Page 83 of A Literary Liaison
The room erupted in laughter, Edmund included, his face flushing with good-natured embarrassment. “Am I truly so obvious in my theatrical incompetence?”
“Only to those of us who share your affliction,” Elisha replied warmly, and caught the duchess observing their exchange with what looked suspiciously like approval.
As the evening progressed, Elisha felt herself relaxing fully for the first time since their arrival. These people—Edgar’s people—were welcoming her not just with politeness but with genuine warmth. Evaengaged her in passionate discussions about social reform that left them both breathless with excitement. Essie shared confidences about the local young men with delicious scandal. Even the duchess unbent enough to share amusing anecdotes about the children’s younger years that had Edgar groaning in theatrical mortification.
When the clock chimed eleven, signaling the end of a proper evening’s entertainment, the duchess rose with regal grace. “Miss Linde,” she said, her voice carrying a warmth that had been notably absent earlier, “I must thank you for a most delightful evening. It has been… illuminating.”
Elisha curtsied deeply, her cheeks flushed with pleasure and the lingering effects of several glasses of excellent wine. “The delight has been entirely mine, Your Grace. I count myself fortunate to have been welcomed so graciously into your family circle.”
Something passed across the duchess’ face at the word “family”—surprise, perhaps, or calculation. But her smile remained genuine as she inclined her head in acknowledgment.
Later, as Edgar escorted Elisha through the lamplit corridors to her guest chamber, his pride was evident in every line of his bearing. “You were magnificent,” he murmured, his hand warm and possessive at the small of her back. “I do believe you’ve charmed them all completely.”
Elisha glanced up at him, her heart swelling with a dangerous combination of love and hope. “Even your mother?”
“Especially my mother,” Edgar chuckled, pausing outside her door to frame her face with gentle hands. “Though she would never admit to being charmed by anyone, of course. It would quite ruin her reputation for impeccable judgment if she were to express an opinion.”
As they lingered in the intimate circle of lamplight, Elisha felt a surge of hope so intense it was almost painful. The evening had been a revelation—not just of her ability to navigate Edgar’s world, but of the possibility that she might actually belong in it. These people couldbecome her family, this grand house could become her home, this life of intellectual discourse and warm affection could become her reality.
“Thank you,” she whispered, rising on her toes to press a soft kiss to his lips. “For believing in me. For bringing me here. For showing me what might be possible.”
Edgar’s arms came around her, holding her close as if she were something infinitely precious. “This is only the beginning, my darling,” he murmured against her hair. “Tomorrow you’ll meet the staff properly, and Mother will undoubtedly find excuses to assess your household management skills and your facility with French. But tonight… tonight you’ve taken the first step toward becoming the Duchess of Lancaster.”
The title sent a shiver through her—half terror, half exhilaration. It seemed impossible that the workhouse foundling could aspire to such heights, yet here she stood in the halls of Lancaster House, wrapped in the arms of its master, accepted by his family.
Perhaps fairy tales could come true after all.
Intimacy
The carriage wheelscrunched over the familiar gravel drive as Edgar’s cottage in Tunbridge Wells came into view, its windows glowing warmly in the gathering dusk. Elisha felt her shoulders finally relax for the first time in days as they approached the sanctuary that had become their private haven.
“Home at last,” Edgar murmured beside her, his voice carrying the same relief she felt. The past three days at Lancaster Hall had been a triumph, but an exhausting one. Every conversation had been carefully navigated, every glance scrutinized by his family’s watchful eyes.
As the carriage drew to a halt, Edgar stepped down first and turned to offer his hand. The simple gesture now carried new weight after his mother’s blessing and his siblings’ enthusiastic acceptance.
“How does it feel to have conquered the Lancaster family?” he asked with a smile as they approached the front door.
“Rather like surviving a very elegant battlefield,” Elisha replied, earning his warm chuckle. “Though I confess, I’m still somewhat stunned by their acceptance.”
Edgar paused at the threshold, his expression growing tender. “They saw what I see—an extraordinary woman worthy of their respect and affection.” He lifted her gloved hand to his lips for a gentle kiss. “My mother hasn’t warmed to anyone so quickly in years.”
As they entered the cottage, the familiar scents of beeswax and lavender enveloped them. The house felt different somehow—nolonger a secret refuge but a proper home where their future was taking shape.
“I’ve given the staff the evening off,” Edgar said as he helped her remove her traveling cloak. “I thought we might appreciate some privacy after being so thoroughly observed these past days.”
Elisha felt a deep sense of gratitude. The constant performance of being the perfect potential daughter-in-law had been more draining than she’d realized.
“That was thoughtful of you,” she said softly. “I feel as though I’ve been holding my breath for three days straight.”
Edgar’s hands came to rest gently on her shoulders, his thumbs tracing small circles through the fabric of her traveling dress. “Then let me help you breathe again.”
*
The private sittingroom felt impossibly intimate with just the two of them, a fire crackling in the grate and candles casting dancing shadows on the walls. Edgar had poured them each a glass of wine, but Elisha found herself more intoxicated by the freedom to simply be herself again.
“Eva’s knowledge of reform quite took me by surprise,” she said, settling into the familiar armchair while Edgar took his place on the nearby settee. “I hadn’t expected to find such a passionate ally within your family.”
Edgar’s expression grew thoughtful, then slightly troubled. “About that…” He set down his wine glass and leaned forward, his blue eyes growing serious. “Elisha, I must ask directly—how deeply are you involved with the Pioneers?”
