““How could any woman be more charming? Thomas turned weightless as he watched Eliza and Kitty walk side-by-side several paces ahead of him, whispering to one another. He’d never met a woman like Eliza. She wasn’t afraid to have fun and enjoy life, as the story of her playing in the leaves demonstrated. That alone made her increasingly alluring. Her open nature, strength, and the fact that she had “fears” made her all the more real to him. In his past acquaintances with women, he had noticed they tried to be too perfect—in their manner, their dress. They denied any faults or impurities, trying to be something or someone they weren’t. Not Eliza. He tried not to stare at her, but where else would he look? And with her back to him, she wouldn’t be made uncomfortable, so he indulged his aching eyes. Several brown locks of hair bounced and danced around her neck as she walked. His appetite for knowing more about her deepened.””
