Chapter 17

CHAPTER SEVENTEEN

E liza stood by the window of her cottage, her fingertips lightly pressed against the cool glass as she gazed out at the moonlit shore. The room was dimly lit, a single candle flickering on the nearby table, casting soft shadows that danced along the walls. She could still feel the lingering warmth of Captain Blackwood's kiss, a sensation that both thrilled and unsettled her. Her lips tingled with the memory, and she found herself touching them absentmindedly, as if to hold on to the fleeting moment for just a little longer.

From her vantage point, she could see the faint outline of Daniel as he made his way back toward Blackwood Manor. His figure was shrouded in the soft glow of moonlight, his steps slow and deliberate. There was something comforting about watching him, knowing that he had been there with her, sharing in the quiet joy of their time together. She watched until he disappeared from view, her heart fluttering with a mix of emotions she hadn't expected to feel so keenly.

Eliza turned away from the window, her thoughts swirling. The kiss had taken her by surprise, not because it happened, but because of the way it felt so natural, as if it were the next step in a dance they had unknowingly been moving toward. The tenderness in Daniel's touch, the gentle way his lips brushed against hers—it all spoke of something deeper, something that stirred hope within her.

She paced the room, her skirts rustling softly with each step, as she tried to make sense of the emotions bubbling inside her. Was she excited about the possibility of a courtship with Captain Blackwood? The answer came easily, a rush of warmth spreading through her. Yes, she was excited—more than she had been about anything in a long time. The prospect of walking beside him, not just as a friend but as something more, filled her with a sense of exhilaration that she had almost forgotten she could feel.

Eliza glanced back out the window, her eyes tracing the familiar path that connected her cottage to the manor. The thought of a future with Daniel—a future where they could share more of these quiet, intimate moments—sent a thrill through her. She thought about the way he looked at her, the way his laughter felt like a salve to the wounds she had carried, and she realized that this was more than just a fleeting attraction. This was the beginning of something that felt significant, something that could change the course of her life.

But with that excitement came the quiet tug of uncertainty. She knew that Daniel carried his own burdens, the shadows of his past that he kept hidden behind his steady gaze. She had seen glimpses of those scars in the way he sometimes grew distant, in the way his eyes darkened with memories that were too heavy to share. Could she be the person to help him find peace, just as he had helped her feel seen and valued? Could they truly be what each other needed?

Eliza let out a soft sigh, her breath fogging the glass as she leaned her forehead against the windowpane. The sea stretched out before her, vast and ever-changing, a reminder of how life could be unpredictable and beautiful all at once. There were still so many things unsaid between them, so many questions about what their future might hold. But for the first time in a long while, she allowed herself to hope.

Hope that, together, they could carve out a space where their pasts didn't define them—where they could simply be Eliza and Daniel, sharing the small joys of life and the tender promise of something more. She thought of their mornings spent in the garden, their walks along the shore, the laughter and easy banter that made her feel lighter than she had in years. She thought of how he had looked at her tonight, with a mix of surprise and something deeper that made her heart swell .

Eliza moved away from the window, the weight of her thoughts giving way to a gentle resolve. She picked up the candle, letting its warm light guide her through the familiar rooms of her cottage. There was comfort in the routine of preparing for bed, the quiet rituals that helped to calm her mind. As she undressed and slipped into her nightgown, she couldn't help but smile at the thought of what tomorrow might bring.

For so long, she had convinced herself that she was content with her life as it was—a life of tending her garden, of quiet solitude and simple pleasures. But now, with the possibility of a courtship with Daniel unfolding before her, she realized that she wanted more. She wanted the laughter, the companionship, the chance to build something meaningful with a man who saw her for who she truly was.

As she climbed into bed, Eliza glanced one last time at the window, the moonlight casting a soft glow over her room. She closed her eyes, allowing herself to dream—not just of gardens and quiet moments, but of a future filled with laughter, with shared joys and the tender promise of love. And as she drifted off to sleep, the excitement and hope of what lay ahead filled her heart, a gentle warmth that carried her into the night.

The next morning, Eliza woke with a sense of anticipation that lingered from the night before. Sunlight streamed through the curtains, filling her room with a warm, golden glow that seemed to mirror the lightness she felt. She stretched languidly, a smile tugging at her lips as memories of her kiss with Captain Blackwood resurfaced. There was a buoyancy to her steps as she dressed, her mind racing with thoughts of what the day might hold.

