Chapter 16

Chapter 16

Quickly tiptoeing out through the back gate of the estate, Eliza stepped into the woods, breathing in the early morning air. Now that it was summer, she could wake up much earlier and had been doing just that for the past one and a half weeks.

It was only four in the morning, with just very few servants awake and about the house, which meant she could sneak out easily and enjoy her early morning walks in peace.

Although, the walks had not been as cheerful as she had wished them to be.

Eliza continued down the familiar path she took every day, completely aware of every single bend in the road as she made her way forward towards the hill at the end, where she spent time waiting for the sunrise.

She sighed deeply, looking around the woods for any sign of George, but she knew it was in vain. He had been absent for about a week, making Eliza wonder why he had not been walking the earl’s dogs early in the morning.

She had been looking forward to seeing him for a very long time, and he had been absent for too long now. Even the masked stranger had left her a note about one and a half weeks ago that he would be away for business and would not be able to see her for a little while.

She couldn’t help feeling disappointed at these developments, not wanting to be away from either of them.

“You must stop thinking about them, Eliza,” she whispered to herself in the empty forest, finally beginning to climb the hill.

The sky was already beginning to turn a deep shade of pink, the darkness disappearing. This was what she loved about watching the sunrise from the top of the hill every single day, the changing of these colours. It almost felt as if she was watching a painter working on his masterpiece before the painting came to life with every passing second.

She sat down at her usual spot towards the very top, her eyes on the skies above. At this hour of the morning, everything felt magical, and she even stopped missing George for a little while.

Nature inspired her in a way, and lately she had been sitting here, simply singing to herself. The beginning of the day filled her with hope and delight, making Eliza feel special.

She had been telling herself how she owed it to her parents to live fully without letting anything ruin her heartiness and kindness. She was going to make the best out of the life she had been given without being bitter about it. That was the most she could do.

“I am going to be just fine.” She breathed in the fresh air, the sky already illuminating with light above her, and closed her eyes to savour the moment.

The light falling on her face suddenly turned into a shadow, and Eliza opened her eyes, almost afraid of what she might find before her, but to her surprise, she was met with an extremely familiar pair of russet-coloured eyes.

“George!” She shouted his name, unable to control the huge smile appearing on her face and threw herself in his arms after standing up. “I have missed you so much!”

Without realizing what she was doing, Eliza held onto him closely, her hands wrapped tightly around his neck as he hugged her back, the two of them locked in a warm embrace.

She had noticed his momentary bewilderment before her face had been buried in his neck, but he had immediately sunk into the hug right after. It would have been an understatement to say she was happy since Eliza felt elated in a way she had not been able to feel the entire past week. It was enough to make her realize how much she valued the man who held her in his arms.

“Beth,” he whispered her name right in her ear, making Eliza realize how close the two of them were to each other, “I have missed you just the same.”

Suddenly feeling embarrassed, she unhooked her arms from behind his neck, letting him go at last. Her cheeks turned crimson after witnessing the huge smile on George’s face, making her wonder what he might be thinking about the hug she had sprung on him in this manner. It was true they were good friends, but Eliza had never shown him this level of affection before.

“I must apologize for taking liberties with you. I shouldn’t have embraced you in this manner,” she quickly said, not wanting to offend him or give him the wrong idea. He was the one person whose opinion mattered to her the most, and she could not let him think wrongly of her.

Before she had even stopped speaking, George began to shake his head. “You mustn’t worry at all. Besides, my dearest Beth, you are allowed to take as many liberties as you might wish with me.”

Eliza rolled her eyes at the playfulness in his voice and sat back down, patting the ground beside her, motioning for him to sit as well. Without wasting a single second, he perched down, their shoulders almost touching as they faced the sky above.

Just being back in his presence, Eliza’s heart felt comforted, the sadness of the past week immediately fading away. She had got used to George’s company, and not having had it made her realize his importance in her life. She never wanted to let him go, and the very thought scared her.

“How have you been? And where have you been? I haven’t seen you in one week!”

