Eliza was frustrated.
Lord Montrose had not appeared to take tea with her as he had promised. That had been, in fact, three days ago and only this morning had she received word from him.
He had apologized most profusely for his absence from her side and had stated that he had been so caught up with plans for their honeymoon that he had quite forgotten his engagement.
“Eliza?”
She turned to see Titania walking towards her, her eyes darting from place to place as though she were afraid of what Eliza might say about her presence in the drawing room.
“Titania,” Eliza said, not understanding the way her sister was looking at her. “Is something wrong?”
Titania did not sit but began to pace up and down in front of the unlit fire. It was a warm day and the sun was shining in the windows and creating a most pleasant atmosphere but her sister’s obvious tension seemed to dampen the brightness.
“Eliza, I do not know what you have decided as regards Lord Montrose,” Titania began, a deep red flush beginning to creep up her face. “But I must tell you…..in speaking with Miss Stapleton – with whom I have become dearly acquainted these last few weeks – I have found out something most distressing.”
Eliza frowned and rose to her feet, reaching out to grasp Titania’s hand so that she might still herself instead of continually pacing.
“Whatever it is, you may speak freely,” she said, gently, aware that her sisters did not, as yet, know that she was planning to break off her engagement, given that there had been outings and balls and the like to take up their time. “Truly, I am eager to hear what you have to say.”
Titania winced, as though speaking so honestly would upset Eliza greatly. “It is just that Miss Stapleton heard from
her brother that Lord Montrose has been seen in the company of Lady Barclay,” she whispered, not quite looking at Eliza. “I know you have been waiting for him to call and still, he has not appeared.”
Seeing Titania’s red face, Eliza pressed her hands tightly and gave her a bright smile. “You need not concern yourself any longer, my dear sister. I have already decided that I shall not be continuing with my engagement to Lord Montrose.” She saw Titania’s eyes shoot to hers, a delighted smile already appearing on her face. “It seems, Titania, that you have known what is best for me all along. I shall not be marrying Lord Montrose and instead shall seek out Lord Avondale.” She smiled as Titania threw her arms about her, glad beyond words. “Your news only shows me that I am correct in my decision.”
“Oh, I am so very happy,” Titania exclaimed, releasing Eliza from her embrace. “This is truly wonderful. I am certain that Lord Avondale will accept your heart again in a moment! I know you have had a great deal of pain but there is a reason behind it, I am certain, a reason that he has never been able to explain to you.”
“I know,” Eliza acknowledged, softly. “I must now speak with Lord Montrose whom, it seems….” She trailed off, hearing his loud voice echoing from the hallway, “is already present in the house.” Squeezing Titania’s hand, she let go of her sister and turned towards the door, ready to greet Lord Montrose. “Might you sit in the corner, Titania, for propriety’s sake?” Seeing Titania nod, Eliza gave her a grim smile. “Never fear. It will not be for long, for he will be gone soon enough.”
Titania giggled and hurried away to the corner of the room. Lord Montrose was admitted only a few moments after she had taken her seat and Eliza was forced to accept not only his frivolous words of greeting but also his pressing of her hands and his intense nearness.
She suppressed as shudder as he kissed the back of her hands, a broad smile settling over his face, his eyes alight with apparent good humor.
They would not hold such an emotion for long.
“Lord Montrose,” Eliza began, with a tight smile. “Might you be seated? I have something I wish to say to you.”
“As do I,” Lord Montrose replied, grandly. “I must discuss with you the plans for our honeymoon. I had thought of a long and lengthy tour about England, for we must certainly visit and greet my many dear friends and relatives – all of whom will be delighted to meet you, of course!” He chuckled delightedly, as though this would be a wonderful occasion for Eliza. “I can tell by the look upon your face that you think this a pleasing suggestion.”
Again, I see his calculated mind, Eliza thought to herself, allowing her brows to knit together. He is trying to convince me that such an idea is truly wonderful, so that he can begin to mold me into whatever he pleases.
“I think not, Lord Montrose,” she stated, the smile beginning to fade from his face at her cool tone.
“No?” he repeated, sitting up a little straighter in his chair. “But you would be glad to meet those I consider my friends, would you not?”
Eliza did not smile. “I do not think I should be glad of even your company, Lord Montrose,” she replied, delicately. “Indeed, I have heard some things of late that have quite convinced me that this engagement, such as it is, is not of particular benefit to me.”
She watched with interest as dark clouds began to circle around Lord Montrose, his shoulders lifting, his brow furrowing.
“You should watch what you say, Eliza,” he retorted, not even a hint of good humor in his face any longer. “I am not well pleased with what you are suggesting.”
Eliza arched one eyebrow, finding that she did not particularly care what Lord Montrose’s feelings were on the matter. Given that he cared so little for her own, why should he then expect any such consideration from her?
“So you deny, then, that you have not been seen in the company of one Lady Barclay?” she asked, softly, seeing the way the color began to drain from Lord Montrose’s face. “You have not eschewed my company in order to spend time with her?”
Lord Montrose got to his feet abruptly, beginning to walk this way and that across the room, gesticulating wildly as he spoke. “It should matter very little to you what I do with my time,” he exclaimed, a faint color now rising in his cheeks. “Even if I should wish to spend time with another dear acquaintance, I hardly think –”
“Dear acquaintance?” Eliza repeated, interrupting him. “My dear Lord Montrose, I thought you had only been introduced to her at the dinner party we held only some days ago! Can she truly have become of such importance to you in such a short time?” She held his gaze steadily, wrath filling her. “I will not be treated in such a manner, Lord Montrose. I will not be wife to a gentleman who believes himself unable or even unwilling to accept that the vows made before man and God are not of great significance.”