Page 44 of The Earl's Reluctant Artist
“Wonderful,” she whispered to herself before looking back up at Gideon, her voice softening. “Do you know when he will return?”
“I cannot say yet because he went to collect a few things. But I do not expect he will be away long.”
Eliza pressed her lips together, then nodded. “Thank you, Mr. Hale.”
“Always, my lady.”
He moved on, and Eliza continued up to her room, though slower now. Her thoughts felt heavy and her steps unsteady. She had thought she could catch Tristan that morning and ask what Marcus had wanted.
In her chamber, she closed the door and walked to the table by the window. The portrait she had been working on lay there, and she lifted it carefully. The woman’s faint eyes seemed to meet hers through the aging the picture had gone through. It felt almost like the more she stared at the woman in the portrait, the more she wanted to know about her.
It was exhilarating to say the least, having to repair a face she knew nothing about. She was still examining the painting when a knock came at the door.
“Yes?” she called.
The door opened, and Rose stepped in, curtsying. “My lady.”
Eliza put the portrait down. “Is something wrong?”
Rose shook her head. “Not at all. I only wanted to tell you that your letter has been posted.”
Eliza smiled faintly. “Thank you, but you did not need to come all the way up here for that.”
Rose stepped closer and held out an envelope. “That is not the only reason. A letter arrived for you as well.”
Eliza frowned, taking it. The handwriting tugged at her memory. She shrugged it off and read the name on the seal instead.
Marcus Harwood
Her heart stirred as she broke it open. The words were simple, polite, and direct. Eliza could feel Rose’s eyes on her as she took in each sentence in the letter.
Eventually, Rose tilted her head. “Bad news?”
Eliza shook her head slowly. “No. Only an inquiry. My brother wants to know if all is well.”
Rose’s face brightened. “How thoughtful. It must be nice to know he cares enough to ask.”
Eliza gave a short laugh. “Well, I do not think I would say care exactly. More likely, he wants to keep his new status as an earl’s in-law, and this was his way of ensuring I was fine, I suppose. Itis quite fascinating because the last time he was here, he would not even look at me.”
Rose shrugged. “Perhaps your brother is coming around.”
Eliza scoffed as she folded the letter and set it down. “A leopard has a better chance of changing its spots.”
Rose smiled. “Shall I leave you to your work, my lady?”
She turned, but Eliza called softly, “Wait.”
Rose paused.
“How quickly could you fetch the colors I need from the market?”
Rose’s face lit up. “Very quickly, my lady. Absolutely.”
Eliza smiled back. “Good. Please see to it.”
Rose curtsied again, still smiling, and left.
Eliza sat alone once more. She picked up the portrait again and turned it toward her, running her fingers along the cracked surface.
