Chapter 406: To let go [2]

"There you two are," Olivia said, stepping forward to greet the pair. "I was starting to worry that you had forgotten about me."

"I apologise. Lord Hawthorne finds it truly difficult to be away from his wife," Iris said to tease Eloise. "They are deeply in love with each other."

"Well, it is good that they are still that way with each other. I shall forgive your timing," Olivia said, embracing Iris with a hug. "Forgive me for being so affectionate."

"I enjoy it," Iris said, stepping back as Olivia went to Eloise.

"I am quite excited to find dresses today. I have been waiting too long to have this moment. We must hurry inside before the nosy people come to us with questions," Olivia said, ushering the pair inside. "I have been approached for news about the engagement."

Iris opened the door and held it open for Olivia and Eloise.

"Is it from your peers?" Eloise inquired.

"Some of my close peers have inquired, but there are some ladies who know we are not close, yet they approach me for news. They wish to know if the rumours are true and when the wedding will be held. I said nothing," Olivia promised.

"Shall we not confirm that there is an engagement?" Iris asked, puzzled. It was true that there was an engagement, so why hide?

"The best answer, in my opinion, would be to have you and Zayne appear at a social event together. That would cease any questions they have about you. If you give them too much time to think and gossip, they will tarnish your name," Olivia explained.

"I see. There is much to learn, though I have been observing interactions at balls for years," Iris said, realising how far behind she was.

"It is different to be on the sidelines and to be the one with all the attention. You’ll need to learn to become more calculated with your actions. It might sound difficult now, but with every interaction, you will get better," Olivia promised.

"I hope so. I don’t want to make a mess and tarnish your family name," Iris said, her anxiety returning.

"Oh, don’t be silly. That won’t happen. Fortunately for you, Zayne isn’t one to attend too many social events, so you won’t be forced to attend as his wife. You can select which gatherings for ladies you want to attend, and Lady Hawthorne might be there," Olivia said.

"You can address me as Eloise since we are in a small setting," Eloise informed Olivia.

"How kind of you. If there is a dress that catches your eye, please point it out so you may try it and have it altered now if needed. Do not think of the price. This outing is funded by my husband," Olivia whispered, followed by a chuckle. "They have their uses at times."

"Which reminds me," Olivia said, turning to Iris. "I am planning a small dinner for you to meet my husband. Considering it might be late, you may stay at our home, and I shall have a carriage return you in the morning. My son will not stay the night."

Iris felt warmth rise to her cheeks. "I did not think that he would spend the night. We have never done anything inappropriate."

"I know that you were raised to be a proper lady, but I say that because we must avoid a scandal. Some of the people I spoke of seem to think you might be with child. I still get a headache when I think of it," Olivia said, touching her forehead.

"I suspected that is what they would have come up with," Iris said, not surprised, though the thought left a bitter taste in her mouth.

"Ignore what anyone says," Eloise advised Iris. "They will be proven wrong going forward."

"Precisely. Now follow the young attendant to try on the first dress. I picked one for you, and the others will be your choice. Eloise and I will remain out here to wait for you," Olivia said, motioning to two chairs. "Don’t worry about anyone intruding. I closed the shop."

"I shall try to be quick," Iris said, following the young woman waiting for her.

Olivia led Eloise to her chair. "I also picked out a dress for you, but do choose another which is to your liking. I have come to spoil you both."

"I am most thankful for it. You truly are a breath of fresh air," Eloise complimented Olivia.

"Well, I don’t benefit from being harsh to either one of you. Fighting with you would only drive me away from my son, and I never want that. I am fortunate that I enjoy the company of you and Iris, so I don’t need to put on an act," Olivia explained.

"It helps relieve me that Iris will enter the family of someone who will care for her. We are close in age, but I feel quite protective when it comes to her. We are cousins, but treat each other like siblings. I always wanted a sibling," Eloise said.

"It is wonderful that you two are so close even after what occurred. That shows the strength of the bond you have and how it cannot be broken. I will treat Iris as though she is my daughter. I am trying to show her more attention since her family isn’t near," Olivia revealed.

"She is close to her brother, but he is out of town to be with his wife and unborn child. They have always been close since we were children. We are hoping that he may come to live here in the future, or visit more," Eloise said, hopeful.

"If he is building a life there, he might not want to permanently return. What is that noise?" Olivia wondered, turning back to face the window. "It is your guards."

Eloise spun around, curious about what had occurred. "Oh, no. It is her mother. That is Agatha Wilkins."

"I am unfortunate to know her face, as she came to me not long ago. I have been waiting for the right moment to speak of it to Iris in private. I wanted to wait until the end of our outing so as not to spoil it. I did not think she would follow us," Olivia said, worried the day would be spoiled.

"She mustn’t fight my guards, as they are under orders to protect me from her. Iris wishes to speak to her mother to settle what is between them. I cannot explain it, but can you tell my guards to stand down while I get Iris?" Eloise asked.

"I will. We must hurry before she causes a scene," Olivia said, quickly standing up from her chair.

Eloise followed suit and went in search of Iris to deliver the news.

She followed the sound of Iris’s voice and knocked on the door. "Iris, I must have a word with you."