Chapter 5

CHAPTER FIVE

A s Eliza stepped out of the carriage, her heart fluttered with a mix of excitement and trepidation. She smoothed the folds of her deep blue gown, a simple yet elegant creation that she hoped would not look too outdated among the latest fashions of Brighton's elite. Adjusting her shawl nervously, she glanced up at the grand fa?ade of the Assembly Hall, its windows aglow with warm light. A whisper of music drifted through the crisp evening air, but Eliza could not determine exactly what type of dance it was for. Perhaps it was the quadrille.

Lady Margaret emerged gracefully from the carriage beside her, a vision of poise and sophistication in her exquisite gown of shimmering silk. With a reassuring smile, Lady Margaret offered Eliza her gloved hand, guiding her towards the entrance of the ballroom .

"Remember, my dear Eliza, you have nothing to fear," Lady Margaret whispered, her voice a soothing melody amidst the bustling crowd.

Eliza let out a strained laugh. "I believe I have everything to fear, Margaret. I do not belong here. This is a place for debutantes, not for spinsters who are on the shelf."

Margaret patted her hand. "You are not as on the shelf as you think. You must stop thinking in that way."

Eliza looked back toward the door they'd come through, where the carriages sat outside in the darkened night. It wasn't too late to turn back. She could have Margaret's carriage take her back to her cottage.

As if sensing Eliza's thoughts to bolt, Margaret put a reassuring arm around her, leading her forward. "I know you are uncomfortable in social settings. But I shall take you under my wing the entire evening. You are a jewel among gems; and tonight, you shall shine brighter than the stars above."

"Very well," Eliza said. Taking a deep breath, she followed Lady Margaret into the bustling ballroom, her eyes widening in awe at the sight before her. The grandeur of the Assembly Hall took her breath away—the polished floors gleamed under the soft glow of countless candles, casting a warm, golden light upon the swirling sea of dancers.

"See, there is much to enjoy," Margaret whispered .

As they made their way through the throng of elegantly dressed guests, Eliza couldn't help but feel a pang of self-consciousness. She was no debutante, no blushing bride-to-be—she was a spinster, well past the age of marriageable young ladies, and she feared she would pale in comparison to the radiant beauties who graced the ballroom floor.

But Lady Margaret was by her side, a steadfast beacon of support amidst the sea of unfamiliar faces. With her gentle guidance, Eliza relaxed, her worries melting away like snow in the warmth of spring. Though she wasn't one for London's Society, she quickly saw that Brighton was different. The ton's influence was hardly the same here. It was a welcome reprieve.

"Ah, there you are, my dear Lady Margaret!" exclaimed a familiar voice from across the room. Turning towards the sound, Eliza saw the beaming face of Lord Hanover, Lady Margaret's cousin, striding towards them with outstretched arms.

"Lord Hanover, how delightful to see you!" Lady Margaret exclaimed, her smile brightening. "You remember my dear friend, Miss Montrose, don't you?"

Lord Hanover bowed graciously before Eliza, his eyes twinkling with warmth and kindness. "Of course I do. It's a pleasure to see you again, Miss Montrose. I trust you shall find the company here most agreeable."

Eliza curtsied. "Thank you, Lord Hanover. "

"I should be delighted if you would save me a dance, Miss Montrose."

"Thank you, m'lord. I would be honored."

Margaret took Eliza by the hand. "Excuse me, cousin. I see some others I need to introduce Eliza to." Margaret led Eliza toward the refreshment table and whispered, "Well done, Eliza. My cousin does not usually give out dances so easily. You've clearly caught his attention. Now you must make yourself scarce so that he will continue his pursuit of you. One must not seem too desperate."

Eliza laughed at her friend's scheming. Surely, she was jesting for Eliza's sake. She couldn't help but compare herself to the next dozen people Margaret introduced her to. While her blue gown helped to accentuate the color in her eyes, her dress was not the height of fashion as so many here were. Her maid had arranged her hair in soft curls, but it was only adorned with a few small rosebuds, not shiny pearls or feathers. She was out of her element, and despite her composed exterior, Eliza's stomach was a flutter of nervous energy. This was not what she was used to. How she longed for the comfort and solitude of her garden.

"Eliza," Margaret said, pulling Eliza out of her wool-gathering. "This is Miss Hawkins and Mr. Everly. Miss Hawkins is a very accomplished musician, and Mr. Everly has recently come to Brighton from Lancashire." Margaret gestured to a lively young woman and a dashing gentleman .

"A pleasure to meet you both," Eliza said, offering a polite smile. She turned to Mr. Everly. "Brighton is quite the change from Lancashire. How are you enjoying yourself?"

