christopher noted, leaning back in his chair.

Anthony sighed, running a hand through his hair. "Oh? Is that so?"

Christopher chuckled. "Yes. It is quite obvious to me that it is due to a certain voluptuous redhead; I have never seen you so taken with a woman before. It's almost… unsettling."

Anthony shot him a wry look. "Unsettling? Is that what you call it?"

"Yes," Christopher said, his tone teasing. "You have always been the consummate rake, flitting from one woman to the next without a care. But with Miss Huxley, it's different. I can see it in your eyes."

Anthony's expression grew serious. "How many drinks have you indulged in this evening? You are talking nonsense."

Christopher raised an eyebrow. "Are you that much in denial?"

Anthony shook his head adamantly. "If she is different than the others, it is merely because she has been so resistant and stubborn."

Christopher's scoffed. "Believe what you want to believe. I think you have feelings for her."

Anthony's grip tightened around his glass. "I do not intend to marry her."

"I know you have been boasting that you would not marry for as long as I have known you, but I did not honestly believe it," Christopher noted, shaking his head. "You are not serious, are you?"

Anthony sighed. "I would make a terrible husband. Look at my lifestyle; I drink and frequent brothels and seduce any woman I like. What woman would want a husband like that?"

Christopher clapped a hand on his shoulder. "Be honest with her, Anthony. Let her see the man you truly are."

Anthony scoffed loudly then continued to laugh. "What am I doing taking advice from you?"

Christopher grinned. "That is a great question. Now, let us get back to the others before they start wondering what we're up to."

As they rejoined the group, Anthony's gaze immediately sought out Eliza. He found her still talking with Phoebe, her face illuminated by the soft glow of the candlelight.

She looked radiant, her eyes shining with warmth and affection.

God, what had he gotten himself into?