Chapter 242: Change [2]
"Still, Eloise was the one who offered to find me a governess, so she counted it into her time. That must mean she doesn’t mind helping me amidst all else she has to do. Perhaps I should wait before we are hasty and tell her no," Jane suggested.
Camille smiled, fond of how Jane considered Eloise’s feelings. "You care for her, and you have become close."
"We have. We speak quite often, and she tends to the matters concerning me. I don’t want to hurt her feelings by not accepting her help. I want to continue with her helping me," Jane said, preferring Eloise’s attention to Camille’s.
"I thought you said you wished to have a season as I did? Don’t tell me you have now become interested in a small wedding with no relatives at your side," Camille chuckled, her laughter light but carried judgment.
Jane shook her head. "No. I still want a grand wedding to be the envy of the season, and a season like your own. I can achieve it with both your help and Eloise’s. She says I mustn’t worry so soon, since my season is so far away."
"Dear, that shows her lack of knowledge in the matter. Young ladies should start preparing now if they want the best outcome for their season. You learn now how to be perfect so you don’t make mistakes. That is why I did so well," Camille boasted, her chin lifting with pride.
"I think it is because she wants me to enjoy my youth. Once marriage falls upon my lap, life will grow quite serious. I cannot reclaim these days, and quite frankly, I had a lot of fun in the countryside. Those girls are having fun whilst preparing for marriage," Jane said, recalling the fun she had.
"Those young ladies can have a carefree time now because they won’t sit in mansions and attend balls surrounded by noblemen. You have a far different life, so you cannot look at what the common folk do. Unless you want to marry a common man," Camille said, though she knew it would never happen.
"No," Jane softly answered. She only wanted to enjoy herself while her life wasn’t so serious.
"Then you should come under my wing and let me help prepare you for the season. I will also help Eloise so she might become a better lady. Jane, do you know why Eloise left and took your brother with her? They have abandoned their duties," Camille pressed, her eyes narrowing.
"Did Quinn not tell you?" Jane asked, sensing she should not share it either.
"Can you not tell me if Quinn hasn’t told me? This isn’t like you, Jane. You are always so eager to share what I missed."
"I know, but if Quinn hasn’t told you, then I don’t think it is my place to speak on it. It is between him, Damien, and Eloise. I can only say that he is wrong in the matter," Jane revealed and then went quiet.
"He is so wrong that Eloise needed to leave and take your brother with her? I have been upset, but not once have I thought to pull my husband from his home," Camille said, her voice rising, annoyance flashing across her face because she didn’t understand.
"Would he follow you as Damien did? Oh!" Jane gasped, covering her mouth with both hands, her cheeks flushing. "Forgive me."
"Jane, do you think there is trouble in my marriage? Why wouldn’t my husband follow me?" Camille asked, offended by Jane’s slip-up.
"Oh, I meant that he would follow you since he is so keen on his work. He is such a serious man," Jane lied quickly, her words tumbling out in desperation to escape the hot water she had stirred.
"He is a mature man who cares about his work. He would think me childish if I were to run away from our home. That is why I must come here more often to guide her. I fear the estate would be in an awful state if I do not. You must tell me," Camille urged, leaning closer.
Camille didn’t want to leave the estate without knowing the answer.
"It must be silly if no one wants to share it with me. There is no reason to leave the comfort of the estate to go elsewhere. I will speak to Quinn again to get the answer, but I am most disappointed in you, Jane. I expected you to be honest," Camille said, disappointed.
Jane’s eyes widened. She didn’t like being told she had disappointed Camille. "I didn’t mean to. It is not my place to share it. I don’t want to upset anyone by sharing the news. Quinn is the one involved, and he hasn’t told you, yet you are disappointed with me. It is hardly fair."
"The boys rarely open up to me, but you have been different. If you care about your season, you would help me to keep the estate in order now," Camille said, pushing Jane even more.
Camille peered down at Jane, who was on the verge of tears, her eyes glistening. "You have changed, and in a way I don’t like."
"Nothing about me has changed. I have always been this way. I have only grown close to Eloise," Jane said, realising that was where Camille found the issue. "I don’t understand. I thought you liked her."
"I do adore Eloise, but I care for the estate more. I care about you being guided by a woman who understands our world. I should have fought harder for you to be raised with my children. This is the consequence of it," Camille said, regretting not moving sooner.
"When Damien returns to the estate, I shall request that you come to live with me-"
"No!" Jane exclaimed, horrified at the thought of leaving her home. She didn’t like being surrounded by her cousins. "I like being in the estate. It is my home."
"You could always come to visit," Camille said, touching Jane’s shoulder. She would have her way. "I am most certain your father would have wanted me to care for you. A lady won’t be raised well surrounded by men. Your brothers don’t have the faintest clue about what you need."
"Eloise is here," Jane reminded Camille, hoping that would be enough.
"Yes, but as I told you, Eloise has her own duties to learn. How could she help you when she can’t help herself? This is where you listen to me," Camille said, ignoring Jane’s wishes. Her mind was already made up to take Jane.