Page 105

Eliza laughed and put her face in her hands for a moment, before emerging and trying to keep her face straight. ‘We are going to get married in Scarborough.’

Charles looked baffled. ‘Scarborough? Why on earth would you marry in Scarborough?’

‘Because we like it, and we don’t want a huge society wedding, we just want to marry quietly and get on with our lives. Robert may be posted to Canada for a little while, so I may join him there.’

Charles’s face fell. ‘Canada? But we will miss you.’

‘I’ll miss you too, but it won’t be forever.’

Charles tilted his head on one side and regarded her. ‘I am happy for you.’

‘I’m glad. Thank you for allowing me to come with you to London.’

‘My pleasure,’ he murmured, looking a little emotional. ‘My pleasure. Now tell me, are we going to make an announcement to the family now?’

She nodded, suddenly feeling shy. ‘I don’t want to make an announcement, so to speak. We would like to let family know that we have an understanding. Hannah and Edward’s wedding will come first, and I don’t want anything to get in the way of that.’

‘That’s a long time to keep quiet about it,’ Charles said.

‘I’m going to be with him for the rest of my life. I think I can hold on for a while. Robert definitely doesn’t want any fuss.’

The Cavendish family was just as delighted for her. Hart scooped her up in an enormous hug, and Haryo danced around the room with her. Lady Liz came to see what the commotion was and became quite emotional at the news. She took hold of both hands, and tears shimmered in her eyes as she kissed her on both cheeks.

Haryo scooped her up in a huge hug. ‘Dear Eliza, the little girl Mama took us to play with, all grown up and on the brink of marriage. I am so happy for you, my dear. Ellice is a good man.’

‘Thank you,’ Eliza said.

‘Your mother would have been so delighted and proud,’ Lady Liz said to Haryo.

Eliza squeezed Haryo’s hand, and they carried on celebrating for some time. She told them too about their decision to wait to make any announcements formally. The Cavendishes couldn’t quite understand why they did not want a huge party to shout it from the rooftops, but she and Robert understood, and that was what mattered.

‘I’ve been presented and had a ball this season,’ she said to Haryo later. ‘Honestly, I do not want to be centre of attention again with a betrothal.’ She didn’t say that she was afraid it would stir up all the questions about her again, but the thought lurked in the back of her mind. She’d never quite got her answer.

Haryo squeezed her tight. ‘As long as you are happy with this.’

‘I am happy. Very happy.’

Chapter 50

HARYO

London

Harriet watched Robert and Eliza as they stood talking at the side of the dance floor. It was the last big ball of the season, and everyone was there, so it was a complete crush, and in that completely contrary way that summer weather has, it was raining heavily so no-one went outside. Consequently, it was hot, uncomfortable, and watching her dear friend so much in love, and dearly loved in return, made her heart so heavy she scarcely knew what to do with herself.

Of course, as she was at her lowest, Granville joined her.

‘What a crush,’ he murmured.

She just nodded, looking out over the people arranging themselves for the next dance as the musicians struck up the tune. Candles shimmered, adding to the heat, and everyone looked a little wilted.

‘Walk with me?’

She looked up at him. Even Granville looked a little shiny in the heat. She took his arm.

‘I am happy for Miss Eliza,’ he said.

‘As am I. They love each other so very much.’