"When did Eloise become acquainted with a countess? Did Damien introduce them?" Camille wondered, her curiosity growing as she followed Quinn to the door to see who it was.

"Your guess is as good as mine. I have heard Jane speaking of a countess Eloise was close to, but not much was said for me to know how they came to know each other," Quinn answered.

"Where would Eloise have gotten the chance to speak to a countess? Damien must have introduced them, and it is good that he did. Eloise needs to surround herself with noblewomen. This is why they should be here, so Eloise’s guests wouldn’t have travelled for nothing," Camille said, worried the countess would be offended.

Quinn thought Camille was continuing to play with fire, stubborn as ever, unwilling to listen. He could only sigh and step out to the front door to greet the countess.

Camille came to a stop beside him and watched as the carriage wheels rolled it inside the estate grounds.

"I don’t remember this carriage," Camille murmured, narrowing her eyes as she tried to place a face to the ornate crest. She searched for a family symbol, her mind racing to match it with memory.

The answer came only when the carriage halted, and Harry hurried forward to open the door for Viola.

Viola stepped out with Harry’s assistance, her presence commanding as her gaze swept over the two people she had little interest in speaking to. What she wanted was Eloise and Damien.

"You must be Lord Hawthorne’s younger brother. I see the resemblance," Viola remarked, her eyes lingering on Quinn’s features. "I am Countess Viola Tompkins, an old friend of Lady Hawthorne."

Camille’s brow lifted, a flicker of surprise crossing her face. She was impressed that Eloise had formed such a connection without Damien’s introduction.

’She managed to be close to the Hawthornes and the Tompkins?’ Camille thought, her mind bristling with intrigue.

"The name is very familiar. I believe you used to attend the balls and events my family hosted here with your husband. It is good to see you again," Camille said, greeting Viola with a graceful curtsy.

"Yes. I visited when the late Lord and Lady Hawthorne were present. I remember when you had just become engaged to your husband. You have grown wonderfully," Viola commented, giving Camille a look over.

"Thank you. The Hawthornes welcome you back to the estate. Unfortunately, my brother isn’t here to see you. Lady Hawthorne isn’t in the estate, and neither is my nephew," Camille said, her expression softening into apology.

"I was meant to sit with Eloise yesterday, but I wasn’t able to. I wrote to her last night to inform her of my visit, and when I didn’t get a response, I thought she was ill. Do you know where she has wandered off to?" Viola questioned, suspicion flickering in her eyes as though the family were hiding something.

It wasn’t like Eloise to leave without writing to Viola.

"It seems she and her husband left the estate for a moment, but I shall bring them back soon," Camille promised.

"I see. Well, don’t rush them for my sake. It would be wrong to disturb them when I can speak to Eloise another day. Let them enjoy themselves," Viola said, relieved that Eloise was well.

"Very well. If you don’t mind me asking, how are you so close to her?" Camille asked, unable to suppress her curiosity.

"Why are you so interested? Are you planning to gossip?" Viola asked.

"What?" Camille replied, startled by the hostility. "I was only asking."

"Were you asking because you find it odd that I would be her friend? We are far more than that," Viola said, her eyes narrowing. "Did you not get the answer you sought?"

"I think you misunderstand me. I was only curious," Camille said, glancing at Quinn to see if he shared her confusion. "I am not judging you or her. It was an innocent question. Truly."

"I have been alive far longer than you. I know the hidden interest behind your question. Now that you are before me, I must have a word with you. Do you mind letting the ladies talk in private?" Viola asked Quinn with a tone that gave off as though it was her estate.

Quinn looked to Camille, waiting for her decision.

Camille, determined to uncover the reason for Viola’s hostility, said, "Leave us, Quinn. Tell Jane that I want to see her shortly."

"No fighting is allowed inside the estate," Quinn warned both women before walking away.

"Have I done something to upset you, Countess Tompkins? If I had, it must have been years ago, and it would be petty to hold onto it for so long," Camille said, thinking the older woman was childish.

"I am a petty woman, but I don’t harbour any ill feelings from the past. I simply didn’t like the look in your eye when you asked how I knew Eloise. You seemed surprised to know she was well acquainted with me," Viola pointed out.

"I married into the Tompkins family, so I know that look. You’re growing more curious about her, and rightfully so. She might not have grown up in an estate, but yes, she is close to me. So close that I think of her as my granddaughter," Viola revealed, her voice softening with affection.

The news startled Camille, who had thought Eloise only had her father and the family who betrayed her.

Camille forced a smile, trying to be cordial. "It is good that Eloise has someone in your position to care for her. She should be able to learn from you, so I have no reason to be concerned. Still, I do wonder that if she had you in her life, why didn’t you teach her well?"

Viola smiled, enjoying the sparring. "What? Eloise was raised to be a well-educated young woman. She might not have had the same resources as you, but I assure you, you can’t compete with her knowledge. Her father made sure of it."

Camille chuckled. "What use is it for a lady in her position to have knowledge from books these days?"

"Are you openly accepting of being a fool?" Viola asked, amused.

"What? No!" Camille exclaimed, her cheeks flushed. "A woman in our position only needs to know how to carry herself before her peers and raise her child."

"Are our children not cared for by nannies and governesses? This town has made too many improvements for ladies for you to be this way. Even an old lady like myself has broken free from tradition. You should do the same," Viola advised.

"Now, be honest with me," Viola requested, her gaze piercing a hole in Camille’s face. "What is upsetting you about my dear Eloise?"