Eliza’s had her cousin’s maid fashion her hair tightly with several strands of curls whilst it was pulled back. Seated before the looking glass, she hardly believed the person staring back at her. Her own wedding dress hadn’t been so exquisite. Never in her life did she expect she would be attending a ball in town, much less fall in love with an earl. The maid carefully tucked tiny strands into place.

The realization of her feelings had not struck her until this morning after waking up, having dreamt of him running off with the blonde woman she saw in the shop. Her forehead beaded with sweat and her heart raced. How could she possibly be in love with a man she barely knew? The same man who was the first ever to rouse such a passion within her she hardly knew what to do with herself.

If he desired her terribly so though, Evan would have to follow her to the cottage. After tonight, returning to the center of all the drama, was not for her. How could she even consider living here, with her cousin all the while carrying an affair? Their secret affair, the false illness, the…. No. Perhaps it was being surrounded with such dishonesty that troubled her more. Evan would have to live with the consequences of his affair with Amelia whilst still married to her late husband, and sooner or later, Mary’s little intrigue would be discovered.

The maid met her gaze in the mirror. “There ye are, my lady. How does it look?”

“The hair is just lovely. If you would not mind helping with my laces in the back, I will not trouble you any further. Before I forget, you ordered that carriage for me after Mary leaves, correct?”

“Yes, I did, and your things have been packed.”

“Excellent, dear. Let us get on with this, and I will be off in no time.”

The lacing of the gown took the very breath out of her. How on earth did society women wear these confounded gowns every evening? The mere thought was unbearable and she was even more grateful her husband had never expected her to keep up such appearances.

Eliza sucked in a breath as the maid pulled on the laces.

“Just one more…. Ah!”

Eliza winced. Good God! She’d have to travel in this unbearable thing for hours before she met up with her housekeeper at the inn half way to the cottage.

“Let us have a look at this ridiculous, frivolous gown.” When she reached the looking glass Eliza hardly recognized the woman staring back. For the first time, she wore a gown so fitted to her curves that the ton would gossip about her intentions at the ball. A ridiculous notion, yet, the neckline and the way the corset lifted her… She blushed. Thank heavens she did not think Evan would attend or the man would never leave her side.

Her cousin strode through the door and gasped. “Dear heavens, Eliza, you will have every man clamoring for an introduction. That earl of yours will most certainly have competition before the evening is finished.”

Mary pulled at the lace and then stopped at her bosom. “And if your gorgeous gown and hair are not breathtaking enough, the ton will find plenty to say about these. You my lovely, available cousin will be married before the season is out, I promise you that. The question is whether you’ll be a countess, or something more.” Mary stepped back, her own gown of red and gold and an incredibly gorgeous silk fabric woven into a head piece for the evening.

“Haversham will not be able to keep his hands off you, cousin,” Eliza said. :Do try to behave in the presence of his sister.”

Her cousin laughed and waved her gloved hand. “You have nothing to worry about. Haversham will have everything and everyone under control; just you wait and see. I must be off. His carriage is outside and he does hate to be kept waiting.”

“Go on then, I will follow along shortly.”

“I simply do not see why we could not all attend together, but very well.”

Eliza watched her cousin from the window entering the carriage and the vehicle moving away. A moment later, another stopped in front of the townhouse.

Her hands began to tremble and she looked at the maid. “Well, we must get going. I do thank you for your help and your patience with me during my stay.”

“It was nothing, madam. To be honest, I think your company here has livened life here again for our mistress. Master Christian will soon be gone, and I believe our mistress will be finding a new home soon.”

Eliza smiled at the thought of Haversham taking his dear cousin as his wife. “Come along, my dear. I shan’t keep Lord Haversham and Mary waiting any longer.”

The descended the stairs then went outside and entered into the carriage. A sense of ease settled. In a few short hours, London would be the furthest thing from her mind. Her tiny cottage and simple life would once again be her only focus.

The carriage shook and swayed moving along the streets. She would do her rounds, as expected, and make polite conversation with the those that her cousin and Lord Haversham introduced her to.

When the carriage stopped, the driver opened the door and aided her out.

“I would like very much to be at the inn before midnight, so I will not be very long, I promise,” Eliza told him.

“Take as much time as ye need, Lady Winston. I will be waiting for ye.”

Eliza picked up her skirts and made her way to the entrance when she heard her name twice.

“Eliza! There you are. Come, come,” Mary called.

Her cousin must have been waiting by the door for her to arrive. Before she took her cousin’s arm, a man stepped between them.

“At last we finally meet, Lady Winston.”