He smiled widely. "I find it a most agreeable and welcome change. I find this seaside town quite enchanting. There's always something happening here, whether it's a ball at the Assembly Hall or a leisurely stroll along the pier. It truly is a haven for those seeking both excitement and tranquility. The sea air, the bustling promenade, the vibrant social scene—it all adds to the charm of this place, don't you think?"

She smiled at his delightful manner of speaking. Mr. Everly was most agreeable, unlike her neighbor that she'd met that morning. "You sound as if you have lived here longer than you have."

He laughed. "No, I am still quite new to the area. Tell me, what other sights would you recommend to a newcomer like myself?"

Eliza felt her cheeks warm at the direct attention from Mr. Everly. "I am hardly the right person to ask, Mr. Everly. I've heard much of the delightful places to explore in Brighton. But I have been so occupied with attending to the needs of my grounds, that I have not ventured into town much. But if you haven't already seen it, I've heard The Royal Pavilion, with its stunning architecture and lush gardens, is a must-see. And of course, there are the quaint shops and tea rooms lining the streets of the Lanes, perfect for a leisurely afternoon of shopping and socializing."

"I cannot believe that you still haven't seen the gardens at The Royal Pavilion, Eliza," Lady Margaret spoke up. "You really must venture out to see them." She turned to Mr. Everly. "Miss Montrose keeps the most beautiful garden herself."

"Miss Montrose, do you mean to tell me you have been here for many months and you have not seen The Royal Pavilion?" Mr. Everly asked.

Eliza shook her head. "No. I've been meaning to, but I've been … occupied with my own garden." Her excuse felt silly, especially since she'd heard such wonderful things about the gardens, if nothing else. She should have made it a priority.

Mr. Everly gave her a dashing smile. "Perhaps we should explore it together."

"I'd be a very poor tour guide, I'm afraid."

He laughed. "Perhaps I don't want a tour guide, just the company of a beautiful woman."

Eliza blushed. "You are too kind, Mr. Everly."

Mr. Everly smiled. "Perhaps you will do me a kindness."

"What would that be?"

"It looks as if the next dance will begin in just a few moments. May I claim your next dance, if it has not already been spoken for, Miss Montrose? "

Before Eliza could respond, she saw Captain Blackwood entering the hall. Her breath caught. This morning when she'd met him, he'd looked much wilder, his appearance not quite put together. But now. Now he looked every bit the dashing officer, despite the tension etched on his face. Her pulse sped up as their eyes connected, and he walked in her direction. She clenched her jaw, but she could not look away from him.

Drat the man. Why must he show up here and ruin her first attempt out in Society in Brighton? Her pulse quickened, and the realization shocked her. There must be something wrong with her to respond in such a way. Yes, Captain Blackwood was handsome—in a dangerous sort of way. However, he had been very off-putting and rude to her this morning. She tore her gaze away.

Steeling herself, she turned back to Mr. Everly. "I would be delighted to share a dance with you. Thank you, Mr. Everly." Mr. Everly had been nothing but good humor and smiles since they'd met, and yet her pulse didn't race when she thought of him.

Lady Margaret stepped closer to Eliza. "This is most curious."

"What is?"

"Captain Blackwood is not known for making appearances at the Assembly." Margaret raised an eyebrow. "And yet, here he is, heading your way."

Eliza lifted her chin. "Margaret, you know as well as I do that there would be no reason for him to come over here."

Margaret pressed her lips together. "He looks very much like a man on a mission. Perhaps he is going to request a dance."

"That is most unlikely." She glanced back toward Captain Blackwood, and Eliza felt her pulse quicken again, a mix of emotions welling up inside her. It must be the nerves from this morning. She had clearly not had enough tea to compose her nerves, that was all.

Captain Blackwood still made his way closer to her, weaving determinedly through the sea of people. His piercing eyes never left Eliza, and in the candlelight, they now looked more green than gray. She stood frozen, uncertain what to make of his sudden appearance. Could her friend be right? Was he here to ask her for a dance? She felt hot and cold at the prospect all at once. Would she accept, after the way he had treated her this morning? Why would she even entertain the idea of saying yes … and yet, she didn't know what her answer would be.

Lady Margaret seemed to sense Eliza's tension, and she stepped forward, creating a buffer between Eliza and the Captain.

"Captain Blackwood. We are so happy to have you back in Brighton," Lady Margaret said in a high-pitched voice. "The town hasn't been the same since you left."

Captain Blackwood nodded toward her. "Lady Margaret," he said .

