"You are leaping too far ahead with accusations, and you misunderstand me. I care for Eloise. I cared for her even when her father worked here on the estate. Eloise is now a Hawthorne, so I kindly ask that you stay out of matters concerning this family," Camille advised Viola.

"She is without her parents, and the only family she has does not have the strength to support her. You want me to stay out of it so it will be easier for you to command her. I married into a title. I have children who married into prominent families," Viola replied, her eyes narrowing as she could see straight through Camille’s innocent act.

"I know how eventually you want to mould them to your liking. How you will want to turn her into a Lady Hawthorne, you can enjoy. That is not your palace," Viola added.

"It is my place since Damien’s mother has passed. Someone has to step in and show Eloise how it is to be Lady Hawthorne. I will not have anyone make a fool of this family," Camille replied, her chin lifting defiantly.

"Eloise has always been well-behaved. She does not seek to cause trouble for anyone. She will not act in a manner that will tarnish the Hawthorne name, and you know it. Eloise does not need to be turned into a lady like you. What makes you so special?" Viola asked, seeing no special part to Camille.

Camille swallowed the insult. "If she has been in your care long enough for you to be close to her, then you should have taught her. Then again, you must not have thought a lady of her low status would ever marry a lord. I am most certain you would not have pushed her to marry your peers."

"No, I would not, because they have irritating relatives like you who do not know when to stand down. I find that ladies such as yourself, who go poking around in other marriages and trying to change young women, are not happy in their own homes," Viola assumed, her words cutting Camille deep.

Camille gasped, startled by Viola’s bold claim. "I have a very happy marriage," she snapped, though her voice wavered.

"Then why are you not at home with your husband instead of fishing around for ways to bother this household? Damien and Eloise are young and in love. They are focused on each other, which is all we expect of new marriages," Viola said, unbothered by Camille fuming.

"Your nephew had years of perfecting the role of a lord, while this is all new to Eloise, and she carries herself well in my eyes. If she makes a mistake, she will turn to you for guidance. Do not look down on her because of her background," Viola pressed.

"I have not looked down on Eloise. I have been quite happy that Damien found love, and that it is someone from his childhood who understands him. That part I adore, but we must open our eyes to the bigger future. She left the estate and took Damien with her," Camille said, her annoyance spilling into her words.

Viola could not help laughing at what had upset Camille. "I have sat with your nephew enough times to know that if he wanted to stay, he would have stayed. He is right where he wishes to be, and that fact alone will upset some of you who failed to control him."

"They are in the early stages of their marriage. Leave them be. Let them consume themselves with each other and abandon their duties for a while. Other Hawthornes are living in the estate who can step up," Viola said, referring to an issue Eloise spoke of.

"No one is to step up. Damien is to be here, and his wife is to be beside him."

"My goodness, there is no saving you. Your children are doomed with these thoughts you harbour. Fortunately, they are not raised solely by you. I can see that you shall be trouble for Eloise, and she has dealt with too many awful relatives," Viola said, deciding she would deal with Camille as well.

"It is not your place to intrude on matters of this family. You are a family friend and nothing more. Placing yourself in our family matters will only do more harm than good. I think it is time for you to leave," Camille said, her patience thinning.

"Lady Hawthorne is not present to welcome you inside, so I must send you off. I would hate for you to be left standing outside. It was good to see you, but if you do not mind, I hope this will be the last time you stand before me," Camille added, her words cold but her cheeks flushed.

Viola chuckled, knowing she would not obey. "As long as you trouble Eloise, I will always stand before you."

"I believe you do not live here in town. There will come a time when you must leave," Camille said, feeling triumphant for a fleeting moment.

"Will I?" Viola inquired, her eyes sweeping across the estate. "I have come to enjoy this town. Perhaps I should move my home here."

Camille’s smile faltered. "You would uproot your life elsewhere to move here for Eloise’s sake? I do not believe you. She is not your flesh and blood. Your family will not agree with it."

"I am the head of my family. What I say shall not be questioned, and you do not need to share blood to be family. I am petty enough to move my life here to support her. At this age, I care for nothing. I am warning you not to try changing Eloise," Viola warned, her voice low and dangerous.

It would always be easy to step into a carriage and come to the estate to help Eloise.

"I understand now that she has spoken of me to you. I thought she was not one to gossip, but clearly I misunderstood her. Support her as you wish, but in this family, I hold more power. She will need my help when she meets with the relatives. It would be wise to be kind," Camille said, lifting her chin once more.

Viola laughed. "She will need your help? She has her husband completely and utterly smitten with her. What if I were to tell her husband what you intend to do? Look at you, already terrified. I will not bring your nephew into a fight which I can win alone."

"You are no longer welcome here," Camille said, desperate now. "Leave at once and do not look back."

"Well, Eloise is not here, so why would I stay? Did you think I would linger around to speak to you all day? Nonsense, darling," Viola said, shaking her head with amusement. "If you are going to spar with words, at least stop your cheeks from flushing so quickly. It makes this less exciting for me."

"Do have a good day," Viola said, bidding Camille goodbye with a mocking smile.

’That insufferable woman!’ Camille thought, her chest tight with fury.