Julian stared. "My father knew, apparently."
"And he hid the evidence."
"Yes."
"Then Rothermere's family has been afraid of this necklace for decades." Eliza looked at him. "Which means the necklace is not merely sentimental."
"No, it is evidence." Julian nodded.
The next morning, Eliza disappeared. Her maid found her room empty. Her necklace was gone.
Julian felt the world drop away. He searched the estate. Nothing. Then he found a note beneath the library door: Bring the necklace's papers to the old mill. Come alone.
Julian did not obey. He took Henry. They rode through the rain.
At the mill, they found Eliza. She was tied to a chair. Julian's face changed.
"Release her."
Rothermere stepped from the shadows. "You have become predictable."
Julian drew his pistol. Rothermere laughed.
"Put it down."
Julian did not.
Eliza spoke: "Julian." He looked at her. "Do not."
Rothermere smiled. "She is the only reason you have not shot me."
"You are correct."
Rothermere demanded the documents. Eliza shook her head. "Don't give them to him."
Julian looked at her. Rothermere moved toward her. "She has no idea what she is risking."
Julian's voice became cold. "You are mistaken."
Rothermere stopped.
"She is the reason I know exactly what I am risking."
Henry moved around the back of the mill. The distraction was enough. Julian lunged. Rothermere's men rushed forward. There was shouting. A table overturned. A lantern fell. Eliza kicked the chair sideways.
Henry reached her. "Can you stand?"
"Yes."
"Good."
They ran outside. The rain had become heavy. Julian caught up with them. He grabbed Eliza.
"Are you hurt?"
"No."
"Are you sure?"
"Yes."
He pulled her into his arms. For several seconds, he said nothing. Then his voice broke. "I thought I had lost you."
"You didn't."
"I nearly did."
"But you didn't."
He closed his eyes. She touched his face.
"I told you I would stand beside you."
"I know."
"Then trust me to survive beside you."