A broad shouldered and handsome man with a full head of dark hair bowed before her. “Lord Phillip Haversham at your service.”

Her cousin squealed. “Is Phillip not handsome and charming? Come along, Eliza, we have so many wonderful people to introduce you to, don’t we, Phillip?”

Lord Haversham chuckled and led the way inside to the ballroom.

She’d never seen a party so big and full. Surely Almack’s looked like this even on the best of nights. The whole of London had to be present this evening.

Without paying much attention to where she was going, Eliza bumped into a man from behind.

“Pardon me, sir.”

When the gentleman turned she was astonished to find Evan and his sister.

“Lady Winston! I am so glad you came tonight. I hardly know anyone present, so it will be very nice to have someone to converse with.”

Evan remained silent and smiled with ease.

“Lady Winston, you already know Emberly,” his sister said.

She curtsied. “Have you all been here very long?”

“No. We arrived a quarter hour ago.”

Eliza nodded and smiled. “Lady Annabelle, would you do me the honor of accompanying me to find my cousin? I would so love for you to meet her, too.”

“I would be delighted, Eliza.”

“Excellent.” She turned to Evan. “I promise to bring her right back.”

“No need to rush, my lady. I will come and collect her just as soon as Emberly and I are finished with our drinks.”

Relief washed over her like a brief summer rain. At least, for the time she would be here, she had a lovely young woman for a companion in a sea of strangers. Wading in an unfamiliar sea of society, Eliza had no idea who to trust.

* * *

Evan could hardly keep his eyes off her. That gown, her scent; he wanted her so desperately he’d follow her to the ends of the world, if that is what it took. She looked terrified, and she had cause. Most of the people here tonight would most certainly gossip of her before the night was out. The women out of envy, the men wanting to bed her, and many would surely be curious of her family and wealth.

There was nothing more a society halfwit hated more than a new person entering their circle that they knew nothing about.

“Radcliffe, have you noticed the way Dodds and Hubert are eyeing up Lady Winston?”

“What was that?” Evan returned his attention to Emberly for all of a minute before he saw Dodds and Hubert approach his sister and Eliza.

“Excuse me, Emberly. Someone needs to put those two in their place.”

“Which two would that be?”

Evan did not even bother to answer the ridiculous question. He hurried to his sister and Eliza, draping his arms over both. The ladies nearby gasped but he cared not.

“Annabelle, Eliza, you two are due for some refreshments. Please, accompany me to the table.”

He did not leave room for either of the girls to contest his suggestion. They followed along until they were at the table alone.

“What in heavens was that all about, Evan?” Eliza demanded.

“Eliza, if you have not noticed, there are vipers and all kinds of unsavory creatures in this ballroom waiting to get their hands on two beautiful unsuspecting ladies.”

“Eliza! There you are. I have been looking all over for you. I have all sorts of…”

Evan turned to find Mary blushing furiously.

“My lord! I had no idea you were in attendance. I expect this lovely young lady is none other than Lady Annabelle.”

“Indeed, madam. You are looking well and quite invigorated. How is Haversham these days?”

“He is well, my lord. I hope you will join him later for a game of billiards?”

“I would like that very much, madam. I will find him later.”

Evan cringed as he had no intention of leaving his sister alone for too long. Even if Emberly was here with them, he did not wish for his friend to use that opportunity to lure his sister away. Not that the thought crossed his mind, but he hoped there would not be anything more to add to the scandal that hovered over their heads.

Moments later, they were joined by a rush of ladies.

“Mary! Come now... When were you planning on introducing us to your friends?”

Evan had no clue who the ladies were, but surmised one of them was the hostess of the ball.

“Henrietta, I apologize for not having found you sooner. Allow me to introduce you to my cousin, Lady Elizabeth Winston, Lord Radcliffe the Earl of Chisholm, his lovely sister Lady Annabelle, and I have to say, I've never met that dashing young man before.”

Dashing. Evan snorted.

“That dashing ruffian would be Lord Emberly.”

“My oh my, what a party. Eliza, you must join us, we have much to discuss. I do hope you are enjoying the ball.”

“I am, my lady. The ball is absolute perfection.”

Evan watched her lips move and his gaze moved down. This ball was going to be the death of him if they did not keep moving. Everyone wanted to meet her. It was then Dodds and Hubert decided on barging in on the conversation. Lady Haversham's sister and company departed, as they approached, giving both Dodds and Hubert a disapproving glare.

“I daresay, Radcliffe, were you purposely trying to keep us from that gorgeous specimen of yours.”

