Passing as Elias Read Online Free PDF

burning. She was dreading the end of the sermon. She could feel Captain Greenwood staring at the back of her head as though he were burning a hole right through to her eyeballs. She dared not turn around for fear he would catch her looking at him.
    Eventually, when the service ended, Elizabeth avoided standing up until it would become rude not to. Her mother had bustled off with a gaggle of her friends, leaving Elizabeth sitting at a pew by herself. She busied herself with her purse, pretending to look for something within its depths as she heard Captain Greenwood step beside her and clear his throat noisily to gain her attention.
    “Good Morning, Miss Searson.” He gave a small bow, and held his hand out for her to take, which she did reluctantly.
    Other women that attended the service whispered behind their hands and glared at Elizabeth, as she stood beside Captain Greenwood, rather pink in the face.
    “Good-Good morning,” Elizabeth breathed, ‘did you enjoy today’s service, Captain Greenwood?’
    “Of course,” he brought her hand to his lips, “might I say how lovely you look today?”
    “You might,” Elizabeth’s teeth clenched together, and she slipped her hand from beneath his lips, “shall we walk?”
    Captain Greenwood walked her through the church doors and into the bleary sunlight. Clouds had covered the blue sky during the sermon, and the threat of rain lingered in the air. She could hear the young females whispering behind her. She knew they were wondering how a common girl like Elizabeth had secured such an excellent escort home. They could have him for all she cared.
    They strolled casually along the winding path that led from the church, neither of them speaking until they had rounded a corner, away from peering eyes.
    “I suppose you are not surprised that I asked for you?” Captain Greenwood said plainly.
    Elizabeth felt her heart thud quickly against her ribcage. She had never been in a position quite like this before, and was unsure how to act, or what to say.
    “I was surprised,” she admitted, “considering …”
    “Considering?” Captain Greenwood pressed on.
    “You expressed distaste for marriage – as did I,” Elizabeth said honestly.
    To her surprise, the Captain laughed heartily. Elizabeth saw that his eyes crinkled at the sides when he smiled.
    “I thought you might say that,” he chortled, “though it is not entirely true.’
    “You lied?” Elizabeth said quickly, snapping her head around to look at his expression.
    “No, of course not, he reassured her, ‘however I only expressed displeasure of my sisters marriage, and the laws that govern a union between a man and a woman.”
    “So you wish to marry?”
    “I do,” the captain said, “I am nearing my thirty-first birthday. I do think it is time I settled down.”
    Elizabeth did not respond to this. Had he forgotten what she had said?
    “I also believe the same of you,” he admitted.
    “I beg your pardon, Captain, but you are ever so wrong,” Elizabeth said loftily.
    “You misunderstand me,” he smiled kindly, “I do understand that you are against marriage, though not all aspects of it. You are like me. I think we both like the idea of a companion, however, you do not wish to marry because you see yourself as independent. You want to be the breadwinner, and belong to no one. Am I right?”
    Elizabeth frowned, but did not answer. He was utterly right. From her silence, Captain Greenwood had come to the same conclusion. It seemed to please him, for he smiled congenially and fell silent.
    “You revel in my displeasure,” Elizabeth noted coldly.
    “Not at all.” He raised his eyebrows, “I am an extremely good judge of character, Miss Searson. It took me many visits to the apothecary to understand you. Usually, I can tell instantly what a person is like just from one conversation.”
    “Is that so?” Elizabeth pursed her lips.
    “Oh yes,” he smirked, “People are … shallow. Most men and women