“I have felt terrible because I have been unable to do anything except miss you terribly.” He glanced at her, making Eliza blush at the comment, “Although, I am extremely happy to be back, and I am already beginning to feel much better.”

“I am glad to hear that.” She continued staring into his eyes. “Mind telling me what had you so occupied?”

“I was unfortunately away on business for a friend.”

“On business?” Eliza frowned, “What business concerned the stable hand of the earl’s estate? Or was it something for the Earl’s valet of whom you are the right hand?”

“It was for the earl himself,” George replied quickly, looking back at the sky. “He wanted me to return to his country seat and handle a few matters there pertaining to his special horses. Thus, I had no choice but to go as quickly as possible.”

“That sounds urgent,” Eliza commented, still unable to understand.

However, she did not care one bit about what took him away; she only cared about him returning. Now that he was here, things were going to be alright. She just knew it.

“It was.” He sighed deeply, turning around to face her. Eliza turned around as well, the two of them staring at one another, a smile on Eliza’s face. The sun had finally ascended fully and was beginning to illuminate the world with its glorious light, and Eliza felt her spirits going up with it.

If it were any other day where George would not have been beside her, she would have been upset about having to return to the house and begin her day. Although, seeing George again had filled her with hope and spirits, and she knew she could manage the day ahead with grace.

“I am glad you could be of help to the earl.”

“Forget about the earl.” He took her hand in his, his touch making Eliza shiver. “Tell me about yourself. How have you been while I was away? What has been going on at the house? Did something momentous happen which I must most certainly be aware of?”

“You want to hear gossip about the servants now?” Eliza chuckled, tracing circles on his palm with her thumb.

“Why not? All I wish is to keep hearing your voice, so I just need you to continue talking about anything and everything.”

“Is that so?”

“Absolutely.” He nodded, a smile mirroring Eliza’s appearing on his face.

She shook her head, beginning to tell him the mundane details of her day and things that had been happening around the house while he had been gone.

Although, even as the two of them laughed together, Eliza couldn’t help wondering if she should tell him about Amelia and the gift stealing.

Eliza had hoped Amelia would stop stealing the gifts now that she was accused, but she had been wrong. The gifts still disappeared from her room, making her angrier every single day.

“Is something weighing on your mind, Beth?” George’s voice brought her back to the present, and she realized how she had been staring at him silently.

“Oh, nothing really.”

“You must tell me, Beth. Sometimes, when something is weighing upon us, talking about it helps.” She stared at him earnestly, wondering how he even noticed how stressed she had been. Everything about George reminded Eliza of how close the two of them had come to one another, filling her heart with happiness at the prospect.

If there was someone who really did know her, it was George.

“Well, it is about Amelia,” she sighed, finally deciding to tell him.

“Amelia? What about her?”

“Do you remember how I told you I have been receiving gifts from an unnamed fairy godmother?” George nodded. “Amelia found out about those gifts and has been stealing them ever since.”

“Stealing them?” A frown covered his handsome features, making Eliza squeeze his hand harder.

“Yes. She has been taking things from my room, and when I confronted her about it, she completely denied the allegations and hasn’t even been talking to me with a straight face since. I think she might be angry with me.”

“My goodness, Beth,” he sighed deeply, his palms running across her arms as he comforted her, “I cannot believe a good thing has been turned into something this thoroughly awful. I am truly sorry you had to suffer through something of this sort.”

Eliza was unsure about the guilt she saw on George’s face, making her feel as if he had blamed himself for this problem.

She did not understand it because he was certainly not at fault in the entire matter, completely distanced from it. Although, she could sense the sincerity of his reactions, reminding her how he was only worried about her.

“It is not your fault, George,” she whispered, smiling at him.

“I will do anything in my power to make this problem go away and help you in every way that I can. Is that alright?”

At that moment, Eliza wanted to do nothing more than to believe in his promise. His gaze was warm and sincere, and Eliza could see how he just might be able to help her. She appreciated the honesty of his words and nodded.

“That would be excellent.” She laughed softly. “Thank you.”

