Chapter 254: As a family [1]
"You might not be able to tease Damien today, but I have something fun we can do. I am taking Jane to teach her how to bake bread and make cookies. It would be fun for all of us to do together. We should not wait for dinner to sit together," said Eloise.
Quinn scratched the back of his head, a sheepish grin tugging at his lips. "I do not know how I will be in the kitchen. I have never baked before. I only go to the kitchen when I want to steal food," he confessed.
"I will not judge you if you fail. That is a part of learning. Jane might judge you, but that is only if she is good at the start. She has gone to get dressed," Eloise shared, glancing back at the door.
Quinn raised his brow. "She has gone to get dressed for baking? What was wrong with what she had on? She does know that we have aprons in the kitchen, does she not?"
"I do not mind her getting changed as long as she comes to enjoy herself. I am surprised that I have managed to convince her to go to the kitchen. Please, do not comment on her getting dressed," Eloise pleaded, hoping to keep the peace so Damien could return to a calm estate.
"Where did you learn how to bake?" Quinn inquired.
"From my father, neighbours, and a baker. I spent a lot of time with my father when he worked, and when I could not join him, a family friend would take me under their wing for the day. I got to read with a librarian as well," Eloise revealed, the old memory warming her heart.
"You are a well-rounded lady. Is there anything left for you to learn?" Quinn asked, half-teasingly, as he respected how educated she was.
"There is always plenty left for us to learn. I am fortunate that there were always people around willing to teach me. It is good to have such neighbours. With the estate, there are no homes nearby, and I do not know what you might be able to learn," said Eloise.
"We do not have the neighbours you had growing up. I cannot tell you a day that I spoke to anyone who lives nearby. It is also a long ride to get to our neighbours. If we must learn, it will have to be done with the help of the servants," Quinn considered.
"I will help with what I know, and with what I do not know, I will find tutors. Though it is far more fun to do it with your neighbours. Would you be open to going to my childhood home? Some of the neighbours there are fun to be around. There is Millie, the woman you saw at the inn," Eloise said, certain she had plenty to teach the siblings.
"The one who looked like she wanted to hit us for not being quiet?" Quinn asked, recalling her stern expression with amusement.
"Yes," Eloise chuckled, remembering vividly how annoyed Millie had been. "She is a good woman. She cooked for Damien and me when we were away. She will also look after the home. I must see her more often and invite her to the estate. She is having trouble with her son."
"Her son, whom she has not seen for some time now, is coming around because he knows I married Damien. He did not invite her to his wedding or allow her to see his children, but he has returned for money. I hope my children are never this way with me," Eloise said, her thoughts drifting to the future with unease.
.
"I do not think that awaits you in the future, Eloise. To me, it sounds like this son should stay away from her. Is it someone I know?" Quinn asked, willing to settle the matter. "It would be easy to send him out of town."
"I do not think you know him. You might have passed him and ignored him. I must send back guards to watch over her home and my home. My uncle’s home was set on fire. I do not know yet if his wife escaped or if she burned as well. Reece," Eloise said, feeling guilty that she had not sent someone to find him.
"Reece?" Quinn repeated, his brow furrowing.
"He is my cousin. He returned to town to help his mother and sister, but he had to go back because he is married. I do not want him to get so caught up in his mother’s mess that his life is in danger. Were there letters for me?" Eloise asked, hopeful that Reece had reached out.
"Not as far as I know. All the letters came to me, and I sorted them. Unless you want the letters inviting you to gatherings?" Quinn asked, but Eloise shook her head.
The door to Jane’s chamber opened, revealing Jane now dressed in a plain gown.
"I am ready to bake," Jane announced, waiting for compliments.
"You took forever. I am already starting to lose interest in baking," said Quinn, smirking.
"Why would you have any interest in it? Eloise, did you invite him to bake with us?" Jane asked, hoping it was not so.
Eloise flashed a guilty smile. "I thought we should all spend some time together."
"But," Jane began, ready to protest. She bit her tongue only because she did not want to cause trouble for Eloise.
Jane longed to use the time to be alone with Eloise, to strengthen their bond. With Quinn near, drama was certain to follow.
"Very well," Jane agreed, masking her dislike. "But he should bake away from us. I do not want my dress to catch on fire."
"Why would I catch your dress on fire when your hair would be so much better?" Quinn teased, already plotting to scare Jane.
"If you burn my hair, then I shall bury you at the back of the estate," Jane retorted, pointing her finger at Quinn in warning.
"In the same place I used to bury all your dolls?" Quinn countered, enjoying her reaction.
Jane gasped, her eyes widening. "I knew it. I knew that one of you had been taking my dolls. I told all of my friends that you must have been playing with them in secret."
Quinn frowned. "You must correct it."
Jane shrugged her shoulders. "Why must I? It was years ago, and it was your fault for taking my dolls. Now you know one of the consequences of your actions. Telling them that you played with dolls is the last story you should be concerned about."
"Eloise!" Quinn called, seeking help from her.
"This all happened while I was not living on the estate, so I see it only fitting that I continue to stay out of it," Eloise answered, staying out of the quarrel.
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