Chapter 315: Acting normal [1]
Damien stepped out of his carriage after returning to the estate.
"Come to me the moment there’s news about Hayden. I want him to feel as though he’s losing his sanity," said Damien.
"Yes, Lord Hawthorne," Gage replied.
Damien walked towards the front door, thinking over his interaction with Hayden.
During his time with Hayden, Damien had fought the urge to smash a bottle over the man’s head. In the midst of that restraint, he’d decided it would be far more entertaining to toy with Hayden rather than end things outright.
Keeping Hayden on edge, never certain where the next true attack might come from, amused Damien greatly. It was a game of cat and mouse, and he intended to enjoy every moment of the chase.
He shrugged off his coat since the faint scent of smoke clung to the fabric despite never having lit a pipe himself. Damien set it aside before climbing the stairs to return to Eloise.
"Damien," Quinn said, startled by Damien’s sudden presence.
"Why are you surprised to see me here, in my own home?" Damien asked, immediately suspicious that Quinn was up to something.
"Oh, no. I’d heard you were out and not due back for some time. I only came to collect a few more of my belongings for the townhouse. The maids are packing my bags as we speak," Quinn explained.
"Why the townhouse, of all places? There are far more suitable homes you could take instead," said Damien.
"For now, I feel comfortable there. I’ll move somewhere else once I marry. It sits in the heart of town, which makes it easier to get wherever I need to go. With Kyle setting up his business, he’s taken to visiting most nights," Quinn revealed.
"Then by all means, stay there. I rather enjoy a break from Kyle," Damien replied, moving further up the stairs.
"I’ve been taking a few pieces of furniture from storage. Since I’ll be running a household on my own now, I have to trim my expenses somewhere," Quinn joked, a grin tugging at his mouth.
"You’ve a hefty sum left to your name. So long as you don’t waste it all on women and drink, it should last you and any children a lifetime. I’d suggest taking a leaf out of Kyle’s book and finding a way to make it grow," Damien advised Quinn.
Damien continued, "We have the money from rents and the family businesses, but that gets divided among all of us. You ought to find something small to occupy your mind."
"Could I come to work for you?" Quinn asked, half in jest.
"Quinn, I hardly like you as a brother. What on earth makes you think I’d enjoy you as an employee? I suggest you go work for Kyle instead."
Quinn laughed at the absurd suggestion. "I love you too, brother. But I’ve no intention of working for Kyle. We both know exactly how he’d behave if either of us answered to him. I’d likely end up striking my own employer."
"Or strangling him," Damien added, a smirk forming. "It’s been far too long since we gave him a proper brotherly beating."
"If he were here, I’d say we ambush him now, but he’s away with Samuel. Next time I’m back, let’s do it. Give him a good beating so he doesn’t forget he’s still the youngest. Purely for his own well-being, of course," Quinn said, already looking forward to it.
"You’ve convinced me," Damien said, a devious smile spreading across his lips. "Though I wouldn’t get too excited if I were you. You’re still my little brother, which means I’m well within my rights to give you a good beating too."
Quinn laughed off the threat easily. "We’re not boys any longer. You don’t tower over me the way you used to, so I’ve little reason to fear you. Perhaps I ought to plot with Kyle instead to lead an ambush against you. Someone needs to knock our elder brother off his high horse."
"I encourage you both to try," Damien said, enjoying the thought of beating them both. "Tell me, would the ladies still find you so charming if you could hardly manage to sit? I have a new pair of boots, and I’d love the chance to test just how sturdy they are."
"You take your jokes a touch too far, Damien. I think I’ll return home before I find myself unable to walk. Let the others know I’ve left the estate," Quinn said, heading towards the front door.
Damien watched his brother go for a moment before continuing up the stairs.
The next day, Damien and Eloise sat together in his study when Zayne burst through the doors unannounced.
"Good morning, my favourite lovely couple," Zayne said, greeting the pair.
Damien glanced up from the papers in his hand but said nothing, returning his attention to the documents almost immediately.
"Iris isn’t here with us," Eloise informed Zayne. "She went for a walk in the gardens, so when she’s back, I’ll join her. Did you bring those flowers for her?"
"No," Zayne said, walking towards Eloise. "These are for you," he said, presenting her with the bouquet he carefully prepared.
Damien lowered his papers and eyed Zayne, who clearly wished to die. "What exactly are you doing?"
"Zayne, wouldn’t it be a little strange to offer flowers to anyone but the woman you’re courting? And in case you’d forgotten, I am married," Eloise said, making no move to take them.
"I’m not offering these to court you. I need your help with your dear cousin. You know Iris better than I do, so I’m hoping you might help me win her hand," Zayne explained.
He noticed Damien’s stare but paid it no mind. "Why do you look so upset, Damien? Reminded that you’ve never once brought your wife flowers? Eloise, when was the last time he offered you flowers?"
"He’s given me plenty of gifts, and need I remind you he succeeded in convincing me to marry him? You’ll find Iris a far greater challenge, so I’d suggest staying on our good side if you want our help," Eloise said, putting an end to the teasing. "Save your jokes for her instead."
"Aren’t you worried he’ll frighten her off? Zayne has never had much of a knack for jokes," said Damien.
"I’ve always had a fine knack for jokes. Damien has a poor sense of humour. Let’s forget he’s even in the room," Zayne said, taking hold of Eloise’s hand. "Focus entirely on me. You really must reconsider and help me with Iris. Please," he pleaded.