Eliza couldn’t wait to excuse herself, needing both space and silence. Lord Penn had ensured her mind was full of him and his demands, sidling up to her as the evening went on, whispering words that tied her stomach in knots. Her jerky nod confirmed that yes, she had brought the necklace. She watched his face light up with a wicked rejoicing. He had kissed her hand and left her alone, his piercing glances still catching her eye now and again. She hated to give him the satisfaction of seeing her struggle, so she raised her chin and refused to be cowed. Retiring early would show him that he was getting to her, and she refused to give him the gratification.

“Are you quite well, my dear?”

Eliza smiled up at Lord Stockton, wishing her face had not given so much away. “I am well, my lord, thank you. Travelling has always wearied me; that is all.”

Lord Stockton smiled down at her, the corners of his brown eyes crinkling. She loved that about him.

“Should you care for a turn about the room?”

Eliza placed her hand on his arm in response, surprised when he eventually took her out of the drawing room and along the hallway.

“I must ask you something, Miss Williams.”

Confusion clouded her features. “Indeed, Lord Stockton? Whatever can it be?”

He took her hand gently in his own, turning his body to face her. “You must know, my dear, how I have come to care for you. It would bring me great pleasure if you were to call me by my given name, should you care to.”

Eliza’s stomach swirled. This was a big step forward in their relationship and one she had not expected quite so soon. However, it was not something she was averse to, knowing that she too had begun to care for Lord Stockton.

"I thank you for your candor, Lord Stockton. I should be very pleased to do so, when we are in private or not within hearing of the other guests.”

Lord Stockton nodded in understanding. It would not do to be too obvious in their attachment at such an early stage. He would accept her request.

“Indeed, Miss Williams, I understand entirely. When we are in private, then.”

“Yes, thank you…John.” She smiled, his name sounding both unusual and right on her tongue. “And, of course, you may call me Elizabeth, or Eliza, if you prefer.”

“Eliza it shall be,” John replied, his voice happy. “It suits you much better, I think." He gazed into her eyes for a moment, his head slowly lowering as Eliza realized that he was about to kiss her. In response, she tilted her head up, closing her eyes as his lips touched her own. Whilst unsure how kisses were meant to feel, she was disappointed that there were no fireworks exploding around her, nor did she feel any excitement or overwhelming delight. As he broke the kiss, she struggled to hide her dissatisfaction, glad that the candlelight would conceal most of her expression.

“I think we should return to the drawing room,” John said softly, his hands still clasping her around the waist. “Although I should very much like to keep kissing you.”

Laughing, Eliza turned and began to walk slowly back up the hallway, wishing that she could say she felt the same. Perhaps, she thought, it would get better with practice.

The darkness was slowly dissipating, meaning it would not be long until the servants were up and about. Eliza had slept poorly as thoughts of Lord Penn, as well as her disappointing kiss with Lord Stockton, kept her tossing and turning. Now it was barely daylight, and Eliza was already washed and dressed, dispensing with any tight-fitting corsets for the time being. She had tied her hair in a plain braid, which hung over her shoulder, aware that there would be no one to see her state of dress. Intending to take a short walk through the estate gardens, and possibly into the small wood that she had explored on the outskirts the day before, she hoped that the fresh air would help rid her of her melancholy thoughts. Taking a breath, she eased open her door and down the stairs, slipping through the front door without a noise.

Walking quickly across the lawn and away from the great house, Eliza inhaled a great breath of fresh air, already feeling a little better. The chill morning air nipped at her ears and her toes, but she did not care. Finding the small entrance to the woods, she started along the path, opening her arms wide and tipping her face towards the sky, as her sense of freedom grew.

Walking for a while, Eliza found herself considering her situation once more. Instead of ridding her of such thoughts, she found that her walk was forcing the issue back to the forefront of her mind. Lord Penn’s wicked face floated before her eyes, his words causing her to shiver. The thought of handing over the necklace haunted her, knowing the pain and distress it would cause her mother when she discovered it was gone. Eliza hadn’t even considered how she would explain its disappearance, not wishing the blame to fall on an innocent servant. Her inability to share her burden with anyone was causing her great distress, and she struggled to contain the tears that pricked the corners of her eyes.

