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

now, the sun had fully risen, and people began their pilgrimage up to the

prayen.

were common folk making the climb on foot, alongside nobles arriving

the side of the mail, their gures were inevitably

Those who did

cast curious glances. But others, upon recognizing her face, imaneiliately knew who she was "Tami that

be ascending the mountain with

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

for the most part, shocked by

a voler sneered in disdain. "What is

to garner pity

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Chapter 23

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,

chimed in. "She probably found out we

were

stageil this whole act to

it, the ones talking were

had been grounded by his father after humiliating

Even if Caleb himself had shown up,

their hike and stood by the path,

p the mountain

they sherred and mocked her. But as time dragged on-fifteen

to afternoon, her knees grew numb, her once-smooth forehead now

they were line, but

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

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

kind of sympathy play is this? Where did those injuries come from? Why would this scheming,

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

Caleb..." he muttered. "Eliza may be calculating,

fel a twinge of jealousy, If a

Caleb had not only pulilicly dumped Eliza but immediately proposed to her sister. What a scoundrel, they all silently

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

completely lost your mind?" she snapped, her hands

vision. Eliza thought she glimpsed genuine

the ghost of a smile touching her cracked lip before darkness

breath hitched as she pressed a palm to Eliza's forehead, and her expression darkened. Eliza was burning up-she'd had a fever this whole time and hadn't

hesitation, Mary lifted her up and turned to

step, James suddenly blocked her path. He had been watching

said calmly, "Why not give her a clear answer now?

shot him

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

hear the final answer.

said, "If she's this determined, I have nothing

within the walls

would be

to hurt her.

Then I'll leave her in your care and