Chapter 22-23

Chapter 22

whe gard at the

or small orchid, her eyes indisused. The plant was in well cared for, clearly a result of medienbuds attendiar

dira noived that even the other onschils in the small co

"Why would Mother Mary plan so many onclids, yet choose the one she took

mat rate with to give to me? die wondered. Is it just because

she loves orchids, or is there something else.

Could it have something to do with my mother?"

The thought suddenly hither, and she was surprised by the idea he felt a deep urge to figure out what the conection between the Reverend her mother was, and what had really happened all those years ago

Clenching her teeth, Eliza called out to James ahead, "I and Gray, stop

Without besitation, the cattlage showed and came to a stop at the foot of Most Westin

Elira, still holding the orchid, got out of the carriage again.

She looked up at the winding road ahead, stretching all the way si to the chauds

"Lady Eliza, have you left something behind at the Numery? Jamies askril, dearly confusei).

Eliza shook her head "No, it's not that. I just want to try one last time"

No matter what Mary's reasons were, no matter how close she might have been to her mother, Eliza's determination to break free from the Stonor family was unshakable-even if it meant risking her life,

"Lord Gray, would you mind bolding the orchid for me while I got Please wall here for my return" She handed the orchid to him with a smile that could light up the room. "This time, I'm sure I'll make the Reverend agree;"

t quite understand her intentions. He was about to voice his concerns when he saw Eliza turn toward the Nummery perched atoge

At Bru, james didn't e Mount Westin

Her delicate frame bem with grace, lowering itself in a reverent gesture before the

mon

James froze, watching in astonishment as she bowed deeply, then stood, took it step, and bowed once more.

He said hastily. "Lady Eliza, what_what are you doing? How long do you plan on continuing this? The mountain is so steep, how could you possibily bear such a trial! Allow me to love Mmeone escort you half way up.

Els did not turn around. Her voice, calm and unwavering, Trached him with quiet determination. "There is no need to worry, I can endure this

She added with even greater resolve, "I the Reverend does not grant her approval, it is because I have not shown enough sincerity. I slull prove it through my action and make my intentions knowIL"

Her purpose was steadfast.

And so, Elira continued her ascent, each step deliberate and each bow a humble offering, as she made her way up the mountain with an unwavering devotion

the sun had fully risen, and people

prayen.

them were common folk making the climb on foot,

of the mail, their gures

Those who did

imaneiliately knew who she was "Tami that Lady

seems to be ascending the

like this, her body will not withstand the strain

most

disdain. "What is seeking wager she's

to garner pity from us

22

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Chapter 23

just publicly rejected by Lord Caleb yesterday, and now she's here at Mount Westin making a scene,

chimed in. "She probably found

we were coming here

whole act

ones talking were young

to lake Mount Westih with him, but Caleb had been grounded by his father

if

stood by the path, watching Eliza crawl and pray her way

p the mountain

dragged on-fifteen minutes, an hour, then most of the

her knees grew numb, her once-smooth forehead now

but each prostration slowly split

the time she reached the mountaintop, she was drenched in red, pale as death, staggering with every

silent, following her all the way to Saint Grace Nunnery's gates. Confusion

thought, What kind of sympathy play is this? Where did those injuries come

Eliza earlier suddenly hesitated. His initial scom wavered, replaced by something more

he muttered. "Eliza may

the first time, he fel a twinge of jealousy, If a woman

only pulilicly dumped Eliza but immediately proposed to her

oblivious to the twisted interpretations of her actions. Half- conscious and swaying on her feet, she barely registered

completely lost your mind?" she snapped,

glimpsed genuine concern and

a smile touching her cracked lip before darkness

forehead, and her expression darkened. Eliza was burning up-she'd had a fever this

hesitation, Mary lifted her up and turned to carry her

take a step, James suddenly blocked her path.

calmly, "Why not give her a clear answer now? That way, I

him a cold

down. "She's gone through all thin-surely

hear the final answer.

sdence stretched between them before Mary finally said, "If she's this determined, I have nothing more to say. If the king has chosen

within the

one would be able

to hurt her.

satisfied. Then I'll leave her in your care and report

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