Chapter 213: Confrontation [1]
The ride back to the estate was a silent one. Rosalie did not want to disturb Eloise, as it seemed she was deep in thought about what she had been told.
For Eloise’s sake, Rosalie hoped it was not true. The notion was awkward and might well disgust Eloise if it proved so, since she lived in the estate with Quinn.
’I would not feel safe,’ Rosalie thought, uncertain of how the living arrangement could continue.
Rosalie studied Eloise’s face, trying to figure out how she might handle the matter. How would she approach Quinn?
"I am sorry to disturb your thoughts, but I want to assure you that all you are feeling now is valid. Do not question it or cast it aside simply because it is Damien’s brother. Your feelings must be respected," Rosalie said softly.
"Thank you. While I welcome your support, I think it is time for you to come home, so you will not be placed in the middle," Eloise suggested, as it wasn’t right for Rosalie to be present in a family matter.
"I respect your decision. I also want to apologise. If not for this outing, you would not be thinking about this now," Rosalie said, blaming herself, her fingers twisting in her lap. "She wouldn’t have been able to approach you."
"No. If not for this outing, I would not have known, as Quinn would not have mentioned it. This is not a matter to be swept under the rug. I deserve to be made aware and to have some answers," Eloise replied firmly.
"Do you think it is true? That Quinn approached her because of some similarities? Quinn would need to have some interest in you. Oh," Rosalie’s voice became softer as she met Eloise’s eyes. "You know he has feelings for you."
"I have been made aware, and he has apologised for them. If not for knowing that, I would not have doubts now, but I do. I cannot ignore what was said today, and truly, I am afraid to hear the answer from him. It is hard to think he would approach her with those thoughts," Eloise admitted, her voice shaky.
"I do not wish to believe it either. It would make me question my safety when alone with him. I like to think Quinn is better than that, but you must speak with him. It will only fester inside you if you decide not to address it," Rosalie advised, worried about Eloise’s breaking point.
"I truly hope that woman has no intention of turning to the town with this news. It will create an awful scandal if she does. Then there is Damien’s reaction," Rosalie added.
"I have not thought about his reaction. I only want to hear what answer Quinn will have for me. I am at my limit," Eloise confessed, her voice breaking. "I am doing my best with this family and always put forth a smile, but I cannot take one more issue with them without breaking."
"And rightfully so," Rosalie agreed. "It would not be wrong if you decided to have some time away from the Hawthornes. I only ask that you have a proper talk with Quinn first. This could be some plot by that woman to hurt the family."
"But what would she gain from it? I have been trying to place what she could gain by speaking of this to me. She did not ask for any promise to keep the matter from reaching the town," Eloise said, unable to find an answer.
Rosalie wished she had an answer, but she did not.
"I will have the coachman take you back to your father’s estate and write to you to inform you of how it went. I should handle this in private with the family first. I apologise for sending you off in an improper manner."
"It is not improper, Eloise. I am not a Hawthorne, so I should not be present. It is also time that I go to my father to know the current state of my marriage and what those two are doing. I cannot run any longer," Rosalie said, forced to face the state of her life. "I shall also write to you."
Eloise looked ahead at the estate coming into view. She had hoped the ride back would be longer, to give her more time to think about how she was going to face Quinn.
Rosalie noticed Eloise’s discomfort and moved to sit beside her. She reached for Eloise’s hand and held it. "It will be well. I promise you. If it turns out to be true, know that I support whatever you choose to do after. Even after I leave, if you need me, I shall hop onto the nearest horse and come back for you."
Eloise chuckled, imagining Rosalie galloping back for her. "That is comforting to know."
"I am quite serious," Rosalie said, joining Eloise in laughter. "I will come back and steal you from the estate. We could have our own adventure away from everyone."
"That is kind of you, but fortunately, it will not need to come to that," Eloise assured her.
Silence fell upon the carriage as it entered the estate gates.
Once before the steps, Eloise got out first and walked straight to the door, having already said her goodbyes to Rosalie.
Eloise entered the estate in search of Quinn. Her heart raced faster the deeper she went inside.
"Oh, Eloise!" Kyle called out after spotting her.
"Not now, Kyle. Do you know where Quinn is?" Eloise asked, her voice laced with urgency.
"Quinn is inside the library, but I must speak to you about our plans," Kyle said eagerly, his eyes bright with anticipation.
Eloise pinched the bridge of her nose, trying to calm herself. Her emotions were running rampant now that she was inside the estate, and Kyle was only adding to the chaos.
"Kyle, I will speak to you about the business idea another time, but right now, I must speak to Quinn. Which library is he in?" Eloise asked, lowering her hand as she composed herself.
"The one near his bedchamber. Are you well?" Kyle asked, but Eloise did not answer.
She remained focused on reaching the library, and when she stood before the door, she hesitated before finally knocking.
No sound came from within, leading her to believe Quinn was gone. Just as she reached for the handle to confirm, the door opened, revealing Quinn.
"Eloise," Quinn said, shutting the book in his hand. "Do you need to use the library? You may enter without knocking. It is open to everyone."
"Do you know of a woman named Teresa? Did you court her because she bore some resemblance to me in your eyes?" Eloise asked, her voice calm, but her heart was pounding.
