Chapter 7

Eliza's words were cut off sharply, and the smile that had been playing on her lips slowly faded. She met Benedict's confused stare and coolly replied, "Yeah, I've gone. Driven to the ridge by all at you, step by step," she silently added this last bit in her mind. Benedict opened his mouth as if to speak, but when his eyes met Eliza's icy gaze, his brows furrowed, and he fell into a long, uncomfortable silence. It wasn't until Eliza began to show signs of impatičare that he finally spoke. "The coming-of-age ceremony is about to start. We need to go," He added, as he worried Eliza might lose control again. "There are a lot of guests in the front yard, be mindful of your behavior. Don't make us look.k After walking a few w paces, Benedic realized he shish't hear Eliza's footsteps following him. He turned around to land she hadn't moved. "Why aren't you coming?" Benedict asked, his voice a little sharper now. "Dylan won't letgoc" Eliza misheard, her tone almost too rapid. Are you kidding?" Benedict thought she was just throwing a tantrum. "Today's an important day for you and Sophie. You can't just skip att." Eliza shot him a half-smile, one that didn't quite reach her eyes. "I told you, Dylan won't let me. Youforcing too go now, Benedict? If I show silaterer and Dylan hits me, are you going to stop him? "Or if you won't, then maybe it's better I just don't go, so I don't get another beating. Benedict's patience began to wear thin. "Dylan has a temper, but he doesn't just hit people for no reason- "Benedict, are you blind?" Eliza cut him off sharply, turning her face away, "Cut, you see my face is still swollen? Or do you just not care! Benedict looked closer and saw the redness on her cheek. If she went out like this, everyone would see it, and the rumors would be unbearable. He'd been so caught up in his anger over the tom gown that he hadn't even noticed this before. Now, seeing it, even he couldn't help but frown. "Dil... dal Dylan really hit you?" He knew that Dylan had a violent streak, and while Elza wasn't as obedient as Sophie, it wasn't right for Dylan to hit her, especially not on such an important day. His first instinct was to protect the family's reputation. "Couldn't this have waited! Benedict thought, frustrated. 'Can't he ever pick the right moment! Benedict had been about to suggest Eliza touch up her makeup to hide the marks, but just then, someone arrived to hurry him along. He sighed and turned back to Eliza, clearly irritated, "Just cover it up as best you can. If anyone asks, tell them you tripped and fell. Got it, "Tripped and fell." "That's a joke,' Eliza thought, a bitter laugh bobbling up inside. Who trips and only bruises half their face, leaving a slap mark." Eliza had long since stopped expecting anything different from. Benedind had no illusions anymore. "Fine. As long as you can stop Dylan, III, do exactly what you say." She was curious to see if everyone would keep pretending not to notice, Le just like the pretending just like the rest of the Stonor family. Soon, Eliza followed Benedict into the front yard. The front yard of the Dukes' estate was buzzing with activity, full of guests and chatter.r As soon as Eliza stepped into the yard, all eyes were on her-sfull of disdain, others mocking, just waiting for her to unfold. Eliza quickly picked out a malicious glare in the crowd. Following it, she saw Sophie standing next to a tall, striking man with a hand, unyielding or other dun Caleb Nevill, the son of the Marquis of Bowel, Dale Nevill, and her fiancé.. The sight of that hostile gaze was nourishing.