Eloise glanced at the men standing by the carriage. Was she to find comfort in knowing there were good murderers?

"It is not common for a lady to live with a man before they marry. Think of the gossip the town will come up with," Eloise said, concerned for Damien’s reputation.

Eloise didn’t want to throw Damien in the middle of gossip, all for helping her. She could bear it, but bringing negative attention to Damien’s name didn’t sit well with her.

"It would be wise for you to focus on not going back to the home of the man who murdered your father. Just because he has spared you does not mean he cares for you. If he cared for you, he wouldn’t have killed your father, and he wouldn’t have accepted Percival’s offer," said Damien.

"I know," Eloise said, knowing she couldn’t trust Clive.

"What did you know about Percival?"

"I only know that he had a first wife who died before they could have children, and he is someone my uncle knows well," Eloise answered. She didn’t want to know more about Percival, and now, she didn’t need to.

"Then, your uncle would have known about the rumours that Percival killed his wife because she didn’t give him any children early in their marriage. There was no proof that he did it, but it was quite strange how fast his wife fell ill and died," Damien shared.

"Whether it is true or not, a good man wouldn’t agree to let his niece marry such a man. It seems Clive just wants you off his hands, and it doesn’t matter who he sends you to. You will always get in the way of your uncle claiming your father’s belongings," Damien said, giving Eloise the harsh truth.

Eloise gripped the vase. She didn’t need to know the rumours about Percival to dislike him. She had already stated that he was not a man she wanted to marry, but Clive didn’t listen.

"I know that this won’t be the end, but you must admit this union will be off to a bad start if the town learns I am living with you before we are married. I already need to prepare for our difference in status being questioned. I don’t want to hear of a child being the reason we are rash," said Eloise. 𝕗𝐫𝐞𝕖𝕨𝐞𝗯𝚗𝕠𝘃𝐞𝚕.𝐜𝗼𝚖

"I am not letting you go back there," Damien said, standing firm on his decision.

"And I know that it was foolish to think of going back. I have others I can stay with. Friends of my father. I only need to ask. Wait here," Eloise said, leaving Damien’s side.

Eloise hurried over to the home to the right and knocked on the door.

Gage Owens, one of Damien’s guards, approached. "Lord Hawthorn, the lady is right. Rumours will start if you take her to your estate."

"Then I should marry her now," Damien considered.

Silas Maverick, another one of the guards, almost choked. "That is an absurd idea. What kind of man marries a woman late at night without a proper wedding? She looks to be a lady who deserves a proper wedding."

"While marrying now might help, there will be rumours that are bound to hurt her more than you. You are untouchable, but she is-"

"About to become Eloise Hawthorne. She will be just as untouchable as I am. Search the home for what she spoke of and place it inside the carriage," Damien said, and started to walk over to Eloise.

"What about a will?" Aiden Crane, the third guard, inquired. "Wouldn’t that help her?"

"A will is the first thing her uncle would have searched for. He likely destroyed it and created a new one. Focus on the tasks I have given you," Damien said, his gaze still fixed on Eloise.

Damien walked over to the neighbours’ home, just in time for when the door opened.

"Eloise, dear. Oh, I have missed you. What is this?" Millie questioned as she inspected the vase in Eloise’s hands. It got in the way of her embracing Eloise.

Eloise hugged the vase and didn’t respond.

Millie’s attention went to the man standing behind Eloise and the carriage out front of the Wilkins home. "Are you in danger?" She whispered, thinking of where she left her broom.

Eloise followed Millie’s gaze and looked at Damien. "No. He is a friend."

"I see. I have been worried sick about you," Millie said, rubbing Eloise’s shoulders.

"All kinds of men have been going into your father’s home, and when I ask your uncle about your well-being, he would not answer. Tell me, what has happened? Your uncle said your father died, but I don’t want to believe it. Is it true?" Millie asked, hoping it wasn’t so.

"He is gone," Eloise spoke softly, the words leaving a bitter taste in her mouth.

"Oh, no," Millie said, placing her right hand on her chest. Her heart ached for Eloise, who was now without two parents. "We were all hoping he would pull through and be at your side. He was a good man."

"Who have you seen coming to the home with my uncle? Do you know them?" Eloise asked.

"No," Millie shook her head. "After your uncle went there a few days ago and snapped at me, he would not speak to me each time he returned. Those men were pushing him around and went inside to talk. I’m sorry I couldn’t hear."

"You’ve done enough. I hate to trouble you, but could I stay with you for a few nights? I will be on my way once I find another home-"

"On your way to where? You can stay as long as you like. I would have some peace of mind knowing you are at my side. Your uncle has been acting far too strange, and I think," Millie bit her tongue. "Forgive me. It is a sensitive topic not suited for your ears now."

"Is it that you think he harmed my father?" Eloise asked, curious if Millie had been present the day of the act.

"I do think so, but I have no proof. He came a few days ago by horse and wasn’t in the home long. I had been in my garden, so I heard him arrive and leave. He didn’t look well when he was leaving, and when I asked about you, he snapped. Since then, strangers have been coming here," Millie shared.

Millie didn’t think it was right to share this with Eloise. "Forgive me, Eloise. I think old age is getting to me. He is one of the few family members you have left, so how dare I ruin his name?"

Eloise smiled, finding warmth in Millie’s comfort. She wanted to share that Millie had been right about Clive, but didn’t want to act too fast before Clive was dealt with.

"Your father was a good man, Eloise. Everyone around would say it. You are welcome to stay here for as long as you like," Millie offered.

"Thank you. I will join you shortly, but first, I must speak to my companion," Eloise said, having more to say to Damien.

"Very well, but who is he?" Millie whispered, eyeing the man from head to toe. "His face is familiar."

"He is Lord Hawthorne, and he is to be my husband-"

"What!" Millie yelled, unintentionally waking the neighbours.