Chapter 30

CHAPTER THIRTY

E liza watched the rain paint gentle streaks on the window, with droplets sliding down the glass in rhythmic patterns. The soft patter against the panes cast a peaceful but quiet atmosphere over her room. She had taken her breakfast upstairs, as Mrs. Nelson had recommended, but now, as the hours stretched toward midday, her anticipation grew. Daniel had come every morning since she had returned home, and each visit only deepened the feelings she had for him.

The attention was endearing, and his courtship was sincere. Each afternoon Emily had visited her as well, and even Lady Margaret had taken tea with her twice since she arrived home. But the visits she most looked forward to were Daniel's.

She still needed a little assistance to manage the stairs, but every day she felt better than the day before, and she was able to walk for longer periods on her ankle before she tired.

She looked through the rain-splattered windows to the world outside. It would still be a couple of hours before she could expect to see him. Anticipation filled her. She heard Mrs. Nelson going about her daily chores downstairs. She rang for her maid, Anna, who helped her into her day dress and styled her hair with more care than usual.

Eliza was wondering if the girl was only trying out a new style for all the effort that it took, but she allowed herself the luxury of taking as much time as she needed. The pale blue morning dress was simple but flattering.

Normally she would have Mrs. Nelson help her down the stairs, but as her maid was about to leave, Eliza asked, "Anna, would you mind helping me down the stairs? I only need a hand to steady me as I use the banister. "

Anna's eyes widened. "You wish to go down now? Shouldn't you like to rest a little longer upstairs?"

Eliza smiled. "I believe I would rather go down. But not to worry, I will stay out of Mrs. Nelson's way."

Anna looked around the room. "But, perhaps you could … write a letter before you go down."

Eliza squinted at the girl. "I have time for letter writing later. I should prefer to play the pianoforte this morning."

Anna bit her lip. "Very well, Miss. Of course I will help you down."

"Thank you," Eliza said.

Eliza wasn't sure if Anna was purposefully walking so slow next to her, or if Anna was just trying to make sure that Eliza was safe, but the journey down the stairs felt like it took forever.

As Eliza slowly made her way down the stairs with Anna's assistance, the mouth-watering aroma of freshly baked sweetbreads and citrus wafted through the air, wrapping around her senses like a warm embrace. She smiled, imagining Mrs. Nelson bustling about, creating one of her delectable treats. When her feet touched the ground floor, cinnamon and lemon fragrances were clearly distinguishable.

She opened the door to her drawing room, her eyes widening in surprise at the unexpected sight.

Before her, a large blanket was spread across the floor, adorned with baskets of fresh fruits, sweetbreads, and delicate china teacups. A vase of vibrant wildflowers stood proudly beside it, and Daniel, kneeling by the spread, looked up at her, his expression a mixture of surprise and amusement.

"Eliza," he said, his smile broadening as their eyes met, "I hadn't expected you so soon."

Eliza drew in a breath, her heart skipping a beat. "What is all this?"

Daniel stood from where he was arranging the last of the plates, a warm smile softening the sharp lines of his face. "The rain this morning inspired me to try something new. I thought you might enjoy an indoor picnic."

"That is most thoughtful of you." Her cheeks warmed at the sight of him standing there in her drawing room, creating something so thoughtful just for her.

"I'm sorry, Captain. I did my best to keep her upstairs," Anna said, looking sheepish.

"No harm done." Daniel waved it off with a grin. He looked at Eliza. "Besides, I think it's better that you discovered it this way."

Eliza's heart swelled with affection. "An indoor picnic on a rainy day? How clever of you."

He smiled. "I must confess, it's a bit unconventional, but I thought you might enjoy it."

Eliza smiled, her cheeks flushing ever so slightly at the sight of his broad grin. "I think it's wonderful."

He stepped closer, offering his arm with a playful glint in his eyes. "Come, allow me to escort you to the finest picnic you'll ever experience this side of the rain."

Laughing softly, Eliza took his arm, noticing the warmth of his touch and the solidness of his presence. As they approached the blanket, Daniel gently helped her lower herself onto the floor. His hands rested briefly at her waist, their touch gentle, but steady. The warmth of his palms against her waist sent a flutter through her chest, and for a moment, she wondered if he felt the same sensation.

"You certainly know how to surprise me, Captain," she teased, adjusting her skirts and smoothing the blanket beneath her.

"I do try," he replied, his green eyes twinkling with quiet amusement as he sat beside her. "Besides, I thought it might brighten a rather dreary morning, especially with the rain keeping us from the garden."

As they settled into the picnic, the scent of cinnamon, lemon, and fresh bread filled the air. Eliza felt an overwhelming sense of contentment wash over her as she took in the scene. This was more than just a picnic—it was a gesture of care and thoughtfulness, one that spoke to how deeply he had come to know her.

"This is truly lovely, Daniel," she said, her voice soft as she broke off a piece of sweetbread. The light, buttery flavor melted on her tongue, and she sighed in satisfaction. "Far more elegant than any picnic I've ever been on."

