The Lady Nun Vows Revenge by Caroline Rowland

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

sun had fully risen, and people

prayen.

the climb on

they saw Eliza bowing by the side of the mail, their gures were

Those who did

recognizing her face, imaneiliately

seems to be ascending

she lost her senses? If she continues like this, her body will not withstand the strain What could possibly drive her to such

for the most

disdain. "What is seeking

to garner pity

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Chapter 23

those words, many in the crowd immediately nodded in agreement "Must be true. Eliza was just publicly rejected by Lord Caleb yesterday, and now she's here at Mount Westin making a scene, someone

"She probably found

we were coming

this whole act to get

it, the ones talking were young

grounded by his father after humiliating the Duke's family during yesterday's public breakup. Now only his

them laut chose to ignore them. Even if Caleb himself had shown up, it

and stood by the

p the mountain

as time dragged on-fifteen minutes,

knees grew numb,

back. At first, they were line, but each prostration slowly split the injuries open. Blood seeped

mountaintop, she was drenched in red, pale as death,

following her all the way to Saint Grace Nunnery's gates. Confusion etched their

play is this? Where did those injuries come from? Why would this

earlier suddenly

muttered. "Eliza may be calculating,

time, he fel a twinge of jealousy, If a woman loved him this fiercely, he'd never

Caleb had not only pulilicly dumped Eliza but immediately proposed to her sister. What

of her actions. Half- conscious and swaying on her feet, she barely registered the figures rushing from Saint Grace Nunnery's

completely lost your mind?" she snapped, her

she glimpsed genuine

sincere enough)?" she murmured, the ghost of a

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

Mary lifted her up and turned

a step, James suddenly

haven't answered Lady Eliza's question yet," he said calmly, "Why not give her

him a cold

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

hear the final answer.

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

the very least, within the

would be able

to hurt her.

leave her in your care and report back