Chapter 34
Chapter Thirty-Four
“ I t is simply breathtaking here,” Hannah said, reaching out to touch a branch heavy with late-blooming roses as they strolled through the garden. “You’ve done well for yourself, Duchess.” She grinned, nudging Eloise with her elbow. “I never imagined you living in a place like this.”
Much to Eloise’s relief, Hannah arrived the very next day. Sensing Eloise’s distress, Hannah quickly settled into the guest room and joined Eloise for tea.
Later that afternoon, the sun broke free from behind the clouds, and the sky brightened for the first time in days, just as Hannah had lightened Eloise’s heart.
Eloise took a deep breath, letting the crisp autumn air fill her lungs. The leaves were just beginning to turn, the bright green shifting to shades of amber and crimson, a gentle reminder that time was passing, even as her own world felt frozen with uncertainty.
Eloise gave Hannah a small smile, her gaze distant. “Neither did I to be honest.” She sighed, looking out over the sprawling gardens that felt so empty now. “It is strange, having everything I thought I wanted… and yet feeling so alone.”
Hannah’s expression softened, her usual playfulness fading. “I thought there must be a reason you called me here. I heard that Jeremy has returned. I take it things did not go well?”
“I always suspected he would not be pleased,” Eloise said, threading her arm through her friend’s. “But the anger in him—it is like nothing I have ever seen before. I thought he would at least understand why we married. You understand, do you not, Hannah?”
Hannah stopped and turned to look at her with a soft gaze. “I understand, my dear. And your brother will come around in time, you’ll see.”
“Perhaps.” Eloise wandered to the fountain just behind Hannah, watching the water ripple in lazy circles as she gathered her thoughts. “Felix left, Hannah. It has been a week, and I do not know if he will ever return.”
Hannah’s eyes widened. “Left? Because of Jeremy? Where did he go?”
“London,” Eloise tried to keep her tone steady, but the ache in her heart grew as she spoke, “Jeremy said some awful things, Hannah. He said that Felix could never be a good husband or make me happy, and Felix… well, he agreed then said he had to leave. I tried to get him to stay and talk about it, but he just… left.”
She trailed her fingers in the water, the icy cold bringing her to her senses, as if reminding her she was still alive.
“Oh, Eloise,” Hannah said, giving her a pitying look. “I am so sorry. I do wish you had told me sooner. You know I would have come straight away.”
“I know.” Eloise looked up at her and smiled gratefully. “You are a good friend. The best.”
“It has never made much sense to me,” Hannah said, “the way men insist on running away from everything. And they think they are warriors! It is always the poor ladies left at home who ensure the world continues turning while they drown their sorrows at the club.”
Eloise let out a hollow laugh. “Indeed. And it is not just him. Jeremy’s furious with me too. He thinks I have somehow betrayed him by marrying Felix.” She paused, her hands tightening around the fabric of her skirt. “And then there is my mother. She came here the other day, and all she could do was chastise me for causing such a ‘mess’ in the family. It is as if none of them realize, as if none of them care about what I have had to give up.”
“Oh dear,” Hannah said. “Things really have turned sour, but I am here now.”
Eloise looked up from her hands, her eyes watery with tears. “I thought I was doing the right thing by marrying Felix to protect my family, to save us all from ruin. But it feels like I am the only one who sees it that way.”
Hannah led her to a stone bench nestled beneath a canopy of trees, and they sat down together.
“Eloise,” she began gently, “you have spent your whole life taking care of other people. Your mother, your brother, now Felix.” She paused, giving Eloise a steady, knowing look. “But who has been looking after you?”
Eloise blinked, surprised by the question, and found herself at a loss for words. The truth settled uncomfortably within her: she had been so focused on fulfilling everyone else’s needs and expectations, that she had completely neglected her own happiness.
Hannah sighed, a sad smile forming on her lips. “You deserve more than this, you know. More than a family that does not appreciate you. More than a husband who backs down when things get hard.”
Eloise’s gaze fell to her hands, her voice barely a whisper. “I genuinely thought Felix and I were building something together.”
“As did I when I saw you together only last week. But maybe he is not ready.”
“I think he is still haunted by his past, and I am tired of trying to convince him, or anyone else, that I am worth staying for.”
Hannah’s hand covered hers, warm and reassuring. “Eloise, you are worth it. And if Felix cannot see that, then he is the one who needs to change, not you.”
After a moment, Hannah gave her a gentle nudge. “You know,” she said with a small smile, “if you ever need a reminder, I would be more than happy to stand in the middle of London and shout your praises for all the world to hear.”
Eloise laughed, a genuine laugh that felt like the first in ages. “I have no doubt that you would.”
The following afternoon, Eloise sat in the morning room, her eyes drifting over the lush gardens visible through the window.
