Chapter 404: News [3]

Eloise took care of Joyce and Michael’s payment, then saw them off after getting the list and medication she needed.

Now, she walked with Damien to deliver the news to the others.

They stumbled upon Iris and Quinn, lost in deep conversation.

"Eloise! Are you well?" Iris asked, leaving Quinn’s side. "I heard a doctor came to your chamber."

"Despite the size of the estate, it truly is difficult to keep a secret. A doctor did come to see me after I had been feeling unwell all morning. Then a midwife came to confirm whether I am with child now," Eloise shared, watching as excitement filled the pair’s eyes.

Iris’s eyes widened, and she took another step towards Eloise. "And? What answer did they give? You mustn’t leave us wondering."

"It seems likely that it is so. I have to wait to see if I bleed, but if I don’t, then we shall be having our first child," Eloise said with excitement.

"That is wonderful," Iris said, approaching Eloise for a hug. She looked down at Eloise’s belly. "That must have been the cause of your disinterest in food as of late."

"Perhaps. There is much I have to learn," Eloise replied, feeling both eager and overwhelmed by what lay ahead.

While Iris spoke with Eloise, Quinn went to Damien. He assumed everyone might rush to Eloise and leave Damien on the sidelines.

Quinn patted Damien on the back and said, "Well done, brother. I knew you had it in you. A young heir is already on the way. I pray the child and mother will be healthy."

Quinn lowered his hand back to his side. "You must be plotting to keep everyone away from them. I imagine this must stay a secret for now."

"It must." Eloise nodded. "I don’t need anyone trying to crowd me for news. We decided to share it amongst those we are close to, but until I show it, it is not to get out."

"Your secret is safe with me. I don’t want to bring any harm to you," Quinn said, wishing for Eloise to remain safe.

"It is also safe with me. I’ve seen how the ladies act when another is pregnant. I am confident that once they hear the news that you are pregnant, they will try to win your favour, as you now hold the heir to this estate," said Iris.

Eloise hated the idea of the ladies coming to her. "That doesn’t sound pleasant. They shouldn’t like me now, all because I am pregnant."

"It is what happens. Have you told Jane and Kyle yet?"

"Those two are the ones most likely to spill your secret. You must tell them the importance of keeping it a secret. There comes Jane," Quinn said, spotting her first. "She looks angry."

"Why are you all gathering without me? It is not fair when you do this," Jane said, feeling left out.

"We didn’t gather without you. Damien and Eloise happened to stumble upon me and Iris," Quinn explained, trying to calm Jane before she spoiled the mood.

"Still, it isn’t fair that you were with Iris. I wanted to speak to her about a matter I face. Why are you all smiling?" Jane asked, troubled by the looks they gave. "Are you sending me somewhere? It can’t be to Aunt Camille."

"I wouldn’t do that to you. Eloise and I have news to share. You might be fortunate to have your first cousin," Damien shared.

"Truly?" Jane asked, turning to Eloise. "It is not some silly prank to get my hopes up, right?"

"I wouldn’t joke about this," Eloise replied.

Jane immediately walked towards Eloise. "This is wonderful. I already have a few ideas for how you should make the announcement."

"No. There won’t be any announcement at the moment, nor are you to speak to your peers about it. This stays with us until she shows, and it can no longer be hidden. I don’t want to ever hear that you accidentally spoke of it to your peers," Damien spoke with a stern tone.

"Brother, I would not do such a thing. I already know how you would punish me if I put her at risk, and there are gatherings I seek to attend. It shall remain a secret with me," Jane promised Eloise. "But I do have ways to announce it when you are ready."

Jane could hardly wait for another girl to be running around.

"Thank you, Jane. I will come to you when I need ideas. Do you know where Kyle is? He is the last one to share the news with," Eloise said, looking behind Jane as though Kyle would appear at any moment.

"He is inside his chamber planning for his business. It is all he ever does, and he acts like I am to understand what he speaks of," Jane said, shaking her head.

"I will get him and tell him the news," Damien said, excusing himself from the group. "I will bring him back with me."

"Is this why there was chatter of a doctor being in the estate?" Jane wondered.

"I must gather the maids to tell them to be quiet. If they gossip too loudly, that’s how the news will get out. I truly want this to be kept within this small group so I can enjoy this time," Eloise said, worried it would get out soon.

"You shouldn’t worry yourself with such things. I will have a word with the head maid and tell her to address the maids. I shouldn’t worry you with the plans for my wedding and-"

"Iris," Eloise said, touching Iris’s shoulder to calm her. "I don’t want to be made to feel as though I am now useless. I can still help you prepare for the wedding and the events before it. I plan to join you for the outing tomorrow. I need a successful outing."

"Very well. I will continue to include you," Iris said, reaching for Eloise’s hand. "That doesn’t mean Damien shall join us, right? It was an outing for only the ladies, so to have him there, though he is close to everyone, would be a little uncomfortable."

"Damien won’t be joining us," Eloise assured Iris. "I won’t let him spoil our plans. I have been looking forward to this since Olivia invited me."

The thought of a pleasant day away from estate matters eased some of the tension pressing upon her shoulders.

Iris squeezed her hand. "Then tomorrow shall be a day for us to enjoy ourselves."

"It shall," Eloise agreed softly.