Chapter 29

TWENTY-NINE

CRANE MANOR NOVEMBER 1947

Eliza adjusted the headband and let her fingers trail down the earrings she just slipped on. The dress was new, purchased by her father and tossed into her arms with orders for her to wear it that night. He'd arranged a dinner party, and she was to convince Edward Hampton that she would make the perfect wife for him. She'd heard of the Hamptons, of course. Everyone had heard of them. They owned half the city.

They were also slumlords, and her stomach turned at the thought of smiling the night away at the man. But she'd do it. For William.

It had been four weeks since she'd come home from the institution. Four very long weeks of pretending, lying, acting ... praying. And this morning, it had all paid off. Her father had told her she'd be expected to attend the dinner party and meet the man he'd chosen for her to marry. A wealthy man from a wealthy family. Old money, as he called it.

Her only contact with the outside world up to this point had been Dr. King, who'd snuck messages from Betsy—the only thing that kept her sane and encouraged her to pull on her strength to keep up the facade. He'd promised her they had a plan to reunite her with William, who was making great strides in his healing and was desperate to be reunited with her.

With one last breath and glance in the mirror, she went to her door, surprised when the knob twisted. Someone must have unlocked it while she was in the shower.

Eliza made her way down the hallway, following the path to the dining room. The large table dominated the area and it had been set to impress. The kitchen staff busied themselves, making sure everything was just so, and didn't even look up at her presence. Voices from the parlor across the hall beckoned, and reluctantly she made her way toward them.

Please let this work.

The prayer slipped from her even as she curled her lips into the smile she'd practiced all day.

"Ah, there she is," her father gushed. "Come meet the Hamptons." He began the introductions and motioned toward the young man hovering next to his mother. "And this is Edward."

Eliza turned her smile to Edward. "Hello. Lovely to meet you."

"And you." He inclined his head and his dark green eyes flickered with kindness and curiosity. He was a handsome man, and while she wasn't drawn to him like she was William, she was able to relax and hope the dinner wouldn't be a complete nightmare. He held out his arm. "May I escort you in?"

"Certainly." She slipped her hand into the crook of his elbow and caught her father's approving look. One day not too long ago, she would have relished that. Now, she just averted her gaze and turned her attention to Edward.

As time passed, Eliza couldn't help the anxiety that grew. She was supposed to get Edward to suggest a walk outside, which would allow her to slip away as soon as his attention was elsewhere. Dr. King and Betsy would be waiting nearby to take her to William.

When dinner was over, Eliza caught the subtle nod Edward's father shot his way. She pretended not to notice.

Edward cleared his throat. "It's such a pleasant evening. Would you like to stroll the gardens?"

And just like that, her anxiety eased. "What a wonderful idea. I'd love to."

"Fabulous," her father said. "I'll turn the lights on so you can see well in the dark. We'll just be in the parlor while the two of you get to know one another."

They both slipped into their overcoats and gloves, because while it was a lovely night, it was still chilly. Then Eliza let Edward take the lead.

With her hand settled in the crook of his elbow once more, they stepped outside and began a slow walk along the lighted path.

"The gardens are lovely even this time of year," Edward said. "And your father was very clever to put lights in so you can enjoy it after the sun goes down."

"Father has workers year-round who do their best to keep it up to par. He loves the outdoors and often strolls it when he can't sleep at night. Hence the lights." Her gaze swept the area as though taking in the sight. She had to get to the edge of the property near the wooden fence that led to the horse pasture. There she would slip between the slats and make her way to the back of the pasture to the road where Dr. King and Betsy would be waiting.

"Eliza, can I ask you something?"

She turned, surprised at the seriousness in his tone. "Of course."

"I'm not one for games and small talk, to be honest. You and I both know what our parents are aiming for in this introduction. What are your thoughts on it all?"

She bit her lip, desperately searching for the right words.

"Ah," he said, "I've caught you off guard. I'm sorry. Let me just say that while I find you to be quite charming and beautiful, my heart belongs to another."

A small laugh escaped her and she pressed her gloved hands to her lips. "Oh, I'm so sorry. I don't mean to be rude, but that's so good to hear."

His eyes lit up. "Really?"

"Yes. My heart belongs to another as well and I'm supposed to ..."

"Yes?"

Should she trust him? Dare she? The last time she'd felt such an inclination to trust a man had been with Dr. King. And he'd saved her. "I'm supposed to meet with friends who are going to take me to him. It's a very long story, but my father has basically been keeping me a prisoner in that house. And tonight is my chance to escape."

He studied her, and for a moment, she wished she could take the words back. Then he offered her a gentle smile. "Then let me help."