"Allow me to introduce my friends to you. This is Mr. Everly. Mr. Everly, this is Captain Blackwood."

"How do you do," Mr. Everly said.

Captain Blackwood merely nodded.

Lady Margaret cleared her throat. "My cousin, Lord Hanover, is also in attendance this evening." She stepped to the side. "And of course, you already know your neighbor, Miss Eliza Montrose."

At Lady Margaret's words, the Captain's eyes captured Eliza's. She confirmed the dark green color still had gray around the center and outer ring. Not wanting to be caught staring, she quickly looked away.

"Miss Montrose," Captain Blackwood greeted with a short bow as he approached. His voice was gruff but earnest. "Might I have a word—privately?"

Eliza hesitated, then nodded politely. "Of course, Captain."

They stepped aside as both Margaret and Mr. Everly shot Eliza a curious look.

Once they had a modicum of privacy, Captain Blackwood cleared his throat awkwardly. "First, I should like to inquire after your finger."

"My finger?"

Out of the corner of her eye, she could see Margaret craned her neck toward them, and Mr. Everly was no longer standing next to Margaret.

"The cut. Is your finger well?"

Eliza pressed her lips together. It was thoughtful that he asked after her injury. "It is a hazard that comes with spending so much time in a garden, Captain. It will not be a lasting injury." Her eyes fell to his scars, wondering about them, but she quickly directed her gaze back to his eyes.

"I am glad to hear it." The slight smile on his face changed the placement of his scar on his cheek, as if it were almost an extension of his smile. It was both intriguing and appealing at the same time.

"I shall return your handkerchief tomorrow."

He waved his hand in the air. "It is of no consequence."

She nodded. "Thank you for … inquiring after my finger."

"Miss Montrose, that is not the only thing I wish to say. Believe me, I did not venture out to a gathering such as this merely to ask after your finger."

Eliza blinked, unsure about the man in front of her. Was he here to ask her to dance? A sudden pounding filled her chest at the idea. She swallowed, waiting for him to speak.

"I want to apologize."

She nodded, waiting for him to continue.

"I'm sorry that my property is such an eyesore for you, but hopefully that will be rectified in a few weeks. It will just take me some time to find a gardener," he said haltingly.

She blinked. That wasn't exactly an apology. When compared to the harsh words he'd spoken, the state of his overgrown garden seemed like a minuscule offense.

Eliza studied him for a long moment. A fire stirred within her. She felt a little silly for thinking that he might ask her to dance. "Why wait?"

"I beg your pardon?"

She forced a smile. If he was going to give her a false apology, she would give him a piece of her mind. "I would think that a military man of action, such as yourself, would want to restore order as soon as possible, and would not wish to wait for a gardener."

His eyes widened, a dangerous flash in them as they settled upon her, but she refused to look away. "You're suggesting that I work in my own garden?"

She huffed out a breath. This man was getting under her skin. "Why not? Are all Captains unwilling to get their hands dirty and only give orders and leave the actual work to the lower soldiers?"

"You do not know what you speak of." His eyes flashed dangerously. "And I have better things to do with my time than to waste it playing in the dirt like a child."

She clenched her jaw. His insinuations that her work in a garden was akin to a child playing—the nerve. He did not know the amount of work and time and care it took. "I should hate to waste more of your precious time, when it's clear that you have more important things to do than to find pleasure and peace in a garden."

Before he could respond, Mr. Everly came and joined them. "Miss Montrose, our dance is starting." He looked between Captain Blackwood and Eliza.

Eliza curtsied to Captain Blackwood, then placed her gloved hand in Mr. Everly's hand. As he led her towards the dance floor, she felt Captain Blackwood's gaze burning into her back. She turned her head slightly, wanting to check her suspicions out of the corner of her eye. Her pulse quickened as his brooding eyes followed her every move.

Mr. Everly smiled at Eliza, but their conversation felt stilted for the first few minutes of the dance. Eliza tried to push that thought aside. Mr. Everly was an accomplished dancer, and Eliza soon lost herself in the graceful steps and rhythmic motions of the dance. Yet try as she might, she could not fully ignore the hovering presence of Captain Blackwood along the room's perimeter, his tall frame impossible to miss among the glittering assembly.

What was he thinking as he watched her? She sensed this was not over between them ... there were things left unsaid, matters unresolved.

"What do you think, Miss Montrose?" Mr. Everly asked.

Eliza blinked, focusing her gaze and thoughts on the man she was dancing with, instead of the one that she wasn't. She smiled. "I apologize, Mr. Everly. I've been swept up in the dance. Could you repeat the question?"