“You mustn’t thank me.” He tucked a stray strand of hair behind her ear as he had done countless times before. “Also, before I forget to tell you, the masked stranger wishes to see you later in the afternoon. Would that be possible?”

“I will come.” Eliza nodded, wanting to meet the masked stranger herself. It had been much too long. “It might take me some time because slipping away is not always easy. But I will try my best.”

“That would be excellent.”

“Can we watch the sunrise now?” she asked him, beginning to look at the sky once again.

“Absolutely!”

George leaned in closer, and Eliza comfortably placed her head on his arm as the two of them continued to watch the beautiful scenery before them in silence. Eliza had never felt this peaceful before.

***

The forest was silent around him as Alexander waited in the evening, dressed in his usual attire of the masked stranger.

He had been waiting for about fifteen minutes now, but Eliza still hadn’t appeared, which made him worried. For some reason he could not understand, the closer he was getting to revealing the truth about the Russels, the more trouble seemed to be brimming under the surface.

Where are you, Eliza?

He continued to pace around the woods, knowing how important it was for him to see her today. He had been away for the past week, digging deeper into the story of the Russels sending Eliza to France as they took care of her properties and inheritance.

Now, he had legal proof that Eliza had never stepped foot in France since the only relatives she had in France were a few distant relatives from her mother’s side, and they had assured Alexander that Eliza had never arrived.

Along with this, he also had proof of Edgar Russel dipping into her inheritance without her permission. What had shocked him even more was finding out how Edgar had tried his best to get the London Estate and all other properties around the country that belonged to Eliza in his name, but the duke had been intelligent enough to put a lot of red tape around the matter.

Hence, the properties were still safely in Eliza’s name and could easily be returned to her.

Now, all he needed were the documents in Edgar’s desk drawer. But how was he going to get back inside the house?

He was worried, but he knew he would have to find a way to solve the last piece of this puzzle. It was about time Eliza received justice, and Alexander would do anything to make it happen.

Despite this, he had other things to ask Eliza and remind her how he was still on her side, and all she needed to do was wait a little rather than give up so easily.

But where was she?

“Hello, stranger.” Eliza’s voice from behind startled him, and he turned around to look at her.

“Lady Eliza.” He bowed when she curtsied, formalities out of their way. He could not determine what the matter was, but for some reason, she appeared tired.

Almost exhausted. When he had met her in the morning, she had looked better and well-rested, but now, it was evident she’d had a long day already, and the day was hardly even over.

“I apologize for being late. I do not know what the matter is, but Lady Victoria seems suspicious about my whereabouts and held me up for too long rather than letting me go. I am afraid I will not be able to stay for long,” she said, sitting down on the log as Alexander sat beside her.

“It is perfectly alright,” he said, taking her hand in his. “I just needed to see you.”

“How have you been?” The softness of her smile filled his heart with warmth, but Alexander knew they did not have time for idle conversation today. He would hate her to get in trouble because of him; hence, it would be better if she returned promptly.

“I have been well, but that is not the reason I wished to see you today. I have a few questions I need you to answer.”

“Is everything alright?” Her brows furrowed, and Alexander quickly shook his head, trying not to worry her.

“Everything is perfect. I need to know if there is someone in the household who can testify and bear witness to the behaviour of the Russels towards you. Anyone who can straightforwardly tell the cruelty your aunt, uncle, and cousins have put you through and will not be afraid of speaking the whole truth.”

“There is Ralph and Lara, of course, but why would anyone believe the word of two old servants over the word of the earl and the countess?”

Alexander knew she was right. Ralph and Lara were witnesses to everything that had happened, but despite that, their word was not going to be believed. A witness was not necessary if he had the entire set of evidence with him, but he simply wished to be prepared for all outcomes.

“You are right.” He nodded. “I will think of some other way.”

“My Lord,” she squeezed his hand, staring into his eyes, “it is really good to see you, and simply meeting you here brings me immense happiness. You mustn’t trouble yourself with this situation, and I will eventually escape when the time is right.”

