"I should have listened to you. It is not like you to come up with such a story about your father’s death. I know I have disappointed you," Iris said, disappointed in herself.

Eloise cherished the hug from Iris. She thought it would take longer for Iris to warm back up to her presence. "You don’t need to apologise. You were put in a difficult position. I am happy you have come to me."

Iris wanted to enjoy Eloise’s embrace a little longer, but she didn’t have much time. "Quick, you must take me where I cannot be seen by visitors. I left home without my parents’ permission after we argued. They will come searching for me."

Eloise held Iris’s hand and led her back towards the estate.

Iris felt relieved upon seeing that Eloise was well. It was comforting to know that Eloise wasn’t alone at this time. Iris hated herself even more for not being at Eloise’s side when she was mourning the loss of her father.

By the time Eloise reached the front door with Iris, Damien was at the bottom of the stairs.

The message from the maid had been concerning and led Damien to think Eloise had placed herself in trouble.

"She is my guest," Eloise said, hoping Damien wouldn’t find issue with Iris’s presence. "She came here to speak to me."

"I don’t mind if Lord Hawthorne hears what I have to say. I believe Eloise about my father’s role in Uncle Thomas’s death. My parents have both been acting out of character, and when I confronted my father today, his reaction proved it," Iris shared. Her right arm started to tremble.

The truth was still hard to swallow.

"We should sit," Eloise said, taking notice of Iris’s state.

"No," Iris shook her head. "I cannot be here for long. I must return home in due time."

"You don’t need to go back if you don’t want to. There is room for you here, right?" Eloise asked, turning to Damien for support. She pleaded with her eyes for Damien not to make Iris leave.

"There are extra rooms, but whether one will be occupied depends on your cousin’s intentions," Damien said, still guarded when it came to the Wilkins.

"I am not here to pick a fight with either of you, nor am I seeking shelter. I am still under my parents’ care since I am without a husband, and staying here will only cause trouble for you. They would bring the town guards here every day. I came because I needed to speak to you," said Iris.

Iris tapped her right hand against her side, trying to keep herself composed. "I didn’t think of what I was going to say. I ran when I had the chance. I don’t have any proof which could help you. I tried to look, but I am truly clueless if you aren’t at my side."

"I wanted you to know that I believe you. I am sorry I did not stop to hear what you had to say. I was blinded by other emotions," Iris said, glancing at Damien. "But I am better now. If you had spoken to me about your union, I would have supported you."

"I know. It all happened so fast. My intention was never to hurt you," Eloise promised.

"I know. I know you would never hurt me, but I was upset that you would hide this all from me. No one likes to have the man they were smitten with to be stolen, especially by someone you cherish, but I will move on," said Iris.

"You don’t have any other choice," Damien spoke up, but dared not to again after Eloise glared at him.

"It is fine. He is right that I do not have a choice. If you would allow it, I want to go back as we once were. I know it would be difficult considering what my father has done, and I want to apologise-"

’"Iris, it was not your doing, therefore; I do not want an apology from you. You mustn’t think you are to feel guilty or take on the blame for what he did. I am not angry with you, nor am I seeking an apology," Eloise said, embracing Iris in a second hug.

Iris wiped her eyes, trying to stop her tears. "I cannot help it. I feel as though I must apologise to you a thousand times. He took your father from you and tried to arrange for you to be with Percival. I do not recognise the man I call father."

"I snuck into his private room, and found a paper with the names of men and the amount of money my father owes to them. I did not think our finances were so bad. Did you?" Iris asked, curious if she was the only one in the dark.

"I overheard your father being worried about money, but I didn’t know he owed money to a lot of men," Eloise replied.

"I did," Damien said, bringing the attention to himself. "It is easy to tell when they are in debt. I avoided you and your father for good reason." 𝒇𝙧𝙚𝓮𝔀𝓮𝒃𝙣𝓸𝒗𝒆𝒍.𝙘𝒐𝒎

Iris touched her forehead as her body started to feel light. "I thought they wanted me to marry for love, but they were intending to find me a husband to get rid of all their debts. How is it that one day I wake up and do not recognise the people who are my parents?"

Eloise held onto Iris so she wouldn’t stumble. "I know it is hard. Damien, do you mind leaving us alone for a moment? You must instruct the guards not to speak of us having visitors to anyone who approaches the gate."

Damien moved to carry out what Eloise wanted despite not needing to speak to the guards. The guards wouldn’t speak to anyone without his permission, but he went to the door, in hopes he could get a glimpse of Agatha at the gates. She was last on his list of people who troubled Eloise today.

Iris palmed Eloise’s face and gave her a look-over. "Are you well here? No one has mistreated you, right?"

Eloise shook her head, her eyes glistening with water. "I am well, Iris. It is a lot to adapt to, but I have Damien’s support, and that is all that matters to me. We must sit for a moment. You look as though you might fall at any moment. Come with me."

Iris followed Eloise to the drawing room without objections and sat down. "My father keeps saying he is innocent. He will not stop until he has your father’s home. I do not know what to do to help you. I wish I could help."

"Iris," Elosie said, sitting down beside Iris. "I want you to stay out of it. He is still your father, and there is a good chance for you to remain close to your mother. I am grateful for your support, but do not intervene."