"Damien, we are not going to harm her. We want to get to know your wife. Can’t you grant us a moment alone with her? Eloise, what do you think?" Camille asked, turning to Elosie for support.

"A moment to get well acquainted does not sound awful. Surely, you would grant it," Eloise said, pleading with her eyes for Damien to allow it.

"Very well," Damien agreed. "But I will be near."

Eloise looked down at her hand, which Damien had yet to release, but after noticing her gaze, he let go.

Eloise watched Damien leave the drawing room before moving to sit.

"He is a little too protective," said Camille.

"I see how it would bother others, but I don’t mind it. I quite enjoy being protected," Eloise said, defending Damien’s actions. "I also understand why you think he should be more relaxed when it comes to family."

Camille smiled. "It is evident that the two of you get along well. That is most important in a marriage. There has always been some concern that it would take a strong lady to keep up with Damien. He doesn’t open up easily or welcome too many people into his space."

"Damien has always been like that. I remember in our youth, he was a bit guarded before he eventually warmed up to me. I think it is all about the approach, and many people in town might not approach him with pure intentions," said Eloise.

"No, they don’t. They approach him to use his wealth and title. I used to think Damien was pushing away people who could become good companions, only to later learn they wanted to use him. He has a good judge of character, so there must be a good reason he picked you," Camille said, trusting Damien’s choice.

"Why was it so fast?" Jane asked, seeking an answer. "No one wants to answer me. Are you truly not pregnant?"

"I am not pregnant, though I know the town will continue to come up with this theory. Your brother and I happened to be in the right place at the right time, and after a few meetings filled with feelings, we both agreed to get married," Eloise said, hoping the lie would suffice.

Jane eyed Eloise’s belly.

Time would tell if Eloise was speaking the truth now.

"It is sweet that the two of you have reunited and fallen in love. The more I speak to you, the more memories of you are coming back. I vaguely remember conversations about the servant girl Damien was said to be close to. Quinn as well," Camille said, the memories filling her mind.

"We were all close," said Eloise.

"Yes. Perhaps this is meant to be. I was told about your father, and I am very sad to hear of his death. He was a good man. Tell me, did he find work after he left the estate?" Camille asked, picking at her nails as she spoke.

"Yes. I do not remember my father having complaints about finding work after the estate. He did miss coming here, and so did I, but he found other work. We moved to the countryside shortly after, and I grew up there. He would have loved to see you now," Eloise said, happy to speak about her father

Camille smiled, but it didn’t reach her eyes. "I am glad he found other work. I hope you know there were no ill intentions in him being told to leave."

Eloise frowned, confused as to what Camille meant. "He was asked to leave? I thought he found better work. I’m sorry, but this is the first time I am hearing of this."

"Oh, I must have heard wrong. It was a long time ago, after all. We shouldn’t speak of this, not even to Damien," Camille said, wanting to bury the matter.

Eloise smiled, but she noted in her mind to question Damien.

If there was once an issue between the Hawthornes and her father, Eloise wanted to know.

"Did you have a tutor or governess growing up? I hope you know how to read and write," Jane said, curious about Eloise’s upbringing.

"I did not have a governess, but there was a good tutor at the school I attended. I also know how to read and write. My father made sure I took my studies seriously so I would be an educated woman," Eloise proudly spoke.

"When we lived in the countryside, and he went to work, I would keep myself busy by visiting our neighbours. I learned quite a lot from the bakers, gardeners, travellers, and many others," Eloise shared.

Jane scoffed. "What would a lady need to learn from bakers? How to cook?"

"How to survive, but yes, I know how to bake. I know how to take care of a garden, and I learned the skills for other work. They all taught me what they knew. There is much to learn outside of books and governesses," said Eloise.

Jane thought it was an excuse for ladies who didn’t have the luxury of getting a private tutor or governess.

"I agree. Perhaps you would have plenty to share with my children. I have two girls and a boy. I cannot get them to focus on their studies. Maybe it is the approach that is wrong," said Camille.

"I would love to meet with them and share what I know," Eloise accepted the offer.

"Aunt Camille, you have one of the finest governesses in town. Why would you send her away to be taught these skills we will never need? We have servants for a reason," Jane said, puzzled by Camille’s thinking. "It would not be best for you to lose a governess coveted by many others."

"I would not get rid of my governess. The children would benefit from learning these skills. There are moments when I am without a maid, and I don’t know what to do with myself. My children should have some idea of how to survive without a maid," Camille said.

"You can visit my home on days when the children don’t have to sit with their governess. I would bring them here, but Damien doesn’t enjoy the noise. When you are done, we may speak and have some treats. What do you think?" Camille asked, her finger tapping against her thigh.

"I would love to. Jane can join us as well," Eloise suggested.

"No, thank you. We are from different worlds. I don’t need to know how to cook, and whatever it is that others taught you. I wouldn’t want to disturb your time with my cousins," said Jane.

Camille cleared her throat and placed her hand on Jane’s leg.

Jane sighed, realising she was to be kind. "But, it wouldn’t hurt for us to spend a day together so we may bond. Surely, we would have some hobbies in common."

"We might," Elosie agreed. "I look forward to our day together."