Madness!Eliza Weston must be plagued with madness. Why couldn’t she answer a simple question?
What she was saying made absolutely no sense whatsoever, which further convinced Garretson that she had not taken Greenhaven Cottage simply because it was convenient.
“Why is it secret?” he finally asked. “Or is it because you are the daughter of a viscount and Society would disapprove if you were in trade?”
“That is not the reason.”
“Then why the secret identity?”
“Because I would not be a success if anyone knew it was me.”
“What kind of profession or work would allow you to hide your identity?”
“Lord Garretson, you really need to open your mind,” she chastised. “Think beyond the opportunities a woman in my position may enjoy such as governess or teacher…Those are the only examples I can think of right now, but I am certain there are several avenues that a woman could pursue in order to earn enough funds to support herself. In fact, I support myself very well from my chosen profession.”
He did not know what the blazes she was talking about. “You're not going to tell me, are you?”
It should not matter, and he should not care in the least what Eliza did with her time. His only concern was why she’d chosen Greenview Cottage for the summer.
Except, not knowing, after she refused to tell him and only offering hints would drive him to distraction.
Was that her intention?
Blast!
He should not have come here.
Madness. Eliza Weston was madness.
He sipped the tea and studied her. What type of work or trade could a daughter of a viscount take part in that required anonymity and she could do in the privacy of her home?
There was only one type of position …
Lucian couldn’t think of any other profession that would allow Eliza such financial freedom, though he doubted she had become a courtesan as someone would eventually recognize her even if she used a false name. Unless they somehow didn’t…
No!
It was not possible that she supported herself in such a manner. Besides, she denied that her activities were immoral.
Though, if she were…
Lucian tried to push the very thoughts from his mind, but to have Eliza as a lover for the duration of her holiday summer might finally purge her from his blood and soul.
Eliza chuckled as she poured herself another cup of tea.
“Why are you laughing?” he demanded.
“I can only imagine the types of positions that you have considered that one must also keep a secret.”
There was only one, but he would not admit to that.
“Given there are so few opportunities for women and it’s clear that I’m not a governess or a teacher nor do I own a business, you have wondered if I am taking part in likely the oldest female profession known to man.”
Lucian’s face heated because that’s exactly what he was beginning to believe, and likely because he had wanted her in his bed for these past ten years.
Perhaps she was the very reason he’d not married. He needed to purge her from his mind and extinguish the flame of desire and then he would be free of her.
When in London and the few times he’d gone to entertainments for the purpose of meeting the women who were available to wed, he’d compared them all to Eliza. None were as beautiful, nor stirred the least bit of desire in his loins.
