Chapter 412: Reunion [2]

"Please see them inside. I am ready," Eloise said, giving one last look at the decorations. Pride and nervous anticipation filled her chest as her gaze swept over the carefully arranged flowers. "And after you do so, please have my husband and his siblings come down to start welcoming the guests."

"As you wish, Lady Hawthorne," Hannah replied with a curtsy.

"Where is Damien? I find it a bit odd that he is not at your side," said Iris.

"He had matters concerning the land to tend to, and he could not put it off. There are repairs to be done before the end of the season. I would rather he set his attention there than rush to be on time here," Eloise explained.

"So, that is why all those supplies have been coming. I thought they were for decorating the baby’s chamber," Iris said.

"Some of it might be for that reason. I do not know, since Damien has been rather secretive about preparing the chamber. I wish to see, but I shall let him have his project. I prefer him being in the estate," Eloise said, relieved that everyone was safe and close to home.

"Is it because of the rumours that Hayden’s family wants to come after him?"

"That and so much more. I don’t understand why they are pulling him into their troubles with Camille. The court has already told them to stop, but this matter will drag on. I hope Damien ignores it," Eloise said, feeling weary of the unnecessary drama.

"Is Camille still trying to get a hold of him? I knew letters were coming before," Iris said, following Eloise as she inspected the décor.

"It continued for a few days, then it stopped. Either she has given up, or she is coming up with a new plan. Some of Damien’s relatives are in town as they gather for a reunion. We are not attending," said Eloise.

"I imagine there will be a lot of arguments. Not only about Camille’s husband, but about not being invited to the wedding. To take your mind off it, I shall make sure this day goes as planned. If anyone comes close to ruining it, I have this," Iris said, raising her hand.

"Your hand?" Eloise asked, puzzled.

"Yes. I shall raise it to call for the guards like this," Iris said, demonstrating the motion.

"You are silly," Eloise said, linking her arm with Iris’s. "The guests have very little idea what is in store for them with your hand. I have a feeling that Reece will be the one most at risk."

"Reece and Zayne. I will keep them on their best behaviour. There they are," Iris said, spotting Olivia and Viola. "Do they know each other?"

"I do not know. We never thought to ask them, but since Viola used to visit the estate in the past and Olivia is close to the Hawthornes, they might have crossed paths before. They seem to be getting along," Eloise said, thrilled by the sight.

Eloise hoped that Millie could also become close to the two women.

"Eloise, dear," Viola said, walking ahead to greet Eloise. "It has been so long since we spoke in person."

Eloise greeted Viola with a hug. "It has been too long. I didn’t want to disturb your time with your husband now that he is in town."

"I love him dearly, but you can’t leave him alone with me for so long. He will be attending a bit later. The palace called upon him, and he could not refuse it. Will he be let inside?" Viola asked, worried.

"He will be," Eloise assured Viola.

"I must apologise since I didn’t bring my husband," said Olivia. "I would have brought him had I known Count Tompkins would be attending."

"My apologies. I did not think to inform everyone of who would be attending," said Eloise.

"I should have asked if he could attend with me. It is too late to send for him now, as he was also called to the palace. I hope there isn’t trouble," Olivia said, now worried that she had heard of others attending.

"My husband was called to the palace to speak to the King’s adviser. I haven’t heard of any trouble. Perhaps it is nothing," Viola said, touching Olivia’s hand reassuringly.

"Perhaps. My husband and his brother would have told me of trouble. I must take my mind off it. Where are the boys and Jane?" Olivia inquired, looking around for the other guests.

"Jane rushed to change her dress, and the boys must be out with Damien doing a bit of inspection. The other guests should be here soon, and I have sent for the siblings to come. In the meantime, would you like a drink?" Eloise asked, stepping into her role as host.

"Some water would be lovely. Did you plan this all yourself?" Olivia said, awed by the décor. "The flowers are lovely."

"They are flowers from the garden. I also tried to decorate the garden. It is becoming a hobby of mine to find more flowers and decorations to place in the garden," Eloise said, eager to give a tour.

"Even the invitations had a lovely scent and paintings of flowers. I set mine aside to hold on to a little longer. It reminded me of the days when you and your father would come to my home. You’ve always loved gardens since a young age," said Viola.

"It must be because of all the time I spent at my father’s side while he worked. Allow me to pour you both a drink," Eloise said, leading the way towards the table. "I hope you don’t mind, but the drinks and food will not be served by anyone. That way, it will be just us together."

"I’m certain we are all capable of pouring our drinks. If we are not, I shake my head at the way we have been raised," Viola said, defending Eloise’s decision. "You’ve done well, Eloise. A pity that the town cannot see how well you have put this together."

Eloise looked out at the garden from an open window. "If we are lucky, one day a ball will be hosted here. The only ball I can think of is for when Jane makes her debut. I will have plenty of time to prepare for it."

"You are off to a good start," Viola said, proud of the growth Eloise had made. "In no time, this will be second nature to you."

"Thank you. I’ve learned most of it from you. There the boys are," Eloise said, noticing Damien returning with his brothers. "Hopefully the others come soon so we can officially start."