Chapter 170: Rumours [1]
The carriage came to a stop at a small market. The smell of fresh bread and flowers drifted in through the window.
Eloise and Jane stepped out first as Eloise looked around for an old friend.
Damien followed the pair, acting as their guard, his eyes moving over the people in attendance as he counted how many other men were present.
"Smile, Damien. No one will want to approach us if you look so frightening," Jane said, wishing he would simply disappear.
"That is the point," Damien replied, his gaze still on the crowd.
"Eloise, why are they putting up decorations? Will the festival be here?" Jane asked, tugging on the sleeve of Eloise’s dress without realising it.
Jane pulled her hand away the moment she noticed and hoped Eloise hadn’t seen.
"Yes. All the stalls we passed are here for the festival. Many come from out of town to sell here before packing up and returning home. You might be able to buy from them now if you’d like," Eloise said, scanning the area for a stall that was ready.
"That’s all right. I want to experience it tonight. Where are we going now?" Jane questioned, her eyes moving curiously over the ladies her age nearby.
"Not far. It is this way," Eloise said, reaching for Jane’s hand to lead her.
Jane looked down at where her hand was held. She thought about pulling away, but couldn’t quite bring herself to do it. She let herself relax and followed Eloise to meet the ladies.
"Eloise!" Anna called from across the stalls, waving for Eloise to join her. "I thought you weren’t going to show."
"I’m sorry," Eloise said. "I was the one who kept us back. Jane and I are ready to make the headpieces. We brought our own flowers."
"I’m surprised you’ve come to learn. You’ve been making them for years, and I still think you are the most talented at it. Do you recall the season you made money from your headpieces? I am quite close to employing you," Anna said, the idea of having a stall clearly appealing to her.
Eloise chuckled, the memory fond. "I made my own money to spend at the festival and had enough left over to give to my father for our daily expenses. That was a good year, but today I am here to watch Jane learn."
Anna’s gaze went to Jane. "Of course. It is your first time at the festival. If Miss Jane is as talented as Eloise, then I will have another person to go into business with. Will Lord Hawthorne be making them as well?"
"No, I am only standing guard," Damien answered.
"What a shame. Your presence alone is drawing quite a few looks. Do consider the money we could make if we went into business together. Eloise," Anna took hold of Eloise’s hand. "I must have a word with you in private."
"Is it about the rumours?" Damien asked, stepping closer.
"Well, yes," Anna said, visibly surprised that Damien already knew. "I thought it was why you weren’t going to show. Miss Jane, do you mind introducing yourself to the other ladies? They are eager to meet you and hear about the capital."
Jane didn’t like being sent away when something was being discussed, but she was fairly certain she would find out soon enough.
Jane started to leave without arguing, but tugged on Eloise’s arm as she forgot she was still holding her hand. "My apologies," she said, releasing it. She walked away with her head slightly lowered.
"Is it the rumours that I am pregnant?" Eloise asked once Jane was out of earshot.
Anna’s eyes widened. "There are rumours about you being pregnant?"
Eloise frowned. "Wait, that is not what you heard?"
"No. This is the first I am hearing of it. What I heard was that you married your husband for money and trapped him into it."
"That there were other suitors before him, but you ran to the one with the most money. I also heard that your father’s death might be a fabrication for sympathy," Anna recounted carefully.
"Many of us don’t believe it. I know you would never lie about your father’s death. You’ve returned with a lord, so people are coming up with their own stories about how it came to pass. I would advise you to ignore it," said Anna.
"I don’t understand," Eloise said, pressing her fingers to her forehead. "Why all of a sudden? Pregnancy rumours and now this? Even worse, they question my father’s death. Must I bring his ashes to show them?"
Anna shook her head. "It is not the people who care for you starting these lies. The countryside has been quiet for some time, so this gossip gives people something to fuel their imagination."
"I have been trying to find out who started it. I didn’t know how to approach you about your father," Anna said, the regret of not speaking sooner evident in her voice.
"We had visitors at our door this morning, offering gifts," Eloise shared.
Eloise exhaled slowly, the frustration of it settling over her. "I will ignore it," she decided. "I will clear up the rumours about the pregnancy with the people who sent gifts, and let the others talk. I cannot stand here any longer. I must help Jane."
Eloise excused herself and walked over to where Jane stood.
"Where is this man named Peter whom you all thought would marry my wife? Where is he in all of this?" Damien asked.
"Peter? I’m afraid you won’t see him until tonight, as he has to run about helping prepare his stall for the festival. He helps with the library, and his wife’s father has a bakery. Do you suspect he is behind this?" Anna asked, studying Damien’s expression.
"If you want to be paid handsomely, I urge you to find out who started this. Are you still interested in doing business?" Damien said, offering his hand for the deal to be struck.
Anna stared at Damien’s hand. "Eloise is my friend. A friend I will always protect. This has nothing to do with business and everything to do with clearing her name."
"I shall ask around and find out where these rumours began. I will return when I have a name," Anna promised before leaving Damien’s side.
