Page 68 of The Earl’s Marriage of Convenience

For now.

Edwin turned his attention back to Eliza, curious what she had already shared with Pere.

As though sensing the question, Eliza poured herself a cup of tea and moved to stand beside him.

“I explained as much as I could,” she said, addressing both him and her brother. “I believe we are largely aligned regarding the events of the evening.”

“You will need to repeat most of it,” Hawthorne said. “For Henley’s benefit.”

“Of course,” Edwin replied. “Though I suspect he will grasp the essentials quickly. The particulars matter less than the structure.”

He took another sip of brandy, studying Eliza in the quiet that followed.

She did not appear overwhelmed.

Nor did she seem uncertain.

If anything, she appeared … composed. Resolved.

He found himself unexpectedly grateful for that.

If she had faltered—if she had hesitated—it would have complicated matters considerably.

And he, for his part, felt no such hesitation either.

Which was … notable.

As expected, Henley arrived not long after.

Once the essentials had been relayed, he moved to stand behind the sofa, bracing his hands against its back as he looked between them.

“So,” he said, “what is the story we are to tell?” His gaze sharpened. “Because if this is to succeed, it must be airtight. Not a whisper of scandal.”

Edwin nodded once.

“Good Lord, Henley,” Pere interjected. “They are getting married, not concealing a body.” She cast him an exasperated look. “And you accuse me of dramatics.”

Henley did not so much as glance in her direction.

Instead, he kept his focus fixed on Edwin. “You have given this thought, I assume.”

Edwin rose from his seat.

Eliza followed him without hesitation.

Together, they turned to face the room—presenting a united front.

“Our approach,” Edwin began, “relies on layering truth in such a way that it becomes not only believable—but inevitable.” He paused briefly. “To answer the questions society will ask, we must first identify what those questions will be.”

He glanced toward Eliza.

She stepped forward seamlessly. “The first,” she said, “will be duration. It is widely known that both Lord Devon and I have been … otherwise engaged. The shift will appear sudden.” She held their attention easily. “We must therefore ensure that it does not appear sudden at all.”

Edwin picked up the thread. “Proximity provides us with our foundation. Family ties, shared time, familiarity—it is entirely reasonable that acquaintance might develop into attachment.”

Eliza inclined her head. “And we may strengthen that perception,” she added, “by allowing it to appear that jealousy prompted realization. That observing one another in the company of others forced a clarity neither of us could ignore.”

Pere narrowed her eyes. “This is not romantic,” she said flatly. “This is calculated. You are taking something that ought to be poetic and rendering it … strategic.” She folded her arms. “It makes me want to throw something at you.”