Chapter 95 Planned

The rhythmic ticking of the grandfather clock in the Fitzwilliam library seemed almost deafening in the tense silence that followed Eliza's suggestive remark. Mary's heart pounded a frantic rhythm against her ribs, a drumbeat of fear and anticipation. Christopher, his face unreadable, remained silent, his gaze fixed on a dusty tome on the shelf across the room. "Well," Eliza finally drawled, her voice dripping with mock seriousness, "I won't pry into your blossoming love story. But just between us, Mary, this engagement seems rather… convenient. Almost as if it's meant to distract from something else." Mary's breath hitched. Had Eliza seen through their elaborate charade? Her mind raced, searching for a plausible response. "Convenient?" Christopher scoffed, turning away from the bookshelf to face them. "Miss Davies, surely you wouldn't imply there's anything… untoward about our feelings for one another?" "Oh, I don't imply, Mr. Harrington," Eliza countered, her eyes sparkling with