Clive watched, feeling both astonished and puzzled, as Eloise led Damien inside. He was yet to wrap his mind around the idea that Eloise was marrying the man Agatha so desperately wanted Iris to marry.

Then, there was the fact that Eloise had gone missing all night.

When did Eloise have the time to not only meet with Damien, but to be proposed to?

Clive ran and blocked Eloise’s path before she opened the door. "Eloise, might I have a word with you? It is for a rather sensitive topic, so we should speak alone."

"I can bear it," said Damien.

"Yes, well," Clive laughed, but there was no joy in it. "It is a matter of my family. While you have proposed to my niece, you are not yet family. I cannot speak of it before you."

"How unfortunate," Damien said, lacking an interest in doing as Clive wanted. "While I would love to step away, it appears my hand cannot simply let go of her hand. You might have to pry her hand free from mine. Go on," he urged Clive.

Clive stared at the clasped hands. "Surely, I would be a fool to try moving your hand."

"Then, we should end all talk about speaking in private. How wonderful we agreed peacefully," said Damien.

Clive let out a nervous chuckle. "You see, Lord Hawthorne. My daughter thinks highly of you, and I have been doing my best to present her to you. It would be painful for her to witness you with Eloise, and Eloise understands this." 𝒇𝒓𝙚𝒆𝔀𝓮𝓫𝒏𝓸𝙫𝓮𝓵.𝓬𝙤𝙢

Clive looked to Eloise for her to agree, but she didn’t respond. She stared at him in a way to make him think it was not Eloise standing before him, but rather a talented imposter.

Clive avoided looking in Eloise’s direction for too long. He licked his lips. "It is a sensitive situation."

"I see how it would appear so for you," Damien said, giving Clive momentary relief. "But you cannot control the world. It would do well for your daughter to learn now that she cannot always get her way. I never cared for her."

Eloise cleared her throat and brushed Damien’s side with her elbow.

"But she is a lovely girl who shall find a suitable match elsewhere," Damien added.

Damien looked down at Eloise, who smiled. Her smile was as fake as the gold ring sitting on Clive’s finger. Still, Damien smiled in return.

"Bring down your family so we may speak, Mr Wilkins. I have very little time to waste," Damien said, looking away from Eloise.

"Perhaps I should speak to Iris before we all gather. I have a bit of explaining to do. Excuse me," Eloise said, trying to let go of Damien’s hand, only to find it caged. She looked up at Damien and pleaded with her eyes to be let go. "I won’t be far."

Eloise relaxed when Damien’s hold on her hand loosened. She stepped away from the two men and walked inside to find Iris.

"You must understand me, Lord Hawthorne. It is not that I am trying to be rude to you, but Eloise’s hand is taken. I have to be fair and give her away to the man who asked for her hand first. Surely, you understand," Clive said, rubbing his sweaty hands.

"I understand that a male figure might seek a husband for a lady in his home, but to accept without speaking of it to your niece is a bit rude. Do enlighten on who this gentleman might be," said Damien.

"Oh! He is a good man. Surely you know Percival-"

"The Percival I know was found dead at a ball last night. Did you not hear the unfortunate news? Lucky for me, it appears her first engagement ended rather quickly. Have no fear, Mr Wilkins. I will not be upset that there was a man before me," Damien said, patting Clive’s shoulders.

Damien’s hand stopped and rested on Clive’s shoulder. "An insignificant person has been removed. I hope you don’t complicate it. Men in your position seem to fall quite easily these days. You must be careful."

Clive’s body turned tense as he got the feeling Damien was threatening him. "I did not hear the news. I am saddened by the loss of an old friend."

"Right, an old friend," Damien said, taking one step closer to Clive. He was forced to look down on Clive because of their slight difference in height. "As a friend, you would know of the accusations surrounding his name."

Clive placed his hand behind his back and felt for if there was room behind him to step back. "Well, I have heard them, but they are merely rumours. Percival loved his wife. It wasn’t right for the town to accuse him of killing his wife, all because he was desperate for children."

"Still, you could have been a good friend and also a good uncle by choosing another suitor. Let us have an understanding with each other," Damien said, filling the space Clive created between them.

"Should you place Eloise in harm’s way by not considering her well-being, I shall kill you. I shall kill you and ensure your body is so disfigured that your wife cannot recognise you. Do we understand each other?" Damien asked, his smile no longer present.

Clive nodded his head. "I do. Believe me, it wasn’t my intention to put her in harm’s way. I care for her like my daughter. I had the best intentions in setting her up with Percival."

"Then, why didn’t you offer your daughter to him? Were you truly so foolish to think I would wed your daughter? You could have made her a spinster by having her wait for me. The poor soul," Damien feigned concern. "Why didn’t you offer your daughter to Percival?"

"Well, I-"

"Does my question make you nervous?" Damien asked, finding joy in Clive’s discomfort. "Perhaps the reason for what you feel now is that deep down you know your daughter wouldn’t have been safe in his hands. There is a different love a man has for his daughter and niece."

"Yes," Clive agreed, but he thought it was wrong. "No, I do love my niece. I thought she would have been most mature to marry Percival. There is nothing more."

"You admitted that there is a different love you hold for both young ladies. You do not think your plans through when it comes to Eloise, so I hope you do not meddle in our courtship. Might I have some water?" Damien asked, waiting to be invited in.

Clive stared at Damien, concerned about how easy it was for Damien to question him and then request a drink.

"Yes, you may. I should seat you while you wait for the ladies. This way," Clive said, inviting Damien inside.