His gaze lingered on her, and Eliza could feel his eyes tracing her features. There was an intensity in his look, something that made her pulse quicken and her breath catch in her throat. "I'm glad you think so. You deserve nothing less," he said, his tone gentle, almost reverent.

They continued to talk, their conversation flowing easily as they shared stories and laughter, the rain providing a soothing backdrop. At one point, Daniel reached for her hand, his fingers brushing hers lightly. Her heart skipped a beat as his touch lingered, sending a thrill up her spine. She looked at him, surprised by the sudden shift in his expression—his usual lightness replaced with something deeper, more serious.

"Eliza," he began, his voice low and steady, "there's something I've been wanting to say for quite some time."

She looked up at him, her heart quickening, her pulse suddenly loud in her ears. His hand was warm, strong, and the soft touch of his thumb gently caressing the back of her hand sent a thrill up her spine. "Yes?"

"I find that the more time I spend with you, the more I realize that my feelings for you are not something I can simply ignore." His gaze met hers, filled with an honesty that took her breath away. "You've come into my life at a time when I wasn't sure what I was looking for ... but now, I can't imagine not being near you."

Eliza's breath caught, her heart pounding in her chest. For a brief moment, she didn't know what to say. She had sensed a growing connection between them, but hearing the words spoken aloud stirred something deep within her.

"I feel the same, Daniel," she whispered, her voice barely audible over the crackling fire. "I've come to care for you deeply."

Daniel's thumb continued to caress her hand, his touch sending ripples of warmth through her. His smile softened as he gazed at her with such tenderness that it made her heart ache in the most delightful way. "Would you do me the honor of considering marriage to someone like me?"

Eliza felt warmth bloom in her chest, spreading through her veins like sunlight breaking through the clouds. She hadn't dared dream that this moment would come so soon, but now, looking into Daniel's earnest green eyes, she felt her heart overflow. The tenderness of his touch, the sincerity in his voice—all of it reached deep into her, filling her with a quiet certainty. Eliza's breath caught, and she felt a rush of emotion—joy, hope, love—all swirling together in a moment of perfect clarity. "I would like that very much."

Daniel's eyes brightened, a smile that was becoming more natural tugged at the corners of his mouth. He lifted her hand to his lips, pressing a soft kiss to her knuckles, and Eliza felt a shiver of delight run through her at the tender gesture.

For a long moment, they sat there, gazing at one another, the world around them fading into the soft crackling of the fire and the gentle rain pattering against the windows. The warmth between them, the pull that had always existed but had grown stronger in recent days, was undeniable now.

Daniel's hand gently moved from hers to cup her cheek, his touch light as a feather—as if he were afraid that she might disappear. Eliza's breath hitched as his fingers brushed against her skin, and a soft shiver ran through her at the tenderness of his caress. Her heart fluttered, a mixture of excitement and anticipation building inside her.

"You have no idea how much this means to me, Eliza," he murmured, his voice barely above a whisper as he leaned closer. His breath mingled with hers, warm and inviting, as his thumb traced a slow, delicate path along her cheekbone. "I feel like I've been waiting for this moment my whole life."

Her pulse quickened, the sensation of his touch sending tingles down her spine. She could feel the warmth of him, the closeness, and yet there was something almost hesitant about the way he hovered near her, as if asking permission without words.

She smiled at him, and that was all the invitation he needed, and he closed the distance between them. His lips brushed hers in the gentlest of kisses, a mere whisper of a touch, and yet it sent a wave of warmth flooding through her entire being. It was as if the world stilled in that moment—the rain, the crackling fire, all of it faded into the background, leaving only the two of them connected in a way that transcended words.

The kiss deepened ever so slightly, and Eliza felt her heart soar, the tender pressure of his lips speaking all the words he hadn't yet said. There was no rush, no urgency—only the quiet certainty of two souls finding each other in the most unexpected way.

His hand, steady and sure, remained at her cheek, while his other hand gently moved to cradle the small of her back, pulling her just a little closer. The warmth of his body seeped into her, wrapping her in a sense of safety and belonging. Eliza responded with equal gentleness, her fingers curling into the fabric of his coat as if to anchor herself to the moment, to him.

When they finally pulled apart, Daniel rested his forehead against hers, both of them breathing softly, the connection between them palpable. His thumb traced a slow, lingering path along her jawline as he whispered, "You are everything I never knew I needed, Eliza."

Her heart swelled at the tenderness in his voice, and she smiled, her cheeks tinged with the warmth of affection. The kiss had left her feeling light-headed and utterly captivated, but more than that, it had solidified what she had already known in her heart—this was right.

"And you, Daniel," she replied, her voice soft but full of meaning, "are everything I never thought I could have."

His smile grew wider, a mixture of relief and joy lighting up his face, and he pressed one last kiss to her forehead, lingering there for a moment longer, as if he couldn't quite bear to let go.

"I shall spend every day proving it to you," he whispered against her skin.

Eliza felt a warm shiver run through her at his words, her heart fluttering with the promise of what was to come. As she looked into his eyes, the world outside might have been filled with rain and gray skies, but inside, with Daniel beside her, it felt as though the sun had just begun to rise.