Hannah sat opposite with a book open on her lap, her mind engrossed in romance.
One no doubt happier than my own.
“Viscount Kaylocke, Your Grace,” the butler intoned, appearing at the doorway silently. “Here to see His Grace.”
Eloise exchanged a quick glance with Hannah. It had been over a week since Felix had left, and she doubted Stephen was unaware of that fact. At Felix’s request, she had not seen him since the ball, but now, she supposed she had little choice.
Eloise managed a polite smile, nodding to the butler. “Show him in, please.”
Stephen entered with his usual charming smile, his gaze sweeping the room before settling on Eloise.
“Your Grace, it is a pleasure to see you again,” he said, bowing. “And, of course, Lady Hannah.” He greeted her with a respectful nod though Eloise didn’t miss the flash of surprise in his eyes at her presence.
Hannah rose with a polite smile. “Lord Kaylocke, what a delight. I trust your journey here was pleasant?”
“Very,” he replied, looking between the two of them as he took a seat. “Though I confess, I had rather hoped to see His Grace. Is he still in London?”
Eloise felt the familiar pang of frustration but kept her expression neutral. “Yes, he is taking care of business,” she replied though she could see Stephen’s curiosity hadn’t been satisfied.
“Ah, I see,” he said. “Unfortunate timing on my part, then. But if I may, I would be honored to share a few moments with you both. Excuse my boldness, but if I were the Duke, I would not be able to pry myself away from such a beautiful place.”
Hannah nodded graciously as Eloise signaled to the maid to bring in the tea tray. The three settled around the low table, and as they poured their tea, Stephen leaned back, seeming to take in the entire room, as if searching for something.
Eloise watched him carefully though she had little energy for entertainment.
“This estate is remarkable,” he said, looking directly at Eloise. “Kingswell suits you, Your Grace. I would say it matches your elegance.”
Eloise thanked him politely, but the compliment felt too deliberate, too close to home, and she fidgeted uncomfortably. Beside her, Hannah arched an eyebrow, hiding a smirk behind her teacup.
“So,” Hannah began, breaking the silence as she poured a second cup of tea, “how long have you known His Grace, Lord Kaylocke?”
“Oh, we met only recently,” he replied. “Both times were under rather unfortunate circumstances, I am afraid.”
“Unfortunate?” Hannah asked, looking to Stephen then to Eloise.
Eloise nodded. “My husband is not fond of unscheduled visits, and unfortunately, Stephen was unaware. The second meeting was at Lady Brimsleigh’s ball, of course.”
“Ah yes,” Hannah said, nodding her head.
Eloise squirmed again, the memory of that night dancing before her eyes.
That was the night when everything had changed between herself and Felix… before it all changed again. That was the night he had shown her what true pleasure was.
She imagined the sting on her backside again, the long-lasting reminder of his consequences .
“Yes,” he agreed, his gaze lingering on Eloise just a beat too long. “One could only hope that he recognizes what a treasure he has in his duchess.”
Eloise felt a faint warmth in her cheeks, uncomfortable under his scrutiny, but Hannah was quick to reply. “Oh, no need to worry about Eloise, Lord Kaylocke. She is more than capable of holding her own.”
“Indeed,” he replied, his mouth curving in a small, unreadable smile, “I am sure you are, Your Grace.”
Eloise threw him another uncomfortable smile. “Perhaps you would like to pour us another cup of tea, Stephen,” she suggested.
“Of course.”
He did as she asked, picking up the teapot and pouring them all a fresh cup of tea. She noticed a slight tremor in his hand as he passed her the cup.
“Thank you.” She took a sip, her gaze briefly meeting his own.
“It is my pleasure, I assure you” he replied smoothly. “I only hope I am not overstaying my welcome. You must have a busy schedule, managing this grand place without His Grace here to assist.”
“Oh, Eloise manages beautifully,” Hannah interjected with a bright smile. “I dare say she could even teach the Duke a thing or two.”
Eloise chuckled, but her gaze shifted to Stephen, watching him carefully as he took a sip of his tea.
Stephen leaned forward, placing his cup down with a rattle. “I hope I am not speaking out of turn, Your Grace,” he began, “but I do hope your husband is busy working and not spending his time gambling.”
Eloise glanced at Hannah in shock, her discomfort growing at Stephen’s boldness. “I am quite certain that he is doing whatever is required of him in London. It is not for us to concern ourselves with the Duke’s whereabouts.”
“Of course,” he replied smoothly though there was a faint smirk on his lips. “Forgive me, I sometimes speak too frankly.”
As the conversation wound down Stephen rose, giving them each a bow. “Thank you for your company, Your Grace, Lady Hannah. Do let His Grace know that I called upon him, would you?”
“Of course, Stephen,” Eloise replied, nodding as she watched him leave.