Chapter 211: Shocking secrets [2]
Agatha stood still as Viola’s coachman stepped between them to prevent a second fight. She longed to seize Viola and tug at her hair until there was nothing left, but it would solve nothing. It would only drive Viola further against her, and the home would slip from between her fingers.
Agatha turned from the front door, leaving Viola alone for now as she planned to search Clive’s study for the deed. Surely, he could not have been so foolish as to hand it over in good faith for debts.
The debts were little compared to what they could gain for the home. If they were to lose the house, it ought to be to settle the debts and have more money left, not to surrender everything they owned.
Agatha made her way into the small study and rummaged through drawers and shelves for the deed. Or anything that might expose Viola as a liar. Something to help when the men from the court came so she wouldn’t be made to look like a fool twice.
After what felt like endless searching, Agatha gave up. She swept the papers she had piled onto the table down to the floor. Clive had left her with one mess after another.
Agatha’s legs buckled, causing her to sink to the floor as her feet were no longer strong enough to hold her. Her cheek throbbed where Viola had struck her, and her heart weighed heavily as she thought of losing the house she had called home for so many years.
For the first time since Clive’s arrest, Agatha wept. Her back pressed against the cold wall for support. All she had wanted was to marry her daughter to a gentleman who could secure them a better life, but it had all failed miserably right from the start.
"He should have done better," Agatha muttered, blaming Clive for all her troubles now.
A man was meant to provide and protect his family, yet Clive had abandoned her. He had left her to gather the broken pieces of a ruined home.
Agatha covered her mouth with her right hand, her sobs muffled against her palm. All she needed was for her children to stand beside her, but each had turned their back.
Agatha cried for a moment, releasing all she had bottled up. Then, wiping her eyes, she drew a deep breath. "Not like this," she whispered, unwilling to be defeated so pitifully.
Agatha rose to her feet, a plan forming to ensure no one would take what belonged to her.
While Agatha plotted to avoid another clash with Viola, Eloise travelled in a carriage with Rosalie.
"Doesn’t it feel nice to get away from the estate and the family for a while? They are all lovely, but I think you need some time to yourself. Well, time with a friend and who better than me?" Rosalie asked, her voice carrying her excitement.
Eloise smiled as Rosalie’s excitement became infectious. "I can’t think of anyone else. Thank you once again for trying to distract me."
"You are most welcome. I hate that you aren’t properly enjoying being Lady Hawthorne or the early days of your marriage. I still see you both as newlyweds and fear you haven’t had a truly peaceful moment," Rosalie said with concern. "Was the countryside peaceful?"
"Most of the time, yes. I had a surprising conflict with an old friend, but it didn’t ruin the trip. Despite all that has happened, I am enjoying my married life with Damien. We have grown much closer, and I like where we are now," Eloise assured her.
"Wonderful. It is good that no matter what surrounds you two, you remain on good terms. That is what matters most. Since you had a small wedding, you didn’t receive many gifts. I am going to spoil you and Damien," Rosalie added with a playful grin.
"That is kind of you," Eloise replied softly. "You don’t have to."
"I know, but I want to. I would shop for myself, but since I don’t have a home, it feels rude to fill my parents’ estate when they are focused on my divorce. So the next-best option is you. You don’t plan to attend gatherings, but it couldn’t hurt to have a few dresses lying around," Rosalie said, her gaze drifting to the window.
"I have many dresses I have not yet worn. I am not used to this life of needing so many gowns for the sake of it. Damien gave me several new dresses after our wedding. With my decision not to attend gatherings, I won’t need so many," Eloise explained.
"Still, that doesn’t mean you can’t look your best around the estate. There were days when I dressed up at home and carried on with my hobbies. You could do the same for private occasions with Damien," Rosalie suggested.
"You are right. I hadn’t thought of using them for moments with Damien. That is a good way to make sure they are worn. Thank you for the advice," Eloise said, her fondness for Rosalie deepening.
"See, we can help each other. Besides, won’t you need dresses when all the Hawthornes gather? It has become somewhat of a private event, so I can’t tell you what will be worn."
"Damien mentioned it, but I don’t know if we will attend. I will leave the decision with him, since he knows his family best," Eloise decided.
"You are right. There was nothing more irritating than meeting some of Cole’s relatives. They kept pressing for a child and acted as though I hadn’t been doing my part. Family can be exhausting. If you need to escape, you are welcome at my parents’ estate," Rosalie offered.
"Oh!" Rosalie exclaimed suddenly, startling Eloise. "We are to get off here. We are here," she said, tapping the carriage walls.
The carriage slowed to a halt in the midst of the market.
Rosalie opened the door without waiting for Aiden or Gage. "It is wise to prepare for winter now and get your coats before all the stylish ones are taken."
Rosalie stepped out and extended her hand to Eloise, helping her down.
Eloise descended with Rosalie’s help and did not resist when Rosalie linked arms with her.
Rosalie strode forward without observing her surroundings and bumped into a stranger.
"Our apologies," Eloise said quickly on Rosalie’s behalf.
"You are forgiven," the stranger replied, brushing off the incident.
"I am sorry," Rosalie added, calming herself. "Thankfully, they weren’t angry. I must watch where I step."
To the right of Eloise and Rosalie, Teressa turned her head. Her curiosity was piqued by the pair drawing attention.
"Who is that woman with the duke’s daughter?" Teressa asked her companion.
"That is Lord Hawthorne’s wife. With a finer dress, you might pass for her," the companion replied.
