“Go on,” he encouraged.
But she wouldn’t speak. What was wrong with her? This was the perfect opportunity. He widened his eyes at her. “Eliza?”
She seemed frozen.
Well, he wasn’t having it. He clenched his jaw and turned back to the paleontologist. “Dr. Masterson, we have to confess that we’ve lied to you.”
“Oh?” The man frowned.
“Eliza wrote the paper. All the brilliance you talked about, it was all her. I’m just an English professor.” There. It was out. And it felt like fifty pounds had been lifted from his shoulders.
The man’s frown deepened. He set his case down and his lips pinched together. “I see.” He looked back and forth between them. “And why did you feel this lie was necessary?”
Devin shifted his gaze to Eliza, silently pleading for her to speak up. To share some of her story. Perhaps the good doctor would be understanding.
She licked her lips. “I’m sorry, Dr. Masterson. I’ve had to fight over the years for the opportunities in this field because people think I’ve only attained them because of my family’s name and wealth. When you were asking all those questions, I got nervous. I wasn’t sure whether you liked the paper, agreed or disagreed, or thought it was rubbish.” She peered down at her shoes.
“So you thought it would be all right to throw your friend to the wolves because he could handle it? Just in case it didn’t play out in your favor?”
Devin winced. Harsh words.
“No ... well, that is ... yes.”
“This is why you wrote it under a false name. Your fear keeps you from spreading your wings, Miss Mills. And that greatly disappoints me.”
Her head snapped up at that.
Devin hurt for her. He hadn’t expected the older man to react this way, but at least it was all out in the open. Over time, they could mend fences.
Eliza lifted her chin. “I’m sorry for lying to you, sir.”
His mustache twitched over his thin lips as he glared at her. “My greatest requirement is honesty, because, as I assume you know, so many in our field built their reputations on lies and falsehoods. You’ve only proven that you are just as bad as they.” He turned. “Good day to you both.”
“But...” Her word deflated like a balloon.
Devin took a deep breath and faced her. “Let’s go.” They couldn’t do anything else here and he wanted to get her away from people in case she fell apart.
“I don’t understand...” Her whispered words were ragged. “Why did he react that way?”
“We let him down. The man is under a lot of stress. His wife is having a baby, and I’m sure he would like to be there as soon as he can.”
She scowled. “So much for telling the truth.”
MONDAY, JULY17, 1916•ADAMSFARM
Devin drove the Adams family’s extra buggy back to their home.
Eliza stared at her hands, folded in her lap. For the last ten minutes, neither she nor Devin had spoken.
What had just happened? She’d never imagined Dr. Masterson would react as he did. She sighed. “I’m sorry, Devin. This mess is all my fault. You warned me and had every right to be upset with me.”
“You’re forgiven.” He turned his face toward her, and his smile was real. “Besides, I could never stay upset with you, and I’m leaving the day after tomorrow. I don’t want there to be any bad feelings between us.”
“Thank you. Me too.” If only he knew the turmoil he caused her now. They’d had so much chaos to deal with that she stillhadn’t taken the time to examine her heart. But the thought of him leaving was awful. “I guess I can’t convince you to stay a bit longer?”
His wry laugh held no humor. “I should be convincing you to come back withmenow. There’s far too much danger for you here.”
Why did he have to remind her? “I guess it might be a good idea for me to go home. I mean, the quarry is closed to the public right now. Earl doesn’t need me out there. I can’t dig out at the Meyer ranch.” Her shoulders slumped. She really was of no use here. “Maybe you’re right. I should pack up and go home.”
