Chapter 294: Advice [2]
Damien led Reece into the storage where rows upon rows of rums and wines rested.
"You have a vast storage," Reece remarked as his eyes roamed over the collection. "I can’t begin to fathom what it is worth."
Damien’s hand brushed lightly across the necks of bottles. "I don’t know the full price of it. Some of these were stored here from my father’s days, and others from before even his time. Some were gifts, others bought. Since we don’t host gatherings, it isn’t diminishing quickly."
"I know men who would love to get their hands on this collection," Reece said, half in jest, though his admiration was genuine. Damien’s glance flicked towards him, and Reece hurried to add, "I am not saying I would steal from you, nor would I plot against Eloise’s husband. I am not a thief."
"You misunderstand me," Damien replied, almost amused. "I wouldn’t be against you being bold enough to tell men to steal from me. It has been a while since I had the chance to shoot someone trying to take what is mine. My guns might be feeling a little lonely."
Reece halted, uncertain whether to follow Damien deeper into the dark. "You jest, surely?"
"If I were telling a joke, we would all be laughing," Damien said, his eyes still scanning the shelves. "I’ve had men and women attempt theft over the years. While others might find it bothersome, I find it sport. They never try again."
Damien’s hand hovered over a bottle. "Come further."
"I think it is more suited that I stand here," Reece muttered, remaining in the safer glow of the lantern.
"I am not going to shoot you," Damien assured him, though he didn’t sound convincing. "My gun is not on me. Eloise would have a fit if I walked about armed. I am almost certain she has instructed the maids to put them away."
"That is the reason you won’t shoot me? Because your gun isn’t near?"
Damien turned, his expression unreadable. "Why does it sound as though you are disappointed? Do you need me to shoot you, Reece? Tell me now, while I am in a good mood, so I might spare you."
"There is no reason for you to shoot me. I stay out of your path," Reece replied quickly, his throat tightening with unease.
"Then stop speaking of being shot before you annoy me. I will shoot you then," Damien said, his tone clipped, though his lips curved faintly. He pulled a bottle free with a satisfied sound. "I found the wine without your help. You are about to be a father, so it is time you start to wisen up."
"When are you going to be a father, Damien? Lord Hawthorne," Reece corrected himself with respect.
"You mustn’t act as though we are so familiar yet," Damien said, looking away from Reece momentarily. "When the time comes, I will be a father. I cannot do so now, not while men who don’t know how to think for themselves visit my estate."
His insult hung in the air.
"For my sake," Damien continued, pouring the wine. "Be wise enough to leave town soon. Do not bring more trouble to us. The next time you visit, it should be to introduce your wife, not to save your mother."
"I promise I won’t disturb you again. Thank you," Reece said, holding out the glasses. "You know, I had my doubts before, but you are well suited for Eloise. Perhaps you needed each other."
Damien’s brow arched. "Are you saying that because she needed protection from your family?"
"No," Reece said, shaking his head. "Eloise cares deeply about family. She was always obedient as a child, so no one had reason to judge her. She lost her mother young, and whispers claimed she wouldn’t grow into a well-behaved lady. She needed someone like you who doesn’t tolerate foolishness."
Reece continued, "Someone who doesn’t care if ties with family are severed, someone who doesn’t forgive easily. I can see she is changing and learning not to need everyone at her side, not to behave as others expect. That is what I meant."
"And is she well suited for me?" Damien asked.
"Of course she is," Reece replied, his voice cheerful. "I will be biased because I care for her, but Eloise has changed you. I only knew of you from afar, but I am certain you wouldn’t be offering me a drink if not for her." He lifted his glass slightly.
"You don’t appear to be a man who does what he dislikes merely for a woman."
"I am not," Damien said, his eyes fixed on the wine in his glass. "That doesn’t mean you can go to her to persuade me to do anything for you. I have my limits."
"I don’t want anything from you. I only want Eloise to be in good hands," Reece said, then took a sip. He licked his lips, savouring it. "You have good taste."
"I do," Damien said simply. "If you stand on your word to leave town soon, I will let you have any bottle that catches your eye. No matter how expensive. Think of it as a gift for you and your wife once the child arrives, when you have a moment alone."
"I shall take you up on your offer," Reece said, knowing not to refuse a gift from a lord. "But I advise you not to let Eloise and Iris into this storage. They won’t drink at dinner or lounge about, but if they decide to get together, they are too silly. They might wander."
"You tempt me," Damien murmured, curious. He longed to see this playful side of Eloise. "It should be fine as long as they remain on the estate."
Reece shook his head, smiling. "You don’t understand. By wandering, I mean they will run outside, claiming to explore. Those two can be fast when they wish. I’ve failed to chase them."
"That doesn’t surprise me," Damien said, his gaze sweeping over Reece’s build. "I don’t think you would succeed in chasing a child."
Reece laughed, unoffended. "I might not be as fit as you, but I can chase a child. You’ll eat your words if those two get drunk and decide to run. All you’ll hear is their laughter echoing through the grounds, and they won’t listen."
"It is why they don’t drink," Reece added, shaking his head.
Damien wasn’t troubled. In truth, the thought of chasing Eloise through the gardens, her laughter spilling into the night, stirred something warm in him. He didn’t mind the idea at all.