Page 43 of The Earl’s Marriage of Convenience

I certainly hope so, Eliza thought.

And then, unable to resist, she whispered the words aloud like a prayer.

*

Several days later, Eliza paced her room.

Langshire had been the perfect gentleman during their ride through Hyde Park—but while he was attentive, he had not declared himself. Not even close.

She could not understand the hesitation.

She had curated everything—every glance, every touch, every smile in his presence. What remained? What more could she possibly offer?

No matter how closely she examined her actions, she could not determine what required adjustment. Like a dance, she had executed each step precisely.

And yet—

If she performed flawlessly, why was it not working?

The grandfather clock in the hall chimed, and a knot of dread tightened in her stomach.

Lord Carver had sent another missive. He would arrive at a quarter past four.

And, of course, Gabriel would never permit such a meeting to occur in private.

She reminded herself it might amount to nothing—but for a man who had spent his life avoiding the consequences of his own scandals, she had little hope she would emerge unscathed.

A knock sounded at her door.

She opened it to find Pere studying her with quiet concern.

“It is nearly time,” Pere said gently. “Would you prefer to come down and wait with me, or shall I fetch you when he arrives?”

Her expression searched Eliza’s face with such tenderness that Eliza’s chest ached.

It had been a long time since she had felt so cared for. Not that her cousins had failed her—but she had always known, somewhere beneath it all, that she was not truly one of them.

For once, she did not feel that distance. “I am not certain,” Eliza admitted. “What would you suggest?”

Pere took her hand. “I would go down and face it directly. However, if you were to ask your brother, he would advise you remain here so he might first have a word with Lord Carver.”

She hesitated.

“I should also tell you—Gabriel has invited both Henley … and Edwin.”

Eliza’s jaw dropped. “And why would he do that?”

Irritation flared—followed swiftly by something else, something less easily named. She did not want Edwin present. Not for this. Not for that part of her life.

“You will recall,” Pere continued gently, “that some months ago, Edwin and Henley, along with your brother, intervened when my mother was in danger of repeating … unfortunate choices. It would seem your father has a talent for creating similar situations.”

There was a faint edge of dry humor in her tone.

“Gabriel believes a reminder of our united position will serve Lord Carver well before he is permitted to speak with you.”

Eliza lowered her gaze. “I see.”

“It is for your protection,” Pere said softly. “And I cannot say I disagree. Three gentlemen standing firm will give him pause—if his intentions are anything less than honorable.”