Chapter 329: Grateful [3]
Later, Iris walked Zayne to the door to see him off, as he had other matters to attend to. Though Zayne wanted to stay a little longer, he did not think it was right to overstay his welcome and be with Iris while the others were not present.
"Are you certain you will be well with Eloise and Damien so lost in each other?" Zayne asked, concerned that she might feel left out. "You can write for me to return, and I will be here before you know it."
"I will be fine. There is plenty for me to do within the estate, and if I grow bored, I can speak with Jane. She surprisingly welcomes my company," Iris replied, not wanting to keep him longer.
"It is hard to believe Jane is present, since I haven’t heard a word from her today. How do you know she hasn’t snuck out?"
"I do not know. But I think she wouldn’t be so foolish as to try sneaking out when there are guards everywhere. Even I grow nervous when I walk the garden since they act as though they will stop me," Iris admitted.
"Who has done it?" Zayne asked, stepping back inside.
Iris pressed her palms against his chest to push him back out. "You must go."
"You should speak up if the guards make you uncomfortable. You’re a guest and deserve to be treated as such. If you would only take my offer-"
"I am not marrying you a few days after agreeing to be courted. We agreed to see this through until the end of the season. You act as though there are countless weeks left," Iris said, still trying to usher him out.
"The days are going by rather slowly," Zayne murmured, catching Iris in his arms as she stumbled.
"That makes it all the better for us. That is good time for us," Iris said, attempting to pull back, but Zayne’s grip was hard to get out of.
"Why does it seem as though you’re giving us more time for one of us to pull away?" Zayne asked, his voice low.
"I’m giving us enough time to know each other before we truly consider marriage. The early years are filled with bliss, but what happens when those feelings vanish? We should take our time," Iris said, certain they would appreciate it later on. "What makes you think I want to pull away? Do you?"
"No," Zayne replied.
"Each time you speak of it, I will assume that is your intention. The season will be over before you know it, so be patient. For a man who likes to laze about in bed, you are not very patient. Good day, Zayne," Iris said, expecting him to release her.
Zayne let go and placed a hand over his chest. "These long days are going to kill me."
"Well, if it happens before we wed, I shall be fortunate not to become a widow," Iris teased, folding her arms. "You will live, Zayne. You must be on your way."
Zayne lowered his hand and laughed at her dismissal. He leaned forward, took her right hand, and kissed the back of it. "Good day, Iris."
His gaze flicked to someone behind her, so he retreated before questions could follow.
Iris watched as Zayne returned to his carriage. She couldn’t say it out loud, but she wished he would come again tomorrow after she met with her father.
"You and Zayne? Did my eyes deceive me, or did he just kiss your hand?"
Iris stiffened at Jane’s voice. "Jane," she said, turning quickly. "It is not as it seems. It was a mere parting gesture."
"I know what I saw and will not be lied to. It is good if he is courting you. Some of my peers heard rumours that he would marry Rosalie now that she is leaving her husband, but I disagreed," Jane said.
"Rosalie?" Iris repeated.
"Yes. The very one who comes to see Eloise. Did you not hear the rumours that others wanted her with Zayne? I wouldn’t think much of it, since I don’t believe they suit each other. It will be perfect if it is you," Jane said eagerly.
"Because I am suited for him in your eyes?" Iris asked, her cheeks warming up.
"You are quite lovely, and it would mean my peers are wrong in their guesses. Don’t worry, as I won’t share it with them, since you are trying to hide it. I am satisfied with being one of the first to know," Jane said, determined to keep the secret.
"Well, I do hope you can keep it a secret. I want it to remain so until I have met his family and we are certain," Iris said.
"I shall keep it. You should be more excited since you have captured one of the most desired men in town. While Zayne is odd to me, since I have known him as a brother, the other ladies adore him," Jane said, linking arms with Iris.
"I know. I spent many days observing which gentlemen were most desired. I know how sought‑after he is, but that does not affect me. Besides, if the ladies knew how he acts in his home-"
"How do you know how he acts in his home?" Jane interrupted.
"I once worked as his maid before coming here. It was where I hid before arriving at the estate. I thought it was known," Iris said, surprised.
"This cannot do. I know how the ladies are. If word of this gets out, they will try to dim your light at gatherings. We must make you so perfect they dare not speak of you being a maid," Jane said, her mind already scheming.
"Is it possible to make them forget I worked for him?" Iris asked, doubting whatever plan Jane came up with.
Jane gripped Iris’s shoulders. "With the right dress and the poise of a lady, you can make them forget anything. I have seen it happen, though it is not easy. Done well, they will even forget your family’s troubles."
"I don’t believe that can happen-"
"It won’t if you lack confidence. Confidence can help any lady achieve what she wants. You mustn’t share this with Zayne, but I think of him as one of my brothers, so I shall help you," Jane promised.
She intended to do it more as a gift to Zayne than to Iris.
"My brother!" Iris exclaimed suddenly, remembering where Reece was left. "Reece is drunk and alone in the gardens. I must go to him."
Iris ran off while Jane followed, puzzled but determined to return to her plans once Iris’s crisis was resolved.