Chapter 284: Moving pieces [2]
"We cannot change the past. We can only plan better for the future. You should host a gathering for all the young ladies who are learning to prepare for their seasons. Invite high‑ranking ladies to offer advice," Hayden suggested, a calculating plan hidden behind his suggestion.
"You said we should not waste money on such grand events. And how would this help to make Damien regret what he did?" Camille asked, her brows knitting together.
It seemed to be nothing more than a waste of money and uncalled for.
"It will not trouble Damien, but it will trouble Jane. She will not be pleased to be left out of an event where her peers are invited. Jane will be the first to crawl back to you, which opens the door for her brothers to follow," Hayden explained.
"I do not understand. You said you only wanted me to focus on our children, to let them have a good season instead of thinking about Jane. Now you want her to come back to me?" Camille asked, confused as to where he was going with this.
"I stand by what I said. Having Jane desperate to return to your side will drive her to cry to her brother to leave you alone. Jane is spoiled and has her brothers wrapped around her finger. They will listen to her," Hayden explained his motives.
"Hayden, I think it has been far too long since you sat with Damien. He spoils Jane, yes, but when it comes to facing anyone, he will not let her stand in his way. All you must do is ensure that what you do will not lead back to you. I will host the event," Camille agreed as she needed the distraction.
Camille rose from her chair. "It is time this family holds one. Damien has made a mistake by not hosting any balls at the Hawthorne estate. He is letting the name be forgotten. The estate was once filled with music as it hosted countless balls."
"It was how I came to fall in love with you," Hayden said, vividly remembering the moment.
Camille smiled, recalling the beauty of those nights.
Hayden stepped closer, embracing her. "If the children had been younger when your brother passed, we could have gained some control of the estate."
Camille frowned, troubled by the memory. "I would have preferred my brother had not died. I wish he had stayed home that day with his wife. It still troubles me how they came to pass from that accident. So many carriages have been damaged during the winter, but theirs was dreadful."
"They were not as fortunate as others. It was only a blessing that the children were not travelling with them," Hayden said, his gaze drifting to the window as Camille rested her head against his chest.
"It is good that the children survived. I only wish they would think of all this when they stand against me. I am sorry for bringing up my brother, but Damien will not listen to me. I did not share it, yet the others are questioning the Hawthorne heir," Camille revealed the secret she held onto.
"Damien?" Hayden raised his brow.
Camille shook her head. "His future heir. The small wedding stirred trouble, and now they wish to know when the couple will have their first child. Our relatives were the same when we married. I had our first child shortly after."
"If this Eloise does not bear a boy quickly, it will weaken her position in the family. If she bears no child at all, the Hawthornes would rightfully ask her to leave. Did Damien ever speak of his plans for children?" Hayden wondered.
Hayden couldn’t place Damien as the type to look forward to becoming a father. It was already surprising that Damien got married.
"No," Camille said, having no memory of it. "He did not even speak of marriage to me, so why would he speak of children? I know well that he loves her. He will want children with her, and soon."
"Love fades eventually," Hayden said with certainty.
Camille chuckled softly. "Love fades? Has your love for me faded?"
"We are different, Camille. We are a settled couple who understand and support each other equally. In time, Damien will tire of a woman not raised in his world, unable to truly understand him. He will need a proper lady at his side."
"You were raised to care for your husband and respect him. You were raised to know how to present yourself in society. I am proud to have you at my side, to keep you there. I cannot say the same for your nephew," Hayden explained.
"I tried to teach her. She will look back and regret it. All the little people think this life is easy, but it takes years of learning to settle in. How foolish of them to turn me away," Camille said, annoyed.
"I will let word of this gathering spread near and far. It shall be the most anticipated event for young ladies. I will make it known that everyone important is invited. I will do as you say, but you must tell me what you are planning," Camille pressed, worried about his plans.
"The less you know, the better. I have already said I am waiting for his wife to leave his side."
"What if Damien or Eloise speaks of what happened, of her father saving me? The man from back then is long gone," Camille said, frightened as she remembered the man who harassed her. "My brother rid us of him, so I had hoped that would be the end."
"Camille, you are a respected woman. No one would dare judge you for what occurred. Besides, to reveal it would expose what his father did to his man. Damien would not go so far," Hayden assured Camille.
Camille remained troubled since Damien was unpredictable by nature. He was always a loose cannon, and that would never change.
"Will you attend the gathering, or must you be away? The children and I have longed to spend time with you at an event. It would be wonderful if you could attend the one here at our home. You must have time," Camille said, her heart aching for his presence.
"I must see if I can attend. There are matters beyond my control, but I will do my best. No," Hayden corrected himself. "I shall be there. I will be right at your side," he promised.
Hayden knew he must be present to silence all doubt surrounding his marriage. His marriage was not one to be questioned.