Chapter 12

Eliza hadn't been acting herself since the evening of the ball. It had been three days since the night that she had spoken with James, but Eliza couldn't get it out of her mind. It felt to her that there had been so much left unsaid.

What's more, is that she was finding it difficult to converse and spend time with Jackson, even though he had been nothing but lovely to her.

The young princess's siblings couldn't understand the sudden difference in their sister. They all had no idea why she was acting so unusually. Only Eliza and her father knew what was going on.

Jackson had begun to grow concerned at his future wife. Whilst she had spoken to him kindly, he could tell that her mind was far away. And it was unnerving.

"Eliza, will you come to the library after breakfast?" Oliver whispered to her. They were sat around the table with the rest of the family and their guests.

"Of course, but why?" she whispered back.

"I will explain when we are there," he replied.

"Is it about the research? Have you found anything?" she asked desperately.

"I don't know, a friend of mine said that he would meet us there."

Eliza sat quietly and listened to the conversation. She always felt nervous when they were in a large group, and she still hadn't gotten used to talking to everyone.

"Elizabeth, would you accompany me on a walk this morning?" Jackson asked.

Eliza looked up from her plate of food. She could see all faces pointed her way. Glancing over at Oliver, she saw him shake his head slightly, hinting that their meeting in the library was a private matter.

"I'm afraid I am busy this morning," she said, looking down at the table.

"What are you doing?" he asked, looking embarrassed. It wasn't often that he was turned down in front of other people.

"I have a prior engagement with Oliver." She blushed. She couldn't tell them that she was in the library researching ways to escape the arranged marriage.

"Why don't you reschedule with Oliver?" he pushed.

Eliza sighed. She wasn't sure why he was pushing her so hard.

"Perhaps we could take a walk another day?" She gave him a small apologetic smile.

"Of course," he replied. "Excuse me," he said as he stood up and left the room.

"Elizabeth, what are you and Oliver doing?" Her father asked once he was sure that Jackson had left the room.

"We are going to the library to read," she replied, not making eye contact.

"Elizabeth, you do understand that there is no way out of the marriage. It would be easier if you just accepted it."

Eliza was so embarrassed that he had said that in front of her entire family. But instead of discouraging her, she was just more determined to find an answer.

"There is always a way," she replied.

"I have had so many people working on this. Many well-educated men have searched for a way out, and none of them have succeeded. What makes you think that you will be able to do it?"

"Because I have a different perspective on life. They all come from wealthy backgrounds and have never experienced what freedom truly is. I have known what it is like. And that is what I want." She looked him in the eye before standing up.

"If you would excuse Oliver and myself, we will be on our way," Eliza said, walking out of the room with her brother following on behind. She knew that she had been rude to him, but she couldn't bring herself to mind.

As they walked to the library, Eliza kept a constant watch. Each person that they walked past sent her heart into a flurry. She was so nervous about seeing James.

"Are you okay?" Oliver asked, "You seem to be on edge."

"Yes,"

"I don't believe you," he replied, watching her face.

"You don't need to." Was her short reply.

They kept walking in silence.

When they arrived at the library, a guard opened the door for them. Eliza smiled and thanked him, before passing through.

A man was sat at the desk, several books open in front of him. He didn't even look up as they entered, but instead stayed engrossed in his work.

Oliver cleared his throat, and the man jumped in shock.

"Good morning," he chuckled in embarrassment, and Eliza felt suddenly at ease in his presence. He reminded her of Oscar; the same colour of hair, booming laugh and build.

Oliver saw to it that his sister had sat down before he selected a chair for himself and dragged it up next to her.

"Have you found anything?" she asked rather bluntly. The man seemed shocked at her forwardness, but he quickly recovered and shook his head.

"There doesn't seem to be any way out. There really isn't much that we can do anymore. I have analysed the contract hundreds of times, and every time I find a lead it is quickly shot down. My hope is almost gone."

"I won't believe it!" Eliza was shaking her head. "There is a way, we just need to find it."

"We won't give up, Eliza," Oliver replied, placing a hand on her arm. "But you might just need to accept it."

The young woman's eyes were wide and her face was pale. "I can't marry him," she whispered. "No, I won't marry him," she said with more force.

"Is there anything else?" Oliver asked. He was very disappointed that there was still no answer, but he tried to stay strong.

"If I were you, I would watch Jackson constantly. Don't let him do anything without you finding out. You never know what he could be hiding."

"Thank you," Oliver replied as he walked out of the room.

***

Later that afternoon, the two siblings were still settled in the library, engrossed in books and papers. They only stopped when a tray of tea was brought to them by a young maid. She settled the tea tray down before skipping out of the room.

Eliza picked up her tea cup. "Why are you helping me? What good does it do for you?"

"If I can find a way out for you, I can surely find a way out for myself. You're not the only one avoiding a marriage here," Oliver said.

"I'm sorry, I didn't even think of that."

"It's alright. Besides, I still have a few years left to worry about that."

Eliza scrunched her face together. She had been so caught up in her own problems that she hadn't had the chance to think of those around her. He was only young, and already his future was planned. Eliza pitied the young boy. At least she had been able to dream as a child. She might have been in the care of her kidnapper, but she almost had more freedom then. She didn't have to think about pleasing anybody other than Mr Winters, and she was allowed to think as she wished. But that was gone now.

She just hoped that she would soon find her freedom again, and perhaps she would introduce her siblings to it.

A/N- I am SO SO SO SORRY for the really late update!! I have had no time to write as school has been so busy. Would you believe that we still haven't finished for summer?? It's crazy!

I'll try and update again soon. Thanks so much for sticking with me. I hadn't realised quite how much time had passed.

Please vote/ comment to let me know if you are still reading!

Thanks!! XX