The next afternoon, Lizzie went against her better judgment and accepted Lord Malmesbury’s offer. She was quite interested in seeing him one more time, although she was sure it would be the last time. For one afternoon, she would pretend she was just like any other woman visiting the home of a man she was falling in love with.

Matthew’s estate was stunning. The garden and the woods seemed to never end. She dreamed of losing herself in the beauty of the grounds, while allowing the cool air to kiss her cheek as though it was welcoming her home. Her heart was near bursting with anguish. The grounds of Matthew’s estate could only be described as calming and wild like her emotions. Being lost in nature gave her the freedom of taking off her mask. The trees, flowers and earth accepted her just as she was.

Matthew observed Lizzie surrounded by the flowers and newly trimmed hedges. There had never been a more beautiful sight. Her features were delicate when her muscles weren’t tense from pushing people away. The color in her cheeks matched the pale pink roses and her hair glistened like the morning sun. A slight smile lit up her face, and for the first time, Matthew knew he loved Lizzie. His pursuit was no longer just a game. She had stolen his heart.

Lizzie’s gaze shifted as she realized that she was being watched. Her jaw tensed and the carefree girl who had been there moments earlier had disappeared. A tight-lipped smile appeared on Lizzie’s face. Matthew approached Lizzie and her formal speech seemed cold. Matthew longed for the real Lizzie.

Matthew led her indoors and was ready to start the official tour. The inside of the estate was just as impeccable as the grounds. His hand brushed against her arm and he was taken aback by the strong emotion that had taken over his whole being. He felt a connection to Lizzie and wondered if she felt anything at all.

A statue of Mary and Jesus caught Lizzie’s attention and she looked at it, quite entranced. “This is a lovely piece of work,” she commented when she heard footsteps.

A feminine voice said, “My late grandfather commissioned it. It is one of our family’s most prized treasures.”

Lizzie turned around to greet the owner of the voice. A young woman, who resembled Matthew to a startling extent, stood behind Lizzie.

Matthew was quick to make introductions. “Lady Elizabeth, may I introduce you to my dear sister, Lady Katherine.”

“You are more beautiful than my brother described. I am so glad you joined us at such short notice. My brother said you might not join us because you were unwell, but I knew you would come. Matthew, I will guide the tour from this point forward.”

Matthew had been dismissed, so he allowed Katherine to spend some alone time with their guest. Lizzie looked back and offered a sincere smile to Matthew.

Katherine linked arms with Lizzie as if they had been childhood friends. Lizzie’s heart warmed to Katherine. She was so kind and outgoing, everything that Lizzie was not.

As Katherine led them into the drawing room, Lizzie asked, “Will we be joined by others?”

“My mother will be joining us shortly. We received word that her train was late. I know she will be so disappointed that she wasn’t able to welcome you upon your arrival.”

Lizzie saw another painting that caught her eye and walked over to it to get a closer look. Katherine followed.

“Lady Elizabeth, it seems my brother is rather smitten with you,” she said, her eyes dancing with merriment.

Lizzie was quick to respond. “I do not see why when I have made my position so very clear to him.”

Her hostess smiled indulgently. “Please be gentle when you break his heart.”

Lizzie just smiled.

Katherine proceeded. “I hear he made you run away to London.”

“What a ridiculous notion. My trip to London had been planned for weeks. It is amusing that he imagines I think so much of him to run away.”

Her hostess laughed. Lizzie’s attitude softened as the two women discussed art, their travels, and acquaintances they had in common. Lizzie enjoyed Katherine’s company and wished they could be friends.

Lizzie wished the afternoon would end so she could retreat to the comfort of her nearly empty townhouse. The butler then announced the arrival of Lady Malmesbury.

“Mama!” Matthew went to greet her. “I would like to introduce you to Lady Elizabeth Ellis. Lizzie greeted Lady Malmesbury and they all took their places at the table for tea.

“How was our cousin, Lord Livingston? Was the whole business sorted out?” questioned Matthew.

The name struck Lizzie cold. It was as if the name brought her back to the night that ruined her life.

Lady Malmesbury said, “It was such an awful affair, I must say. Cousin Livingston did get himself into quite the predicament.”

By way of explanation, Lady Katherine offered, “Our cousin, Lord Livingston, got engaged. His fiancée found out that he had been previously married. There was quite a big to-do.”

“I see,” Lizzie murmured, faintly, “How terrible.”

Lady Malmesbury snorted. “It is unchristian, is what it is. The poor man was forced into marriage by a social climber. She left him when she realized that his inheritance wasn’t quite as lucrative as she believed.” She fanned herself, expressing her shock at the situation. “I shouldn’t even be talking about it.”

“How do you know that the woman was at fault?” asked Lizzie, quietly. She knew that she needed to keep her thoughts to herself. This was just the type of gossip she had been worried about.

Lady Malmesbury looked horrified that Lizzie was questioning the trustworthiness of her relation. “Of course my cousin’s account is correct. He told us all about it. He was heartbroken that a woman would take advantage of his love and his family. There is no denying that this woman was just in it for the money. She must have already chosen her next target.”

Lizzie paled, and the whole table noticed.

“Lady Elizabeth, are you all right?” questioned Katherine.

Matthew jumped to his feet and took the tea from her, setting it aside. Her hand was trembling and she murmured, “I feel unwell. I would like to go home”

“Nonsense. You will stay here in one of the guest bedrooms. You must not travel if you are feeling ill,” Katherine spoke, looking upset.

“No! I must return to my own home. I cannot stay here.” Lizzie gained her composure. “Thank you for your kind offer, but I must leave immediately.”

Matthew helped her stand and her skin felt so cold to the touch that it took him by surprise. “Lady Elizabeth, everything aside, please rest here. I will call for the doctor.”

Matthew cupped Lizzie’s hands into his own and kissed them. He knew that he shouldn’t be so forward, but his genuine desire to help her overcame the formal rules of society. Lizzie gazed up at Matthew and he saw the bleakness in her eyes and the raw pain.

Her voice was hoarse as she spoke, “I thank you, but no. I would like to go home and rest. My maid will care for me.”

Matthew watched helplessly as he saw the carriage leave.

“What an odd woman,” Lady Malmesbury commented as they all moved to the drawing room. “With a duke for a father, I do believe she would have better manners. How could she possibly imply that my cousin could treat a woman with disrespect?”

“To be fair, Mama, Lady Elizabeth did not say Lord Livingston was to blame. She just asked how we knew it was the girl’s fault,” Katherine interceded as she handed her mother her tea.

Matthew was silent. He knew there was truth behind Lizzie’s accusations.