"I said that I hoped to visit The Royal Pavilion soon. Could I persuade you to come with me?" Mr. Everly was all smiles.

Eliza nodded. "I should like that very much. We could pull together a merry party. I'm sure Lady Margaret would be most helpful in that. She seems to know everyone."

Mr. Everly's smile dimmed slightly. "We could do that. But I imagine that most have already seen The Royal Pavilion. Perhaps it could just be the two of us."

Eliza forced a smile. "That sounds lovely," she said, hoping she sounded more sincere than she felt.

As the dance ended, Eliza curtsied to Mr. Everly. "Thank you for the dance."

"The pleasure was all mine," he said. "I hope the next time we are at an assembly again together, you will save me another dance."

"You flatter me, Mr. Everly," she said, unsure how she should respond. Mr. Everly was kind and attentive. And she knew that he had paid her a great compliment.

"I only speak the truth," Mr. Everly said. "I should love to repeat this again."

Eliza nodded, though she doubted she'd attend more assemblies. She only had two evening gowns suitable for such events, so going regularly would not be something she would do. "I should like that."

Mr. Everly escorted Eliza back to Margaret, who was talking with several people.

Eliza scanned the room, looking for Captain Blackwood, but he was nowhere to be seen. Her heart sank a little. Had he left? She still had a few things on her mind that she wished to say to him. She felt a complicated mix of emotions that she did not fully understand.

This morning she'd been more than happy to be out of the Captain's presence as soon as possible. But now, she found herself drawn to him. Perhaps it was only because she'd expected him to ask her to dance, especially the way his jaw had tightened when Mr. Everly had interrupted their conversation to claim his dance with her.

Margaret pulled Eliza back into the circle of a discussion on the latest fashion, and though she smiled and tried to join in on the conversation, she was reflecting on the dangerous way the Captain's green eyes had seared hers.

"Eliza, I'm so proud of you for coming tonight," Margaret said, once they were on their way home from the Assembly. "You socialized and met new people and you danced four times."

"You make it sound as if none of those things are very common at a ball."

"You haven't been to one for a very long time," Margaret said .

"That is true. And I can admit it was better than I thought it would be."

"Well, that is indeed something to celebrate," Margaret said. "I was surprised to see Captain Blackwood there tonight. He looks quite altered from what I remember."

"I was surprised he came only to leave so quickly," Eliza said.

Margaret tilted her head. "Are you? I am not. It appears his aim in coming was merely to speak to you. Once that was accomplished, I imagine he didn't feel the need to stay. Besides, you were dancing with Mr. Everly. What did he say to you, I wonder?"

Eliza gave her friend a small smile. "I believe you were listening in the entire time."

"Of course I was. After the way he treated you this morning, I wanted to make sure I was close enough to your conversation in case you needed me."

"It was kind of him to ask after your injury," Margaret mused.

"It was, and if he would have stopped the conversation at that point, I believe we could have found ground to build better neighborly relations. But as it is, you can see that he is most decidedly rude and intolerable."

"I see." Margaret watched Eliza carefully, and Eliza tried not to squirm under her friend's scrutiny. "I had hoped his coming to the Assembly was a sign of greater potential—at least that the two of you could be on friendly terms as neighbors."

"I do not think that is his aim. He seems to choose a battle rather than a peace treaty at every turn so far."

"My dear, you've only met the man twice."

"And it was two more times than I would have liked."

Lady Margaret drummed her fingers on her reticule. "Still, you have to admit, he is quite handsome."

"I hadn't really noticed."

Margaret laughed. "Do not play coy with me, Eliza. If you didn't notice, then you didn't see him. He's handsome, although those scars—"

"The scars don't diminish his features," Eliza said.

Margaret raised an eyebrow, a smile forming on her lips. "Ah, so you did notice how handsome he is."

Eliza rolled her eyes, hating the admission. "Of course I noticed, but it signifies nothing. His handsomeness is diminished by his rudeness, and his apologies were far from satisfactory."

"But, perhaps in time things could be different," Margaret mused.

Eliza laughed at that. "I take back my need for a neighbor, or any neighborly relations. I am quite content as I am. There is a line between our properties, and I will not cross over into that battlefield again. And as he refuses to take any kind of ownership or personal responsibility for his property, I doubt I will see him much." But with that thought that she wouldn't see him much, a twinge formed in her stomach. Perhaps it was only that she had more to say to Captain Blackwood about his dismissal of things that were important to her. There was a piece of her that was clearly unresolved in this matter, for she wanted to see him again. And she wouldn't hold back with how she felt about his deplorable behavior.