When he learned that she had changed and retreated to the parlor where she would write, only then did Lucian believe it safe to confront her.
In the hours that had passed since she had fallen into the lake, Eliza’s hair had been dried and arranged in a manner of soft curls that framed her temples with the remainder pulled back and tied in a ribbon that cascaded down her back. One pull of that silk bow and those curls would be free and he longed to run his fingers through the silky waves.
Blast!
His ardor should have cooled. It had until he experienced the vision of her wearing a pale-yellow dress with a bodice that hugged her breasts in a way that the tops spilled out. A part of him wanted to insist that she cover herself as he had done at the lake, except, what she was wearing was fashionable and in truth, he had seen even lower cut bodices. The only difference, he hadn’t wanted any of those women.
Lucian’s mouth had gone dry and he looked away and then frowned, noting the pistol at the corner of the desk. “Where did that come from?”
“It is mine,” she answered.
What the blazes was Eliza doing with a pistol? Did she even know how to use it?
“Why do you have it?”
“For protection.” She blinked at him. “Why else does one keep a pistol on their person?”
“You have no need for such in the house,” he insisted.
“I am aware. I took it with me when I left on my stroll.” She smiled. “I have a special garter to wear it against my leg when my reticule is inconvenient to carry.”
Lucian gaped at her. “A garter?” how high was it placed on her leg? Certainly lifting her skirts was more inconvenient than taking it from a reticule.
“Yes, but sadly it filled with water when I fell in the lake and needs a proper cleaning, if it is not ruined.”
He was without words. He should be grateful that she took her safety with more seriousness, but Lucian was more worried that she’d accidentally shoot herself.
“I thought that you did not own ribbons,” he noted recalling the earlier letters.
Eliza glanced up. “I said that I had not purchased any and as a rule, I tried to avoid them. However, on the rare occasion that I simply wish to tie my hair back they become a necessity.”
He supposed it was a reasonable explanation, nor was it really a concern given the true reason he needed to speak with her. “This arrived in the post while you were off falling into the lake again.”
“It was not my intention to fall. The bridge gave out.”
“You should not have been so far from the house.”
Eliza rolled her eyes and took the missive from him and he waited for her reaction.
At first, those grey eyes widened then she narrowed her gaze on Lucian. “You opened my correspondence?”
“Stella recognized the handwriting and feared what it contained.”
“That is no reason to invade my privacy.”
“It is when I fear for your safety.”
Eliza blew out a sigh and unfolded the parchment and within moments, all color had left her cheeks. “He watched me sleep.”
“Apparently,” Lucian answered and understood why she was suddenly shaken. He would be if he had received a similar message.
“I wonder how often.” She frowned and glanced at the missive again. “How could I have not been aware someone was standing in my chamber?”
Lucian would like to think that he would wake if someone was in his room.
The butler tapped on the door and then stepped into the parlor. “Supper is served.”
“Thank you,” Lucian offered then looked back at Eliza. She had not regained her color and if he was not mistaken, there was fear in those grey eyes. Maybe she was once again realizing how vulnerable she had been and would not leave the manor again.
