Chapter 15 #3
It was his presence beside her, his touch on her shoulder that filled her with resolve.
Her voice steadied as she began to speak, her hands resting open in her lap rather than gripping anything, as she began her explanation.
The solicitor said nothing, listening to her carefully, giving neither a nod nor a frown.
It was only when she had completed her explanation that he reached for the letter and broke the seal, the sound snapping around the room.
Unable to help herself, Eliza reached across and set her hand upon Lord Ashcombe's, surprised at the nervousness which flooded her.
It was not that she thought herself in any way incorrect in what had been said, but all the same, the pause between her explanation and the confirmation was difficult to bear.
Even if I am, somehow, mistaken, she thought to herself, as Lord Ashcombe folded her hand in between his own, I will still have Lord Ashcombe.
She blinked and looked down at their hands, realizing that, as yet, they had not spoken of their feelings nor their intentions for the future. That, she hoped, would be given opportunity soon for in many ways, it felt a good deal more important than this.
"You are correct, Miss Fairleigh."
A rush of breath ran from Eliza's lips, her heart pounding wildly as the solicitor smiled at her. "I am?"
"Yes," he confirmed. "Lady Warrington has written of her connection to you in that your father and hers struggled in much the same way.
She also stated that she did try to give your father opportunity to improve himself but that it had not occurred.
The inheritance is to be released to you and, as stated, your father will be unable to take a single penny to himself. "
Tears began to burn in Eliza's eyes as she smiled, first at the solicitor and then up to Lord Ashcombe.
As yet, her father knew none of this, but when she wrote to him with news of it all, Eliza had every expectation that he would hurry to London — not to see her but to discover it was true that he could not take her fortune for himself. "Are you quite certain of that?"
The solicitor looked at her for a moment before he spoke. "Indeed." He turned the page without hurry. "It will be solely and completely yours. My congratulations, Miss Fairleigh."
She managed to smile. "I thank you." The words came out as a whisper, the significance of the moment settling over her.
What filled her now was an understanding of the sheer possibilities now arranging themselves neatly in front of her, waiting for her to choose her path.
Yes, her father would be angry that this ready supply of fresh coin for him to use would not be available to him but that in itself would give her opportunity to speak with him about his gambling, to do her best to make him see the depths of the mire he was in and how that had, in turn, affected her own standing.
Mayhap if he turned from it, mayhap if she saw him putting all of his efforts into becoming a changed man, she might be able to assist him in paying some of his debts, just as Lady Warrington had done.
"There are papers to be signed now, Miss Fairleigh." The solicitor rose from his chair and Lord Ashcombe, to her disappointment, freed her hand and rose to his feet.
"I will give you privacy for this part," he said, looking down at her with a gentle smile on his lips, a happiness evident in his expression that she knew was genuine — and knew was solely for her. "Well done, Eliza. Well done indeed."
She wanted him to stay, wanted him to be with her until she was ready to step out again, but with a nod, she watched him take his leave.
Her heart yearned for him the very moment the door closed behind him, reminding her of just how much she wanted the ending of her confusion to be the beginning of their understanding.
"If you would just sign here, Miss Fairleigh?"
Her attention forced back towards the solicitor, Eliza put a smile to her lips and picked up the quill. "Yes, of course, Mr. Braithwaite." And thank you too to Lady Warrington.
Stepping outside, Eliza drew in a long, steady breath, feeling the air a little brighter and the world around her all the sweeter.
The papers had been signed, the seals impressed and, finally, Mr. Braithwaite had smiled at her with a true joy in his expression.
'Your inheritance, Miss Fairleigh, is now yours in its entirety. '
All around her, the busy London streets continued just as they had been, the rattle of carriages and hackneys going from place to place whilst she, for only a few moments, stood quite still, feeling a new sense of relief and joy settling in her core.
Her aunt was, no doubt, waiting for her to come back towards their carriage, would have her sharp eyes studying her, but Eliza was not yet ready to step inside.
This new chapter of her life was one that would take a little time to grasp, to fully understand. This was only the first step.
I can do anything, she thought to herself, tipping her head back and looking up at the sky. Whatever I wish, I now have the means to do it. I need not fear the future. With Lord Ashcombe speaking to the ton as he did, I do not need even to fear their sharp words and accusations.
"Eliza."
She turned, seeing Lord Ashcombe only a few steps away. When she smiled at him, he came closer, his eyes searching her face.
"Is it done?"
With a nod, Eliza let out a long sigh of contentment.
She listened with her head held level, the old anxiety quiet, replaced by something steadier.
"It is," she said, as his own smile returned to his lips.
"I am now just as your great-aunt wished for me to be.
I have my own inheritance, I can do just as I please, and I need no longer fear my father's shame nor his actions. "
Lord Ashcombe touched her hand briefly. "I am overjoyed for you."
"I could not have succeeded without your aid and your determination," she answered, seeing the way his gaze lingered on hers, the space between them narrowing.
"And I hope, Ashcombe, that this will not be the end of our connection.
" She licked her lips, nervousness leaping up to grab at her.
"I hope — I pray — that you might consider being a part of my future also. "
Something flickered across his features, one side of his mouth beginning to curve upwards. "Eliza, I — "
"I am afraid I cannot have you gawking at each other in such an obvious fashion in the middle of London."
Eliza closed her eyes, heat searing her cheeks at not only her aunt's presence but also her words that were solely directed towards both herself and Lord Ashcombe. "Aunt, I — "
"There will be time enough for further conversation," Lady Newark said, with a small smile as Lord Ashcombe stepped back, respectfully.
"Come, Eliza, let me take you home." She looked to Lord Ashcombe.
"Perhaps you might like to come to call tomorrow, Lord Ashcombe?
I think Eliza would enjoy a quieter afternoon in the gardens of the townhouse. "
The fire in her face redoubled itself at her aunt's suggestion, but Lord Ashcombe nodded fervently, appearing pleased with what was being suggested.
"I should like to call very much," he stated, looking to Lady Newark first and then to Eliza. Suddenly, the heat of embarrassment turned to something altogether different. "If it would please you, Miss Fairleigh?"
Aware that he had returned to the use of her formal name in front of her aunt, Eliza inclined her head, hoping that tomorrow, there would be no formality between them but instead, only openness, honesty and truth.
She turned to face him fully. "Yes, Lord Ashcombe," she said. "I should like that very much."