Anthony could barely believe what he was seeing. Here he was, coming back from his early morning stroll, only to find a woman walking towards him, completely unaware of his presence. She was muttering to herself, the occasional sob escaping from her lips, and Anthony realized she was crying. It was most disconcerting. Anthony watched the surprise cross her face as she spotted him, stopping instantly in her tracks.

Eliza struggled with indecision, hurriedly wiping away her tears. Being alone with a strange man was a situation she had been taught to avoid at all costs, not that she could have taken a chaperone with her on her morning’s outing. The man did not seem in the best temper, staring at her with piercing blue eyes and a shock of black hair falling over his face. Nevertheless, she knew she had permission to wander the grounds, and this man did not seem to be any kind of gentry with his half-open shirt and dirty boots. Squaring her shoulders and making sure her face was dry, Eliza continued on her path, hoping to sidestep the man, but it was not to be.

“Why are you here?” Anthony growled, frustrated with her presence in his woods.

Eliza pushed down her fear. She would not be intimidated. “I am a guest here, at Lady Bessington’s request. We have been given permission to walk the grounds, and I am merely taking advantage of that.”

Anthony raised a brow, aware that her logic was flawless. “You are out very early, my lady, and you are…alone.”

Desperately hoping she was not about to be ravished, Eliza flushed deeply. “I needed some time to think,” she began, stumbling over her words as she took a couple of steps back. “Away from the rest of the guests.”

Anthony shrugged, well able to understand her need for solitude. “Then you must allow me to escort you back to the house. I do not intend to overpower you, My Lady, if that is what you fear.”

Hiding her relief, Eliza stood her ground. “I have no need for an escort. I thank you. I shall return to the house when I choose. I am sure Lord Bessington would not be happy with any servant of his who forced a lady to do something against her will.”

Biting his tongue to demand her return to the house, Anthony found himself in an intriguing position. Clearly, this woman had no idea who he truly was, despite his appearance at dinner the previous evening. Recalling the empty seat, he felt a surge of exhilaration. The chance to get to know what his guests truly thought of him would be an interesting experience, as well as teaching this chit a lesson. Playing the part of a servant, he bowed deferentially, acquiescing to her wishes.

“If you do not wish to return, my lady, then I shall comply. However, these woods are deep and stretch very far. If you do not wish to get completely and utterly lost, then you would be wise to accept my help.”

Eliza thought for a moment, realizing that she had been so caught up in her thoughts that she had not watched her steps. She was unsure of the path to return to the house and certainly did not want to become lost. The stranger was studying her now, which was an uncommon reaction for a servant, Eliza feeling hot under his perusal. Nodding, she accepted his offer, and they fell into step together.

“What is your name?” Eliza asked, keeping her gaze on the path before her.

“Phillip, my lady,” Anthony replied, thinking on his feet and giving her one of his middle names.

“What are you tasked with on the estate?”

“Gardener, ma’am,” Anthony answered, without hesitation.

“I see,” Eliza replied quietly, continuing along her path. Becoming lost in her own thoughts, they walked in silence for a long while, stopping only when Eliza became aware of their surroundings.

“Have we walked far, Phillip?”

Anthony stopped for a moment, studying the trees around them. “Quite far, my lady. The woods can pull you in if you are not careful.”

“Indeed,” Eliza sighed, turning around. “I suppose I should return to the house now.”

“Of course, ma’am.” Allowing Eliza to lead the way, Anthony walked a step or two behind her, directing her path whenever they came to a fork in the trail.

She was a beautiful woman, but something was clearly upsetting her. Not that he wanted to become involved, in any case, but the constant sadness in her eyes unnerved him a little. He wished she would smile, for he thought that it would utterly transform her face. Her blonde hair hung in a long braid down her back, and he was sure she was not wearing a corset. Perhaps her lack of correct dress was down to the fact that she had thought no one would see her on her escapades. Smirking, he wondered how she would feel when she discovered the truth of his identity, whenever he chose to reveal it. That would put the girl in her place.