The Possessive Lord's Contract Wife

Back at the Tompkins mansion, Eloise drifted away from Viola’s peers as the gathering settled into quieter conversation.

Rosalie and Iris soon joined her, while Jane remained behind, excitedly speaking about her hopes for her season in the future.

"Most of the ladies were pleasant," Iris said, lowering her voice. "But others tried to pry too much, as though we were close friends."

"I noticed it as well," Eloise replied, her brow furrowing. "They are not as bad as some ladies I have met, yet I am not ready to share details of my marriage with women I only met today."

Eloise looked back for a brief moment. "And then came the questions about when I will have a child, and why I must do it quickly unless I want to lose my husband. It unsettled me."

"It cannot be avoided when sitting with ladies of their age," Rosalie sighed. "I cannot count the number of times I have been questioned about a child with Cole. I am fortunate one did not come about, though I worry I am incapable of bearing a child."

Rosalie’s hand drifted to her belly, her eyes clouded with doubt.

"What man will want a woman who cannot have a child?" Rosalie whispered.

"One who loves you," Eloise said, taking hold of Rosalie’s hand. "Besides, it is not certain you cannot have a baby. Perhaps you were spared from sharing a child with him."

Eloise linked her right hand with Rosalie’s arm and reached for Iris, drawing them close so they could walk together.

"I am certain that when the time is right, we shall all have our little families," Eloise said with a smile. "I won’t make you promise it, but when you have your first child, perhaps considering my name would be wonderful, since I have so much faith in you."

Rosalie shook her head, though her mood lifted. "I will consider it if it becomes true. First, I must find a husband next season. I have been ignoring all the men who come to see my father. I must be careful with whom I choose."

"Are you still planning to leave town to reside at one of your family homes?" Eloise asked.

"I am still considering it. I don’t want to remain in my parents’ way forever. I am also thinking of buying my own home to start anew. My father is likely to gift one to me. I haven’t yet found the path I should take," Rosalie admitted.

"Iris," Rosalie said, leaning forward. "If you need help with the preparations for your wedding and the events before, I am offering my help. I know it is a task you would share with his mother, but if you need me, do consider it."

"I will," Iris said softly. "I know it will keep you distracted. I hadn’t thought of how many events there must be before the wedding. Should I simply go to the church as you did?"

"No!" Eloise and Rosalie exclaimed together.

"You must have a grand wedding," Rosalie insisted.

"And I have been looking forward to a reason to eat cake," Eloise said to lighten the mood. "Iris, you have always wanted a grand wedding. It is all you have ever spoken of. Do not worry about the stress of it all. Rosalie and I shall take on some of the tasks."

"I am grateful," Iris said, relieved once more. "I first need to get over meeting his family. I told him that he could not visit me while I am here, but it did not mean he could not write. I wish to know what he is doing."

"Some men are simple creatures and require us to think for them," Rosalie said, attempting to ease Iris’s worry. "Do not expect him always to know what to do. Besides, I overheard you saying he is helping Lord Hawthorne. Perhaps he is busy."

"Perhaps he is. I only want to know that he is safe," Iris murmured.

"I am certain he is well, or news would have reached you that he isn’t. When I leave, I shall write to him and have him write to you. If any news of your engagement has begun to spread, I will write to tell you," Rosalie promised.

"Thank you. We have been inside for two days, and I feel we have missed much happening around town," Iris said, longing for fresh air.

"Then, when you leave here, how about I take you around the town? My last outing with Eloise did not go well, and I desperately want to make up for it," Rosalie said, still upset by what had occurred.

"My mother could arrange for shops to close for us, and we can take my father’s guards. What do you say?" Rosalie asked, looking back and forth at the pair.

"I don’t mind giving it another try," Eloise replied.

"I will join you," Iris agreed.

"Wonderful!" Rosalie exclaimed, her spirits lifted. "I must leave now to begin preparations and return before I inform my parents. I will see you both soon. Good day."

Before leaving, Rosalie embraced both ladies.

"She is quite nice. Had I not known of her divorce, I would not have thought she had faced one. Her mood changes quickly," Iris observed.

"The fear of never experiencing love again weighs on her," Eloise said, watching Rosalie until she was out of sight. "From the first day I met her, she longed to be a mother. I am certain she shall have her second chance, but she mustn’t rush it."

"Because she is the daughter of a duke, there is more attention on her. I cannot imagine how much she hears daily. I used to think ladies in her position had an easy life, but now I see it is not so. There is much to learn," Iris said, resting her head on Eloise’s shoulder.

"There is still plenty I am learning as well. We mustn’t overthink it. To take our minds off it, will you join me in the kitchen to see what remains from the gathering? I felt so watched that I could not enjoy the food," Eloise confessed.

"So did I. I should have thought ahead and removed my engagement ring, as there were too many questions about it. I thought you and I were little detectives, like the stories, but we are not as clever as those women," Iris said, laughing now that she looked back.

"No, we are not," Eloise agreed with a smile. "We must work better on how we pry into each other’s lives. Do you think we shall be so when we are older?"

"I hope not. I wish only to focus on my life and a little on those I care for. I do not wish to know the private affairs of young ladies’ marriages. I pray our lives never become so dull that we must be nosy," Iris said.

"I hope your prayer is heard," Eloise replied.

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