Page 94 of A Shadow Amongst the Roses

The rafters groaned faintly, as if answering him.

Eliza exhaled. “There’s more.”

His attention sharpened instantly. “Tell me.”

She did quickly, quietly.

“He is watching the West Wing. He scrutinized the supplies ledger. He questioned my whereabouts last night.”

Thomas took a step closer, lowering his voice. “Did he frighten you?”

“No,” she said. But her voice wavered.

He noticed. He always noticed.

“Eliza.”

Her name on his lips carried warmth. Worry.

She looked away, then back again. “He’s circling. Trying to unsettle me. To isolate me.” She straightened. “And I am not going to let him.”

Thomas drew one controlled breath, then another.

“Look at me,” he said quietly.

She did.

“Eliza, you are not alone,” he said. Then, firmer, grounded. “So we stop reacting. We move with purpose.”

Her throat tightened.

“This isn’t just loyalty,” she whispered.

“No,” he said, the word trembling with truth. “It’s not.”

The lantern flickered as though struck by a sudden draft even though no wind stirred. The house seemed to lean closer, listening.

“I’m afraid of what he’ll do next,” she said softly.

Thomas stepped close enough that she felt his warmth. He didn’t touch her. He didn’t have to.

“Then let me carry it for you,” he murmured.

“I can’t ask that,” she whispered.

“You didn’t,” he said. “I offered.”

Something in her gave way, quietly, irreversibly. The tension she had held across her shoulders for days loosened just enough to leave her suddenly, dangerously aware of how badly she wanted to lean into him.

Before she could speak, the stable door rattled sharply, hard enough to jolt them both. Not from the wind. From the house settling with intent.

Thomas’s expression shifted at once. Protective. Ready.

“He’s coming,” he said softly.

Eliza felt the truth in her bones.

“Go,” Thomas said, taking her by the elbow just long enough to guide her toward the side door. “If he finds us together—”