The Possessive Lord's Contract Wife

A few hours later, Rosalie arrived at the Hawthorne estate. Nothing excited her more in the last few days than knowing Eloise was back within her reach. It also meant that Damien was near if she needed to turn to him for his opinion.

Eloise greeted her with a warm embrace, and Rosalie melted in it. It didn’t feel like all of the other hugs filled with pity. It was a hug done simply because she needed one.

"Thank you for inviting me to your home, Eloise. If I had to sit around once more, hearing that all would be well and enduring pity looks, I might have lost my sanity. Your timing could not be better," Rosalie said, sighing in relief. "I was so close to hiding away."

"I am glad to bring you some comfort. Are you truly well?" Eloise asked, pulling back to study Rosalie’s face.

Rosalie smiled faintly, though it did not deceive Eloise. "No," she admitted, her brows furrowing. "I am still coming to terms with it. Is there somewhere private we might speak? There is much I must share that the town does not yet know."

"Of course. We can go out into the garden. It is beautiful today, and we shall notice if anyone tries to eavesdrop. Aiden," Eloise turned to her guard. "Please instruct Hannah to have the cooks prepare light food and drinks for my guest. They are to be placed in the garden."

Aiden bowed and departed swiftly.

"Thank you. I have not eaten lately, and it troubles me to feel so frail. It is just like when I was ill. Is Lord Hawthorne not present?" Rosalie asked, surprised he was not near Eloise. "Did you not just return to town? Is there business already?"

"No. Unfortunately, we returned to the news that my cousin Iris is missing. Damien offered to find her for me, so he is away," Eloise explained, her mood dampening again.

Rosalie gasped, her hand flying to her chest. "Your cousin? I pray she is safe. Had I known, I would have come another time. I do not wish to burden you with my troubles."

"No, no. I need someone to speak with, so I do not think the worst. And I wish to be present for you, since you were so kind to me. We can be present for each other," Eloise said, offering her hand.

Rosalie clasped it and teased, "Seeing us walking so close, the maids might think we are lovers."

"I doubt it," Eloise replied, allowing Rosalie her laugh. "But you might be a good choice."

"Oh, please, I pale in comparison to Damien," Rosalie said with a faint chuckle. "Just keep me by your side as a friend."

"I am glad you consider me a friend, though I am surprised you wished to confide in me. We are only just getting to know one another, and you must have many companions," Eloise remarked.

"You are the only one I truly trust cares for me outside of my father being a duke. The others tread carefully, fearful of offending him, or they say only what I wish to hear. You speak your mind, and because you are Damien’s wife, I trust you," Rosalie explained.

"I am fortunate to have met you, Eloise. I would not know who to turn to now besides my family. I can speak to my parents, but they are already stressed and trying their best to cheer me up. I do not wish to burden them further," Rosalie said softly.

"I understand. You may speak freely with me," Eloise assured her as they stepped into the garden. "I understand you feel have though you have placed much in their path to confront, but I also believe they wouldn’t get tired of speaking to you."

Guards patrolled discreetly as gardeners were hard at work, but aside from them, the pair were alone.

They sat upon a stone bench.

"Usually, I would turn to Victoria at a time like this, but she is the one sleeping with my husband. I am not certain if there are others, but once affairs begin, surely there will be more. It started when I was ill, and they grew closer," Rosalie said, her voice trembling as she fought back tears.

Eloise placed her hand gently on Rosalie’s back, rubbing in slow circles to comfort her. "Did they confess it to you?"

"They were not so kind. I pieced it together after suspicions arose at the ball. Their closeness and the maid’s death did not sit right with me. Damien noticed it too," Rosalie explained.

"I know it does not lessen the betrayal, but I wish they had told me. Then I would not have spent hours doubting myself, feeling guilty for questioning two people I thought cared for me," she said, covering her face with trembling hands.

"You should have heard how he spoke about the maid and how they tried to deny it at first. Worse of all, I suspect Victoria is pregnant," Rosalie whispered, her voice muffled behind her hands.

Eloise froze, startled. "For how long did they think they could keep it secret?"

Rosalie’s sorrow hardened into anger. She lowered her hands. "That bastard finally spoke of us having a child. I believe he wished to trap me in marriage with a baby, then reveal Victoria was his mistress."

"Looking back, I do not think he realised she might be pregnant. If it began when I was ill, it is too soon to know. I do not want to sit here drowning in sadness. I have already informed the town guards of their affair and my suspicions about the maid’s death," Rosalie shared

"Do you think Victoria played a role in the maid’s death?"

"I believe she knew Cole was behind it when we were told. I do not know if the guards have begun questioning them, as my father is handling it. Aside from my own pain, I hope Faye receives justice," Rosalie said, still unwilling to protect Victoria.

"She deserves to have her killers exposed. It is shocking how deep this runs. Since you are tired of hearing all will be well, let us have some fun," Eloise said, rising to her feet.

She offered her hand to Rosalie.

"Fun?" Rosalie asked, accepting the help to stand.

"Yes. What you need is a distraction, not endless talk of what awaits you. Allow me to take your mind off your troubles. When was the last time you enjoyed yourself here at the estate?" Eloise asked.

Rosalie managed a smile. "It has been far too long."