But Eloise remained hopeful, even in the face of such uncertainty. Jackson had promised to help her, and now she felt a fresh sense of determination in her quest. She would find her sister, come what may. And even if Alice did not want to see her, Eloise’s mind might at last be at peace, as sad as such an outcome would be.
“I’ll find her. I know I will,” Eloise said to herself. She took a fresh piece of writing paper and her ink quill, ready to write another letter and continue the search.
* * *
“A letter for you, My Lady,” Anderton said, lowering the silver tray to Eloise and offering her the letter that lay on it.
It was breakfast time the following day, and Eloise took the letter and opened it with her father’s paper knife, which lay on the table next to her. Her father was buried in his periodicals, and whilst an uneasy truce had descended between them, they had barely exchanged a dozen words that morning.
“It’s from the Duke of Kenwood,” Eloise said, smiling at the thought of her own vindication.
The more times she met with the Duke, the more invitations he sent her, and the more attention he lavished on her, the more truthful their ruse would appear.
“Does he break off your courtship? Does he tell you he no longer wishes to see you?” her father enquired, folding his periodical and looking at her pointedly.
“No, Father, he invites me to the theater. There’s a performance of A Midsummer Night’s Dream at the Covent Garden Theater. We’re to go this evening, if I’m willing,” she answered, smiling at the thought of the Duke’s invitation.
Her father furrowed his brow. It seemed he was confused as to the Duke’s intentions. Jackson had proved himself more than an idle tease. They had danced at the ball, walked together in the park, and now they were to go to the theater together.
“And if I’m willing, too,” he declared, giving her a pointed look.
“But you are, aren’t you? Why would you prevent it?” she asked.
There was no reason for her father to do so. They had not caused a scandal, even if being seen entering the shrubbery in Hyde Park might have set tongues wagging. They were just a man and a woman in a courtship. It was no different from any other.
“You’ll take Delphine as a chaperone. It’s one thing to walk together in public in the park but quite another to sit together in a dark theater box,” he grunted, and Eloise smiled.
“I’ll be happy to take her,” she chirped, thinking back to the open air of the shrubbery, and knowing just what was possible in a public park.
CHAPTER7
The prospect of going to the theater that evening was exciting, and Eloise spent much of the afternoon getting ready. She chose a red gown with a gold sash and a shawl she embroidered herself. It looked very pretty, and whilst Eloise had no intention of it being alluring, she was only too pleased to create such an impression. This was another opportunity for her and Jackson to be seen in public, and she wanted everyone to notice them. Delphine helped her to get ready, and whilst the maid remained skeptical of the plan, she was only too glad to act as a chaperone.
“The theater, My Lady. How exciting it’ll be!” Delphine exclaimed as she put the final touches on Eloise’s attire.
She chose a pearl necklace that belonged to her mother and a brooch that had been her sisters’, an emerald set in a gold frame studded with diamonds.
“I’m looking forward to it. I’ve never seen the play before. I don’t know the story,” Eloise said, glancing at herself for a final time in the mirror.
“I don’t either, My Lady. I’m sure we’ll enjoy it, though,” Delphine concurred.
“He’s proving himself entirely diligent in the ruse, isn’t he?” Eloise voiced out, as the two of them made their way downstairs.
“He seems to be, My Lady. But… well, I’m still not certain it’s a good idea,” the maid cautioned.
“You’re very kind, Delphine. It’ll be all right, I’m sure. One step at a time,” Eloise assured.
She was surprised by how excited she felt at the prospect of seeing Jackson again. She had been looking forward to doing so all day. She peered out of the hallway window, watching for his carriage. His invitation had instructed her to wait at six O’clock, and as the hallway clock chimed, his carriage approached.
“Enjoy your evening, Eloise,” her father said, emerging from his study.
Eloise wondered if those words were about to come with a proviso, but he merely kissed her on the cheek and smiled at her.
“I’m looking forward to seeing the play, Father,” she gushed.
“It’s been many years since I’ve seen it performed. I’m sure you’ll enjoy it.” He nodded.
He accompanied her to the door, and Anderton opened it for them just as Jackson came bounding up the steps to knock.