Once dressed, Eliza made her way downstairs where her housekeeper, Mrs. Nelson, had already prepared a simple but satisfying breakfast. The scent of freshly baked bread and tea wafted through the dining room. As Eliza sat down, Mrs. Nelson appeared at the door with a small tray.

"Good morning, Miss Montrose," Mrs. Nelson said, her hands deftly placing a plate of warm buttered toast, a boiled egg, and a dish of marmalade in front of her. "You're looking quite radiant this morning, if I may say so."

Eliza smiled, feeling the warmth of the compliment. "Good morning, Mrs. Nelson. I feel rather well, thank you." She broke a piece of toast and spread a generous amount of marmalade across it. "Did you sleep well?"

"Oh, as well as an old woman like me can sleep," Mrs. Nelson replied with a chuckle, pouring tea into a fine porcelain cup. "But you, Miss Eliza, seem to have had sweet dreams. Was it the garden, or something—or someone—else on your mind?"

Eliza's cheeks warmed as she raised the cup to her lips, taking a sip of the soothing tea. "The garden is always on my mind, Mrs. Nelson," she said, avoiding the direct question.

Mrs. Nelson raised a brow, clearly not fooled. "Of course, it is," she said, her eyes twinkling. "Well, I hope your day brings more pleasant surprises. I imagine the Captain might be one of them?"

Eliza placed her cup down, her fingers gently tracing the rim of the saucer. "Perhaps."

With a knowing smile, Mrs. Nelson stepped back from the table. "Well, if the Captain does call, I'll be sure to let you know. But for now, enjoy your breakfast. Let me know if you need anything else."

"Thank you, Mrs. Nelson."

Eliza savored her meal. The bread was soft, the marmalade was sweet, and the tea was warm enough to chase away any lingering morning chill.

After breakfast, she wandered into the sitting room, her gaze drifting to the pianoforte by the window. She didn't play every day as her focus was often drawn to the garden and her outdoor pursuits. But this morning, she felt the urge to sit down and let the music fill the quiet spaces of her home.

She ran her fingers lightly over the keys, testing the feel of them under her touch. The room was filled with soft morning light, casting a gentle glow on the polished wood of the instrument. Eliza closed her eyes for a moment, her mind briefly drifting to thoughts of Daniel—how he had looked at her, the softness in his eyes, the way he had made her feel seen and cherished.

With a deep breath, she began to play, her fingers moving gracefully over the keys as the first notes of a familiar tune filled the air. The music was a comfort, a way to channel the swirl of emotions that had accompanied her since the night before. She played pieces she knew by heart, the melodies flowing effortlessly from her fingertips. The sound was soothing, a quiet reprieve from the anticipation that buzzed just beneath her surface.

As she played, Eliza found herself glancing out the window, her eyes searching the path that led to Blackwood Manor. Part of her had hoped that Daniel might appear, that they would continue their easy routine of riding or working in the garden. But the minutes ticked by, and there was no sign of him. She reminded herself that he likely had his own duties and obligations—after all, the Captain wasn't one to let responsibilities linger.

Eliza finished the piece she was playing, letting the final notes linger in the air before they faded into silence. She sat there for a moment, her hands resting on the keys as she stared out at the morning sun. It was silly, she thought, to feel disappointed. They had shared a lovely evening, and she knew better than to expect every day to follow in the same fashion.

Still, the house felt quieter than usual, and the absence of Daniel's presence left her feeling a little restless. She stood, smoothing her skirts as she turned away from the pianoforte. Perhaps it was time to get outside, to focus on her garden and the tasks that always managed to ground her.

She stepped out into the garden and the sun warmed her shoulders as she took in the sight of her flowers. The vibrant blooms were a welcome burst of color against the green foliage. Eliza breathed in deeply, the familiar scents of lavender and roses calming her mind. She retrieved her gardening tools and began to work, pruning the hedges and weeding the beds, her hands moving with practiced efficiency.

As she worked, her thoughts kept returning to Daniel. She wondered what he was doing, if he was thinking of her, too. She reminded herself that they had plenty of time to explore whatever was growing between them, that there was no need to rush or worry. But the ache of wanting to see him, to continue the connection they had begun to build, was difficult to ignore.

Eliza moved to her rose bushes, carefully trimming the branches and removing the spent blooms. The rhythmic motion of her work helped to settle her, but she couldn't shake the quiet anticipation that lingered just beneath her calm exterior. She thought of the way Daniel had looked at her, the way his touch had lingered just a moment longer than necessary, and she found herself smiling despite the uncertainty of the day.