He knew without a doubt, after recalling what her cards had been, and her reaction, that those last cards had shaken her and Eliza feared that she would not gain what she wanted even though her final result, the Page of Wands, indicated that it would be exploration and freedom.
Did Eliza want something else? What did she long for that she feared that she may never have?
Further, how much fear did she possess and what else did she hide?
There was no doubt in his mind that she was brave, curious, and bold, but Lucian was coming to realize that there was far more to Eliza. Likely more than she was willing to share with anyone and he wanted to discover everything about her, especially the parts that she hid.
What did she want that she could not have? And why did Lucian experience such a strong need to make certain she received everything she desired?
Eliza woke to a bright room,though no sunlight penetrated the windows directly. Still, it was later in the morning than she usually rose, then she recalled where she was and quickly sat up and looked at the bed. Lucian was gone, but the covers were still rumpled from his sleeping, which meant he knew that she had snuck in here last night.
Blast! She had hoped to have awakened before him and already gone and then he would never have known.
He would want an explanation, but did she tell him the truth?
Oh, she hated to appear weak to him or anyone else. If he knew of her fear, he would use it to keep her within the house or only allow her to exercise on the terrace while being watched.
She understood and truthfully, she was grateful, but this hiding and living in fear was aggravating.
Taking her blanket, she crossed his chamber and opened the door to the sitting room, intending to go to her own chamber, but was brought up short to find Lucian sitting in a chair and reading a newssheet. On the table in front of the settee was a tea service.
Maybe if she walked quietly, he would not notice her and she’d be able to make her escape. However, before she was halfway across the room, he lowered the newssheet and spoke. “Did you sleep well?”
“Yes,” Eliza answered and continued walking.
“I will ring for Stella. She was waiting for you to wake.”
Eliza closed her eyes and took a deep breath. “How did she know where I was? What did you tell her?”
Her sleeping in his chamber all night was ruinous at the very least no matter what had occurred or the reasons.
“She had gone to your chamber but when she could not find you, came in here only to find me. I directed her to my chamber.”
“Did she look or did you explain?”
“I explained and told her to look to satisfy her own curiosity.”
At least Stella knew that she hadn’t gone to Lucian’s bed, but she had still gone to his chamber, and she didn’t want to have to explain to anyone why.
“I shall find her.”
“She is waiting to bring your breakfast in here.”
Eliza frowned. “Why not go to the dining room for breakfast?”
“Because I thought you would prefer to have our conversation in private and not overheard by the servants.”
“What conversation would that be?” Though she already knew what answers he would demand.
“The reason you snuck into my bedchamber last night and slept on the chaise.”
Eliza blew out a sigh and made her way to the settee and poured a cup of tea. She assumed the empty cup was for her since Lucian was already drinking out of one. “It was silly and it will not happen again,” she finally said.
“It must not have seemed silly last night,” he observed.
“Can we please just not discuss this and forget it ever happened?”
“That, I cannot do.”