“And what specimen would that be, Dodds? Last I checked you were still married, and the women in my company are not in the least bit interested in settling with disreputable and dishonorable excuses for second sons.”

Both scowled at him.

“Mark my words, Radcliffe, that woman does not belong to you. She is fair game, and it is all the more she is barren. There is no reason why she would not be interested a man of my stamina and girth. Hell, I think I might wager she might be able to take both Hubert and I.”

Evan could barely breathe at the preposterous boast, nor contain his anger any longer.

Emberly attempted to hold him back, but failed miserably from keeping him from throwing the first fist. Both men jumped on him, only to be pulled off and dragged away.

His sister dropped to her knees next to him.

“Evan, what has gotten into you?”

Emberly piped up. “A certain lady. Can you guess her name, love?”

“Come on, get on up and apologize to our hostess and her husband. I am sure they will want to know what the meaning of this scuffle was about.”

He nodded and got up. No one. Absolutely, under no circumstances would he allow anyone to touch Eliza. They did not deserve her.

Evan located their hostess, who fanned herself incessantly.

“Good grief, my lord. What happened to your face?” Eliza asked with wide eyes.

She had reached for a silk square and dabbed at his nose.

“The two men who approached me should have not been invited. They have a reputation, despite being married; they make no secret in attending society events to spoil daughters and lay with married women.”

The hostess sat up and laughed.

“Well that is an interesting turn in morality for a man who laid with a married woman once before. Pray tell, what was her name, my lord?”

“Lady Jameson”, Eliza spoke up. “I do believe that once Lord Radcliffe realized the error, he ceased that relationship immediately. I find we are always so quick to judge without listening to the whole of the story.”

The woman snorted again, and her ladies in company pulled up their fans to conceal their smirks.

“That is quite the decided opinion for a woman who is barren, and a widow. Lord only knows how you will find a husband now.”

The rage that riled him up a few minutes ago had returned. Who was this woman who dared to speak to Eliza thusly?

“That is an amusing sentiment, my lady, but I do not wish to remarry. Furthermore, I find it fascinating how anyone would blame a young woman for being barren when she was forced to marry a man more than twice her age who was ill.”

She paused for breath, but he saw the anger quietly resting on her face.

“Oddly enough, one who is so keen to point out the flaws and scandals in others would find time better spent keeping their own scandals about to land on the ballroom floor out of the gossip rags, wouldn’t you say?”

Lord Jameson began to make a spectacle of himself.

Evan watched in amazement, Eliza walking away and whispered something to her cousin.

“If you will excuse us, ladies.” Evan turned to Emberly and his sister. “Keep an eye on Annabelle. I need to talk to Eliza.”

He did not even make it halfway when Haversham stood in the center of the room, clinking on a glass of champagne.

“If I can have everyone's attention, please."

The room went silent, after a few moments, but the odd whisper could be heard from all corners of the ballroom.

“We are certainly a lively bunch. I would like to propose a toast to our hosts, Lord and Lady Jameson, and I would like to announce that Mary has accepted my offer of marriage. To my lovely future wife!”

The room erupted with shouts of glee and clapping. Off to one side he spotted Amelia watching him, and to the other the host and his wife sat, incredibly displeased with the turn of events.

Evan scanned the rom for Eliza but did not see her where she once stood. He walked and walked, stopping to ask a few of the guests for her location, but no one seemed to know her.

He eventually made his way to the courtyard when a footman stopped to ask if he needed assistance.

“Yes, I am looking for Lady Elizabeth Winston. Have you seen her?”

“As a matter of fact, I have. She left a few moments ago.”

“What do you mean she left? Left for a walk around the grounds, or left in a carriage?”

“She left in a hired coach, sir.”

He whirled toward the house. Disappointment roiled about in his belly. Discontentment at the way she was treated bothered him so. Yet, the fond memory of her barb to the hostess of the party was one of the best responses he had ever heard. Eliza owed no one an explanation, much less could be expected to marry now. She was a grown woman, a widow with a juncture and did not have to marry if she did not wish to.

If anything, Evan was proud of her. She stood up for herself and did not cower. It was painfully obvious she knew she did not belong here, much less in London. He wondered though what impact Mary's engagement would have on Eliza staying in the townhouse.

He would call on her tomorrow and see what the ladies were planning. He hoped that Eliza would have a plan. A woman whose only connection in town was about to be married into another society family might want to distance herself, particularly after an exchange of barbs like those tonight.

Evan hadn’t thought it possible for a woman to publicly demonstrate her disdain for society’s judgmental attitude.

Eliza was true to her character through and through. This, perhaps, was the sole reason why he admired her.