The Possessive Lord's Contract Wife

Damien sighed and let the matter go for now. He walked with Eloise to see Reece off in one of his carriages.

"Why is Rosalie in our home when she has a comfortable one? Her father has an estate if she needs somewhere to lay her head," said Damien, more curious than irritated.

"Rosalie is getting a divorce from Cole. It has been in the works while we have been out of town. Her father is taking care of it, and as of now, Cole isn’t welcome in the home. Rosalie has been staying with her parents while it is being sorted," Eloise shared, certain the news didn’t surprise Damien.

"I can’t say I’m surprised those two didn’t last. Their marriage should have come to an end long before this," Damien replied, only surprised it went on for so long.

"While that might be so, can you hold back your bluntness just for today? Rosalie already regrets the marriage and doesn’t need to hear it. What she needs now is friends at her side, and we are her friends," Eloise said, hopeful Damien would hold his tongue.

"And what of Victoria? Was I right about those two having an affair, or has Rosalie not yet found out?" Damien asked, curiosity glinting in his eyes.

"Rosalie did find out, and she suspects Victoria is carrying Cole’s child, but he seemed to deny it. Her father was present for the confrontation. It seems she faced quite a lot in our absence. She believes Cole killed the maid, and Victoria knew of it," Eloise said, her voice hushed as the full story wasn’t told to the town.

"What a pity. I would have loved to be sitting front and centre to see her father confront Cole. Knowing that man, he sent someone for his gun. I must hear the tale from the duke himself," Damien said, imagining the scene with satisfaction.

"Damien, I don’t think it is wise for you to be so happy about the state of Rosalie’s marriage. That kind of happiness might place bad luck on our own."

"I am not happy about the state of her marriage. I am thrilled that her father has finally chased away that leech. No longer will I have to sit before him. She always deserved someone more suitable than Cole," Damien said, placing his hand protectively around Eloise’s waist.

"Should I be made aware of what more you did in my absence? I feel like there is still more to be told," Damien said, watching Eloise carefully. "It seems I have to keep an eye on you so you don’t bring in more guests."

"I spoke to Quinn. He has apologised, and I agreed to put it all behind us to start anew. I could tell he was remorseful about what happened, so I am willing to move forward. It is one less trouble I must face," Eloise said, relieved. "I only need to find Iris now."

"Her mother is casting the blame on you for Iris’s disappearance. She has been doing it as of late, as I was informed today. I shared that we were out of town, so your name has been cleared. You won’t be called to the court," Damien assured Eloise.

"For Iris to break free from her mother, what would she have to do?" Eloise wondered out loud, her voice laced with worry.

"Stay hidden as she is doing now. Iris is of age to no longer be under her mother’s care, but if she doesn’t want to leave room for it to be questioned, she would marry," Damien concluded.

"I don’t think Iris would be so rash as to find the nearest gentleman and wed him," Eloise muttered, unable to imagine Iris doing it.

"Why? Because it would be silly? Must I remind you of how we got married?" Damien teased, a faint smirk tugging at his lips.

"That was different. I once knew you, and the circumstances were far more serious. I do wish Reece had given us the name of the man Agatha wants Iris to marry," Eloise said, noting to ask him next time.

"Why? Would you set out to kill him?" Damien asked partially as a joke, though his eyes gleamed with mischief.

"No. I would have you scare him off. I cannot sit by and allow Iris to marry a man she doesn’t love. Agatha has always arranged for Reece to benefit. She won’t care what Iris endures as long as Reece and she benefit," Eloise explained, certain this was Agatha’s plan.

"I question why your father decided to let you stay with your uncle and his family. Once your cousin gives me a name, I will find out who the man is. I’m curious how your cousins managed not to be spoiled by their parents," Damien said, still certain someone else had raised the pair.

Damien lowered his hand from Eloise’s waist.

"I do not know. They’ve always been good to me. Perhaps it is because I kept a good relationship with them through letters during my absence. Reece has always been good to me, so you don’t need to be so wary. We must go inside," Eloise said, reaching for Damien’s hand. Her touch was warm against his.

"I apologise that you needed to be away from home the second we returned. You should go to our chamber to have your bath and rest. I shall take care of all matters in the estate for the rest of the day," Eloise offered, wanting to give Damien a well-needed break.

"Sending me to bed alone sounds like a punishment," Damien said, tightening his hold on Eloise’s hand. "You should join me and let Quinn continue to look after the estate."

"I would join you right away, but before you sent for me, Rosalie was not doing so well. I might have had a bit of fun around the estate and a sip of wine. She had a bit more than me and started to cry about whether she would ever find someone," Eloise said, certain someone needed to be at Rosalie’s side.

"Go to the chamber and wait for me. I will speak with Rosalie to see that she is well before I join you. Don’t look so concerned, Eloise. Rosalie was my friend before she was your friend. I won’t celebrate that her marriage is over," Damien promised. 𝒻𝘳𝘦𝘦𝘸ℯ𝒷𝘯𝘰𝑣ℯ𝑙.𝘤𝑜𝘮

"That wasn’t the reason behind my look. Very well," Eloise agreed, placing Rosalie in Damien’s care. "I will go prepare your bath and personally set out what you shall wear. You aren’t to work until you have rested, or else I will send Kyle to bother you."

"Don’t spoil the good mood," Damien pleaded as he escorted Eloise back inside.