I wasn't one to act on impulse. Once I had a plan, I moved swiftly. Using the influence of the Duke of Avon, I took on the role of a distinguished guest and secured a building in London to start a business.
The initial funds came as a loan from the Duke, who, in gratitude for the years I had spent caring for Simon, agreed easily. We set a two-year repayment term. Though a few thousand pounds was nothing to the Duke, I insisted on putting it in writing. He seemed to respect me more for it.
Courting officials required a lot of money, so I needed to create a business that catered to the elite. I decided to open a luxurious establishment that would attract the wealthiest of London.
I spared no expense in renovating Goldenrose Hall, hiring the finest musicians and the most beautiful performers.
It was around this time that an unexpected visitor arrived at the Duke's estate.
More precisely, a servant from the House of Leigh.
When Simon entered the courtyard, holding a letter, I was deep in thought, planning the next steps for Goldenrose Hall.
"Eliza, Lady Ann Leigh has written to me," he said as I looked up.
Over the past few days, Simon had changed a little.
"What does she say?" I asked calmly, though I already had a good idea.
Sure enough, his expression became tense. "She's invited me to a poetry gathering. She says our families have always been close, and she wants to clear up any misunderstandings."
Close? I almost laughed.
There had been some friendship between our families, but when we went to the Leighs for help, only to have a letter of rejection thrown in our faces, that so-called bond ended.
Still, I had a reason to attend. Poetry gatherings were filled with noble ladies—the perfect place to promote my new business.
"Go, then," I said.
Simon hesitated, clearly surprised that I had agreed, but he nodded in the end.
The day of the poetry gathering came quickly. As Simon and I entered the Skyview Pavilion, I saw many finely dressed ladies mingling beneath its elegant arches.
The Leighs had done well in recent years, becoming one of London's prominent families.
Many eyes turned toward us as we entered—some curious, some indifferent, others welcoming. The title of the Duke's heir was enough to attract attention.