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

prayen.

the climb on

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

Those who did

her increly cast curious glances. But others, upon recognizing her face, imaneiliately knew who

ascending the

will not withstand the strain What could

onlookers were, for the most part,

moibent, a voler sneered in disdain. "What is seeking wager she's merely

trying to garner pity from

22

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Chapter 23

agreement "Must be true. Eliza was just publicly rejected by Lord Caleb yesterday, and now she's here

probably found out we

we were coming

this whole act to

ones talking were

by his father after humiliating

laut chose to ignore them. Even if

stood by the path, watching Eliza crawl and

p the mountain

and mocked her. But as time dragged on-fifteen minutes, an hour, then most of the day-Eliza still didn't

her knees grew numb, her once-smooth forehead

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

drenched in red, pale as death, staggering

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

kind of sympathy play is this? Where did those

of the young men who had mocked Eliza earlier suddenly hesitated. His initial scom wavered, replaced by something more

muttered. "Eliza may be calculating,

a twinge of jealousy, If a woman loved him this fiercely,

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

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

she snapped, her hands gripping Eli's

vision. Eliza thought she glimpsed genuine concern and fear In

ghost of a smile touching her cracked

hitched as she pressed a palm to Eliza's forehead, and her expression darkened. Eliza was burning up-she'd had a fever this

lifted her up and turned

suddenly blocked

give her a clear

shot him a cold

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

hear the final answer.

said, "If she's this determined, I have nothing more to say. If the

within the walls of

one would

to hurt her.

smiled, satisfied. Then I'll leave her in your care

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