Alexander sighed deeply, knowing she meant every word. Eliza was one of those people who would never wish to trouble anyone due to their problems, and it made Alexander realize once again how kind she was. Despite all of it, he was not going to listen to her about this and make sure she never had to escape. What belonged to her would be in her rightful possession soon enough. Without thinking, he picked her hand up, placing a soft kiss on her knuckles.

“You must not give up so soon, My Lady,” he replied, “you will not have to escape. I promise.”

“I must head back now,” she snatched her hand back, and Alexander let her go, understanding her troubles.

“I will see you again soon.”

Eliza nodded, quickly turning around to head back to the house. As Alexander waited in the forest to watch her completely disappear before returning, he felt odd.

It was as if someone in the distance was staring at him, but he had heard or seen nothing. Not wanting to take any risks, he took the longer route back to the house and only removed his mask once on the estate. He needed to be careful.

***

“Are you absolutely certain that Amelia is not lying, Victoria?”

Victoria shook her head quickly, assuring her mother that Amelia had not been lying.

When Amelia had told her just a few minutes ago that Beth had once again gone to see the masked stranger, Victoria had been sure something was going on.

However, the later revelation was even more shocking since Amelia had followed the masked stranger and had found him entering the earl’s estate. To Amelia’s surprise, the masked stranger had been no one else but George and by the respect the servants were giving him, it was evident he was not an ordinary stable hand.

Victoria had known something about George was not right. He appeared too noble just to be a commoner.

Hence, Victoria had rushed to tell her mother, because now she was certain how George could very well be the earl’s son or even the earl himself. Something about the whole thing made her sceptical.

“I am certain, Mother. Amelia is not bright enough to get so inventive.”

“If George is the earl or the earl’s son, and he was the one asking questions about the duke and his daughter, it only means he has an agenda. He probably knows Beth is not Beth but Eliza instead, and he could cause serious trouble for us.”

Victoria was horrified.

“What are we do to, Mother?”

“We have to stop Beth from seeing the man. Immediately.”

Victoria nodded, knowing her mother was right. “All we need to do is accuse her of stealing from the family and carrying on with George behind our backs like a loose woman since Amelia saw the two of them almost kiss. That way, we will stop her from setting foot outside the house again unless escorted.”

“That sounds excellent,” her mother sighed. “But if that George or whoever he is, is doing something. He will just continue with it.”

“Mother, I think it is time to say yes to Count Fife for giving Eliza to him in marriage. She will be out and away from here, and the matter will go no further. If anyone asks us about Eliza, we can simply say she is happily married and living with her husband. Moreover, she left everything she once owned for us since her husband has more than enough to provide for her.”

Victoria could see her mother was hesitant about letting Eliza go, but it was important to send her away now. Or else it might end up harming the family.

“You are right,” her mother finally nodded. “I will grant Count Fife’s wish under the sole condition of him signing over Eliza’s inheritance to Edgar since, as her husband, everything she owns will belong to him after marriage. Once that is done, he can take Eliza away. But we will have to wait a little.”

“Why?” Victoria was annoyed.

“We need Eliza to plan the summer masquerade now that the Season has officially begun. This masquerade needs to be bigger and better than the spring masquerade, and only Eliza can do that for us. But once this is done, we will send her away, and in the meantime, we will confront her about what she has been doing in this house.”

“Let’s not delay one bit.”

Victoria had never been happier.

***

Count Fife.

Margaret was horrified that her very own mother and sister could be so cruel as to give someone as lovely and kind as Eliza to a man like Count Fife in marriage.

Moreover, they were making sure that everything she owned was signed over to them as well. As if treating her terribly for so many years was not enough, now they were planning to ruin the rest of her life as well.

It was too much. Margaret knew she could not stand silently and watch this absurdity unfold. She needed to do something.

But what can I do?

“I must talk to George, or whatever his name is,” she whispered to herself, immediately rushing away. Doing so would bring immense trouble to her and her family, but Margaret was not left with much of a choice. Eliza had suffered at the hands of her family already, and she did not need to suffer anymore. It was about time Margaret did something.