Chapter 277: Rumours [2]
Damien and Zayne excused themselves from the table to allow the women to speak.
"I’ve heard so much about you from Eloise," Iris said, excited to finally meet Viola.
"And I have heard so much about you from Eloise. It warms my heart that, though you were caught between a rock and a hard place, you chose to side with her. You have a good heart," Viola said, curious as to how Iris had managed to avoid becoming like her mother.
"Thank you. I will always do what is right. Eloise told me that you will be staying in town for a while to aid her," Iris said.
"I must. After all that I have witnessed and heard, I cannot leave Eloise alone just yet. My husband will soon join me, so I will be able to stay for a longer period. Are you taking part in the season? I see that you are without a ring on your finger," Viola observed, her gaze lingering on Iris’s hand.
Iris moved her hand beneath the table, a blush colouring her cheeks. "I have only just decided to take part in the season. I am open to finding a husband."
"You are a pretty young lady, and by the way you sit, you have been taught well. Tell me, have you heard from your mother?" Viola asked, switching the topic with ease.
"Not at the moment. I ran away from home, so I haven’t spoken to my mother for some days now. You know about her," Iris said, glancing at Eloise.
"Of course I know of her. Before you hear of it from her, know that I took ownership of your home by settling one of the debts. I don’t intend to keep it for myself. I was going to offer it to Eloise. There won’t be any secrets between us," Viola admitted, setting her actions out in the open.
Iris stared at Viola in shock. "You took ownership of our home? Why? Is it because of what my father did?"
"Well, yes. To be quite honest with you, I didn’t like what occurred. I had a brief talk with your mother about taking ownership and having her leave the home. I didn’t expect her to set the house ablaze. I want to be completely honest about my role," Viola said.
Iris took a moment to absorb the revelation. "I suppose it is to be expected that anyone who cares for Eloise reacts in that way. You didn’t harm my mother, did you?"
"Aside from a bit of hair pulling, I didn’t injure her. I don’t know what has become of her. I want to make it clear that I am not fond of her, but I won’t speak ill of her before you nor place any blame on you," Viola promised.
"I thank you for being so honest. I understand why you would be upset. As awful as she can be, she is still my mother, so there is a very small place I hold in my heart for her. Perhaps we should speak of someone else," Iris suggested, starting to feel uncomfortable.
"I intend to. Since the men aren’t here, I can speak of Camille. The woman is dreadful," Viola ranted, still angry. "You must get ahead of her attempts to trouble you. She will try to oust you."
"It is wrong, since Eloise had no hand in what happened with the siblings. So what if Damien followed his wife? I assume she is trying to turn Eloise’s marriage into something like her own," Iris spoke up.
Viola shuddered at the thought. "Who would want a repeat of that marriage? It only looks wonderful from afar. I’ve listened to the gossip about her marriage, and her husband isn’t home very often. It is the loneliness that makes her meddle."
"I have always heard that he is away on business. Though the sources for the gossip might not be reliable," Iris said, uncertain if she should reveal what she knew.
"Indeed, he is always away on business, but his livelihood is here in town, so where might he be going? Lord Hawthorne is a busy man, yet he seems to be home," Viola pointed out. "I would not be surprised if her husband’s attention was going elsewhere."
"You must be careful following these couples who claim to have perfect lives and marriages. They are the ones with the most secrets ready to explode in their faces. If she comes for your marriage, I shall be ready," Viola promised Eloise.
"I understand what you are trying to say. She has children for her husband, so I would hope his eyes are not wandering. If it is so and she is aware, I would hate to find out that she is taking her frustrations out on my marriage," Eloise said, reaching for her teacup.
"It might not be an affair. People fall out of love and want their time away. It could be that they have fallen out of love, and that is why he is always away. Whatever it is, it will come to light. I will only pry if she troubles you," Viola promised, unwilling to stir trouble unless provoked.
"For now, there is peace, so I don’t want to go picking fights with Camille. If she tries to make me an outcast, let her. I don’t need to become friends with her peers," Eloise said.
"I should have pulled her hair a little or spoken of the dress she wore, though it was beautiful," Viola admitted, hating that Camille looked wonderful.
Eloise chuckled, followed by Iris’s laughter.
"I have a ball in which you can attend, and you can bring Iris along with you. It will be hosted by a dear friend of mine, so you shall receive a warm welcome. You don’t have to attend many gatherings, but there are some in which you should show your face," Viola advised Eloise.
"For you, I will attend. I will need to convince Damien," Eloise said, uncertain of whether he would attend.
"I’m certain that one request from you and he will say yes. As long as you stay beside me, you will enjoy yourself. You can’t spend all your days here in the estate. Allow me to take you both for dresses and invite you to my home. You need it," Viola said, eager to distract herself with dresses.
"I accept the invitation," Eloise agreed, welcoming the distraction.
"I accept as well," Iris answered, her smile returning.
"Wonderful. I will have my home prepared for your arrival. If you have more of your peers who have treated you well, then give me their names. I shall treat them as well," Viola offered.
"The only lady I can think of is Rosalie. She is facing a divorce, so she might welcome a chance to sit with ladies," Eloise said.
"Divorce? Then she will need wine instead of dresses. I shall prepare it all," Viola said, already planning the gathering in her mind.