Heavy Burdens 《Completed》- -

Chapter 11

She doesn't linger in the tavern, nor does she hold still to say her hellos to some of the officers she passes while making her way to Lord Benton. Some of the men are friendly fellows; married and most have children. Their wives waiting at home for their husbands to come back from work. To hold them warm by the fire burning in their living room. Something Elizabeth never had.

The cold kisses her cheeks again, and she wishes she'sable to wear the warm wolf coat Declan gave her. But after the incident with Captain Chesterfield, Grace had decided it'd be safer not to taunt faith and go in her regular worn coat. Liz had agreed, hanging the wolf's fur on a hanger. Treating it carefully like it's a piece of gold. To her...it is.

Her hands are firmly inside the pockets of her coat, but it's not enough to keep them warm and by the time Elizabeth arrives at the mansion, her hands are white and her fingertips a soft blue. Her hands pain her, but she refuses to show any discomfort when Lord Benton himself meets her in the hallway.

"Lady Elizabeth!" His smile is wide, and Liz holds back from rolling her eyes when he kisses her cheeks two times. One on each side and it takes way too long in her mind before he pulls back. His eyes are glued on her face and he cocks his head just a little to the side. "You look cold, my dear. Come. Sit by the fire. I'll let the cook know we'll eat in the living room."

He gestures to follow him while he announces Clenna would join them for dinner. Making up a story about the poor girl her lover being taken by the brute Declan Harp. Elizabeth balls her hands into fists when Lord Benton mentiones his name. A rage settles in the pit of her stomach and when he turns, she's too late to hide it from him.

"Oh, you still wear your worn coat, Lady Elizabeth? I've heard you now have a beautiful fur one to wear?"

At that moment, the double doors of the living room close behind her, revealing Captain Chesterfield. The rage she felt moments ago, is still blazing deep in her and Elizabeth feels the slight tinge of fear. But she holds her chin a bit higher while facing Lord Benton and Chesterfield.

"That coat was a gift of Grace Emberly, Lord," her voice steady yet cold. Her face turning to the captain; "Captain Chesterfield, I had no idea you were going to join us for supper." She flashes a smile at him. "If I'd known, I'd brought you something."

"Since when does Grace Emberly have wolf fur to give to her workers?"

"You work in the tavern, Lady Elizabeth?" The shock in Lord Benton's voice is pure mockingly and Elizabeth turns her attention back to him. "I'm sure I've could've found you a proper job here, my dear."

"Like torturing children? Or women?" She spits out, feeling cornered by the two men before her. "Spreading lies about Declan Harp while you're the one who killed his family?"

The smile on Benton's face disappears as fast as it came, and he even takes a step closer to her. Making Elizabeth take a step back. "You disgust me," she sneers right before Chesterfield reaches out and grabs her. Elizabeth struggles against his grip, but it's firm and she curses the bodice that suddenly feels too tight around her stomach and hips.

The Lord's face's cold, emotionless while staring her up. When he notices Elizabeth stops struggling, he gestures with a single head nod to the Captain to let her go. As soon as Chesterfield pulls his arms back, her eyes shoot daggers at him. For a moment wishing she had her own weapon with her.

"As far as I'm concerned, Lady Elizabeth, your house is now mine," Benton says in a calm voice. "That leaves you with no other option then to stay with me."

She can feel the blood disappear from her face and Liz stares open mouthed at the old man. "Are you insane? You can't just lock me up."

"I can. And I will," turning his attention to Chesterfield. "Escort Lady Elizabeth to her room."

"You can't do this," she shouts when Chesterfield grabs her by the arm, pulling her to the door before slamming it closed.