Page 63 of The Earl’s Marriage of Convenience

Three.

Four.

Five.

Then released her—just quickly enough to suggest he had only then realized the impropriety.

“A very effective detail,” Eliza murmured, her gaze lowering with a hint of shyness.

He offered his arm at once. She took it, looking up at him with quiet admiration.

“I believe we have succeeded,” he said softly. “The narrative has begun.”

“Well done,” she replied.

“Good teamwork.”

“Pere is just to the left,” Edwin said as he guided her through the crowd. “I will take you to her, then find Hawthorne.”

Eliza inclined her head in agreement, her hand resting lightly on his arm as she moved with him—effortless, in step, as though she had always belonged there.

The thought struck him unexpectedly.

With Lady Molly, he had always been aware—careful, accommodating, attentive.

With Eliza—

It was as though she moved with him, not beside him.

The realization unsettled him more than he cared to examine.

As they approached, Pere’s brows lifted, a knowing smile already forming.

“I cannot wait to hear everything,” she said, her tone carefully measured. Then, lowering her voice slightly, “Edwin.”

He lifted Eliza’s hand from his arm and bent over it, pressing a soft kiss to her fingers.

“I shall return shortly,” he said.

Eliza lowered her gaze, a blush rising once more. “I will wait,” she replied softly.

He could feel Pere’s attention shifting between them, assembling her conclusions with alarming efficiency.

As he turned away, he saw her draw Eliza closer, no doubt already beginning her interrogation.

Eliza, at least, would face the kinder of the two conversations.

Edwin had another to manage.

Hawthorne remained near the refreshment table, engaged in conversation.

Edwin approached and waited.

When Hawthorne turned, his expression was controlled—but hard.

And questioning.

“May I have a word?” Edwin asked.