The Possessive Lord's Contract Wife

Back at the estate, Iris sat in Eloise’s bedchamber to offer company while Damien was out inspecting the damage.

"Why must we stay with the countess? Isn’t the estate the safest place in town for you to be?" Iris inquired as she helped to fold a dress.

"It is, but it would do us all some good to get away for some time. Jane is in desperate need of this time away. We might also be away from danger with what Camille’s husband might be planning. Damien will provide us with guards," said Eloise.

"I must confess I didn’t think being his wife would be like this. That you would always have to be hiding from danger. How do you take this and not think anything of it?" Iris asked, reaching for a pillow to hug.

"I do worry about it. I simply don’t let it show," Eloise said, turning to face Iris. "I do put a lot of trust in Damien to keep us all safe. So far, he hasn’t failed me, so I don’t have reason to doubt him. Are you thinking of life as Zayne’s wife?"

"Somewhat. I got a glimpse of his uncle in the prison. He is terrifying," Iris confessed.

"I imagine that the warden was very scary. I don’t see what that has to do with you becoming Zayne’s wife. Do you think the warden would be out to get you?"

That thought filled Iris’s mind and scared her. "I hope not. I am genuinely terrified of him. I think of him being tied to such people who will surely have their enemies."

"That is true, but so far, I haven’t heard of Zayne having any trouble with anyone. He seems to stay out of the way, and someone like him can keep you protected. I don’t think you need to worry," Eloise said, trying to soothe Iris’s doubts.

"I hope so. I have been thinking that I should stop prolonging it until the end of the season and let us move forward now. It is evident that we both care for each other, and while I wanted to wait to know more about him, it seems inevitable that we shall be together," Iris shared.

"If that is what you wish, then go for it. Only you will know what is best for you. I do notice that Zayne seems to be so needy for your attention. You can both make your interest known to the town and hold off on rushing to get married," Eloise suggested.

"That way, the town knows that Zayne is a taken man and you can make your debut. You may even become engaged now and set the wedding for the end of the season. That would give you plenty of time to know more about him," Eloise said, hoping it was helpful to Iris.

"They are both good ideas. I will go with the latter to be engaged now. I fear that if I wait too long, someone else might come along to take him. Though, if he is so easy to take, he wasn’t mine," Iris concluded.

Iris thought over her courtship with Zayne, her heart aching with uncertainty. "If this doesn’t work with Zayne, I will not join another season. I will focus on myself and my future."

"I know Zayne wouldn’t be pleased to hear this. He would think he is not doing enough to court you. I am certain you two shall be together. You are awfully cute," Eloise said, turning her attention back to her dresses.

"Jane is in support of it. I know of Zayne being suggested to become Rosalie’s next husband. Does she have any interest in him?" Iris asked, nervous about the answer.

"No. Rosalie isn’t ready to place herself in another marriage. Her divorce has only recently been settled. Iris, you must stop searching for a reason to believe this will fail. There is no lady to take your place beside Zayne," Eloise assured Iris.

"I know it as well, but thinking of how he once had the offers to marry a princess and now the daughter of a duke makes me have my doubts. I cannot stop it," Iris admitted with a sigh.

"Well, then why don’t you allow him to propose to you? Let him show his devotion to you. You can know more about each other during the engagement and marriage. There is plenty I am learning about Damien now," said Eloise.

"I thought you two knew plenty about each other already."

"I know what he was like as a boy, but there was much to learn about him as a man. There are nice surprises which make me happy that I married him. Some shock me," Eloise admitted, recalling a few.

"In the end, only you have the answer to what you should do. I think it would suit you to become engaged now, meet with his family, and plan the wedding for the end of the season. That should end all of your worrying," Eloise said, certain she had given Iris the reassurance she needed.

"Knowing Zayne, he will love it. I will do so and stop worrying about it. I want to experience the joys of attending gatherings and seeing the man who is smitten with me. I only hope that his mother will adore me," Iris said, falling into another trap of doubt.

Iris tapped her head, frustrated with herself. "You are right that we need a break from the estate. I need a few days to think over what I should do. I’m surprised that you and Damien are parting from each other. Since you two are trying to have your first child."

Eloise whipped around, almost stumbling. "That’s not true."

"I know you like the back of my hand, dear cousin. I knew I was right when I noticed a chamber nearby had been emptied, and I wasn’t allowed to take a look inside. I assume that was not your doing," Iris said, finding joy in Eloise’s life.

"No, it was not. That was Damien’s plan, and I told him that it would give it away. I am not pregnant if you are thinking it," Eloise said before gossip started in the estate.

"I did not think you were. I only suspected that you were trying. I do wish all the best for you and Damien. I see now why he is pushing forward to get rid of all danger. He wants peace now so a baby would not be harmed in the future," said Iris.

Iris envied Eloise’s current life. She set the pillow to the side and stood from the bed.

"I am going to write to Zayne and tell him that I want to be engaged. Excuse me," Iris said, parting from Eloise.

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