"Do you think I'm handsome, Eliza?" Henry asks as he stands in front of the mirror in the sitting room after dinner and straightens his tie.
"Yes, Henry, I do think you're handsome, but that's not the most important quality. Now, are you having tea, Colonel, Henry?" Eliza asks, quickly changing the subject, sitting down and pouring herself a cup of tea.
"No thank you, Eliza. It's been an eventful day and I'm rather tired." Pickering says as he walks to the door and winks at Higgins on his way out. He knows Higgins has to make his move tonight.
"I'll have tea, thank you, Eliza." Henry says coming to sit next to her. He's trying to be subtle for the time being.
Eliza automatically mixes Henry's tea just the way he likes it. She's been doing it for so long it's second nature. "Would you like a biscuit, Henry?" Eliza asks as she passes him the plate.
"Thank you, Eliza. You've been very polite since you came back. What do you want?" Henry asks suspiciously.
"Nothing, Henry. I'm happy now. I'm not entitled to anything else. I'll be content like this." Eliza says as she sips her tea.
"You're entitled to be loved, Eliza. You deserve to be loved by someone who appreciates what you've done." Henry says as he slips his hand under Eliza's chin and tips her head up to look at him.
"What are you saying Henry? You've never spoken like this before. Is there something I should know?" Eliza asks as she places one hand on his knee. She's confused by his words.
Henry sighs. He doesn't want to tell Eliza the truth quite yet, but thinks now is as good a time as any since he doesn't think he's really going to get another opportunity if he doesn't confess right now. He takes a deep breath and says to Eliza, "I've fallen in love with you, Eliza. It didn't just start yesterday. It started when we danced right here in this room and on the trip to Brighton. You're enchanting, Eliza. I hope you accept me and allow me to court you because I can't do without you."
Eliza sighs happily. This is what she's waited for. "You won't have to do without me, Henry. I want you to court me. I've fallen in love with you. I can't do without you. You've changed everything for me including my impression of love. Thank you, you've made me believe that I'm worth it." She kisses him on the cheek as she finishes speaking.
Henry puts his hands on Eliza's upper arms, pulls her close, and kisses Eliza on the end of her nose. Eliza runs her fingertips down the side of Henry's face. Henry takes her hair pins out and lets her long, chestnut brown hair fall gently over his fingers. He immediately notices the way having her hair down softens Eliza's face.
"Oh Eliza how I've longed to hear you say that. I've only just realized it, but I love hearing that from you." Henry says as he places his hand flat on Eliza's cheek.
"Now, Henry, don't change too much. I fell in love with you as you are. I don't want a Freddy Enysford-Hill type. I want you. Freddy Enysford-Hill is far too sappy and not independent enough." Eliza says as she reaches for Henry's hand and holds it gently.
"Oh, Eliza, you are darling. I won't ever be like Freddy: that I can guarantee. Freddy's a fool. Do you think he'll be terribly angry when you tell him that we're courting?" Henry asks as he slips his arm around Eliza's tiny waist, pulls her close, and Eliza lays her head on Henry's shoulder.
"I'd think that he'd appreciate not having to deal with such a strong-willed woman. I think I scared him slightly last night. He didn't know how to handle me." Eliza says as she drops her arm around Henry's waist and cuddles closer to him.
"Last night? When did you see Freddy last night?" Henry asks stroking Eliza's hair.
"When I left here last night Freddy was standing on the street corner and I needed reassuring and he was willing to help me. He went with me last night back to my old neighbourhood, but nobody recognized me except for my dad who got married this morning. I realized I could never go back there, but this morning I wasn't sure where I could go. Your mother was so kind to me and then when you came to see me I knew instantly where I belonged. I should have told you when I came back, I'm sorry." Eliza says as she places one hand on Henry's chest.
"You didn't have to tell me anything, Eliza. I trust you, besides I know now that Freddy's not a threat. The only thing that will worry me now is your temper and mine." Henry says calmly.