The Possessive Lord's Contract Wife

"My father saved her, but he got fired for it?" Eloise asked, confused by the result. "He wasn’t one to gossip."

"I don’t think he made any efforts to retrieve money from my family to keep it a secret. Camille was too in her head, believing the secret would get out and spoil her season, so she went to my father. She pleaded with him to get rid of your father," Damien said, slowly rising from the bed as Eloise sat up.

"Did they at least speak to my father to have his word that he wouldn’t share the story? My father loved working on the estate, and he cared for the Hawthornes. I assure you that he wouldn’t have said a word about the incident," Eloise said, disturbed by the news. 𝙛𝒓𝓮𝒆𝔀𝒆𝙗𝓷𝒐𝙫𝒆𝙡.𝒄𝓸𝓶

"Camille was young and rash with her decision. She cried to my father about it, saying they could just forget about her season. She thought no one would believe she was saved before that man committed an evil act, and they would forever hold the incident about her head," Damien explained.

"Still, I thought my father left the estate because he wanted to move to the countryside. Not that he was fired. I am proud to hear he stopped a lady from being attacked, but it upsets me that he was fired for it," Eloise said, trying to keep her anger at bay.

Eloise rubbed her temple. "I don’t mean to sound as though I am getting angry with you. You weren’t Lord Hawthorne then. You were only a boy."

Eloise wished to hear from Camille. "Did she feel any remorse for getting my father fired? Would she have preferred that he stand off to the side and let her be attacked? How do we reward kind deeds by taking away someone’s livelihood?"

"The only one who can answer your questions is Camille. I spoke of this with her, so she is well aware who your father is and why he was sent away. I apologise since the matter wasn’t handled well," Damien said, still believing his father’s decision had been wrong.

"It isn’t you who needs to apologise. I don’t need an apology from Camille either. It is my father who should have heard it. Knowing him, he would have been understanding," Eloise said, lying back on the bed. "I don’t like it."

"You don’t have to. You don’t have to push it under the rug or forgive Camille to not make her feel guilty about her past. It concerns your father, so you may feel angry on his behalf. I support how you want to approach it," Damien said, holding Eloise’s hand.

"I don’t want to put you at odds with your aunt over this, but I can’t stop feeling angry. I grew up watching how much he loved his work there," Eloise said, reminiscing about the old memories.

"It should have been dealt with better. When we return to the estate, we shall settle all of this," Damien promised.

Eloise relaxed and stared at the ceiling. "It will be an uncomfortable talk, but a needed one."

"If it will make you feel better, Jane and I will be going on an outing alone, so you will have a break from the Hawthornes. We both feel it is needed," Damien said in an effort to make Eloise feel better.

"I could do with a little break from all of you," Eloise said, welcoming the idea.

"Will you go visit a friend?"

"No," Eloise shook her head. "I need a few hours of peace. No one is referring to me as Lady Hawthorne, or there being a mess for me to fix. I want to be able to walk around without anyone approaching me to speak. Then, I will visit friends later."

"I will speak to the servants in the morning. I will also make sure Jane and I are gone for at least three hours. A pity that to get rid of Jane, you won’t be able to see my face," Damien said, placing his hand over Eloise’s.

"Do you not think I yearn for a break from you as well? You are a bit much at times," Eloise teasingly replied. "I am always on my toes around you. So we don’t get tired of each other, we should have our moments alone."

"I won’t get angry if there is a day you need space from me," Eloise promised.

"How unfortunate for you that I enjoy your company. So you may have started on having peace, I will leave you be," Damien said, slipping his arm from under Eloise’s head before turning his back to her.

Eloise laughed, entertained by Damien’s childish behaviour. "Damien. Must you be this way?" She inquired, poking at his back to grab his attention. "I didn’t mean I want a break now. I do enjoy your presence, and I love every bit of our marriage."

Eloise didn’t get a response. "See, this is the stubborn attitude that runs in your family."

"I am going to bed, so I rise early to take Jane out of town," Damien replied, yet to turn.

"You are the one who brought up giving me a break, but you are now sulking. This is why I need to get away from you," Eloise said, starting to rock Damien’s body. "And it is why I prefer to punish than to reward you. I should find another chamber to sleep in."

A brilliant idea came to mind.

Eloise slipped away from Damien and got off the bed.

Just as Eloise anticipated, Damien sat up, not wanting her to leave the chamber.

Eloise enjoyed the look of panic in Damien’s eyes before she went around to his side of the bed to lie on the space to the left of him.

"You cheeky woman," Damien said, making more room for Eloise to lie down.

"Well, I have to be wise if I am to get around your tricks," Eloise said, making herself comfortable. "Be stubborn all you want. I know how to deal with you."