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

risen, and people began their pilgrimage up

prayen.

folk making the climb on foot, alongside

the side of the

Those who did

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

to be ascending the

this, her body will not withstand the strain What could

onlookers were, for the most

moibent, a voler sneered in disdain. "What

to garner pity from us

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Chapter 23

agreement "Must be true. Eliza was just publicly

probably found out

we were

whole act to get

talking were young nobles closely associated

to lake Mount Westih with him, but Caleb had been grounded by his father after humiliating the Duke's family during yesterday's public breakup. Now only his

ignore them. Even if Caleb himself had shown up, it wouldn't have

to Caleb, the nobles abandoned their hike and stood by the path, watching Eliza crawl

p the mountain

on-fifteen minutes, an hour, then most

numb, her once-smooth forehead

her back. At first, they were line, but each prostration slowly

reached the mountaintop, she was drenched in

all the way to

sympathy play is this? Where did those injuries

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

far for Caleb..." he muttered.

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

but immediately proposed to her

feet, she barely registered the

completely lost your mind?" she snapped,

thought she glimpsed genuine concern and fear In Mary's usually

that sincere enough)?" she murmured, the ghost of a smile touching her cracked lip

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 carry

she could take a step, James suddenly blocked her path. He had been

haven't answered Lady Eliza's question yet," he said calmly, "Why not give her a clear answer now? That way, I

shot him a cold

back down. "She's gone through all

hear the final answer.

before Mary finally said, "If she's this determined, I have nothing more to

within the

no one would

to hurt her.

I'll leave her in your care

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