Chapter 296: Trouble brewing [1]
The next day, Eloise and Iris were seated in her private chamber when Jane stormed through the door.
The heavy oak door banged against the wall, startling both women.
"It is hardly fair," Jane cried, rushing straight to Eloise. "I’ve received a letter from a friend saying that Camille is going to be hosting an event. I am certain she is doing this to wound me."
Eloise could see the way Jane’s hands clenched the letter.
"Then you mustn’t be so distraught over it, Jane. If she is doing this to upset you, then she is being childish. Will you push all that happened aside simply because you will not attend an event your peers will?" Eloise asked, hoping Jane would find wisdom in her words.
Jane collapsed onto the seat beside her. "It is not that I wish to forgive her and attend, but rather that I am angry and find it unfair. She never thought of hosting an event before now. It unsettles me that she might be trying to exclude me."
Jane despised Camille’s method of making her regret what had passed.
Camille knew precisely how much Jane looked forward to her season and how she longed to shine. To be seen and to belong. Jane wanted to attend every important gathering, and Camille’s event would be regarded as one of significance.
"My peers will have to attend because their mothers will force them to. I am not upset with them," Jane said, folding her arms tightly across her chest. "I am upset only with my aunt. I thought we would talk."
"I thought so too," Eloise admitted. "But she seems adamant about continuing this drama. You shouldn’t dwell on it, Jane. There are other events you may attend."
Jane knew that, but her heart twisted with dread at the thought of gossip. "If I am absent, and neither are you, whispers will begin about tension in the family. I don’t want your name dragged into scandal because of me."
Eloise smiled. "It is not because of you, Jane. You mustn’t think that it is. I don’t want to pull you into any talk about Camille that makes you feel as though you must choose sides. Truly, I don’t think it right to speak of my troubles with her before you, so could you leave for a moment?"
Jane rose reluctantly, smoothing her gown with trembling fingers. "I can, as I need to write to my other peers. If I could, I would host an event the same day and let them come here."
"Jane, I don’t think you should stoop so low, placing yourself in competition. You might not like the results. Your aunt is an influential lady, while you are only just beginning, and your season has not yet started. Many will choose her," Eloise said honestly.
Jane’s eyes held a glimmer of hope. "But many would want to see the inside of the estate. It has been so many years since we hosted a ball."
"That may be so, but you will not have the guests you expect. I want to spare you the disappointment and the laughter your aunt would relish. We shall speak of this later, once I have brought it up with your brother," Eloise promised.
"Very well," Jane murmured, her lips forming a pout as she turned away.
Eloise watched her leave, the chamber door closing with a soft thud, then turned to Iris. "I did not expect an event to be Camille’s next move. She truly is doing it to trouble Jane."
"It was a clever move, as it is already working. Must you go speak to your husband now?" Iris asked.
Eloise lifted her teacup and replied, "No. I am not going to ask Damien if we should host an event here to get even, because we shouldn’t. I will not waste money planning a gathering merely to spite Camille."
Eloise set the cup down.
"Besides," Eloise continued. "She would gather most of the important guests. Jane will have to endure being left out. I will not have her apologise to Camille simply because she wishes to attend."
"Well, I admire the way you are standing firm. Jane might feel excluded now and long to retaliate, but years from now, she will be grateful she isn’t fighting her aunt. You are right not to quarrel with her," Iris said, supportive.
Iris sighed. "I never thought it before, but his aunt is far too petty. From all I’ve heard, even from Jane yesterday, she should be offering an apology, not planning a gathering to upset her. I fear this will not end here."
"It won’t," Eloise said, feeling tired. "She will poke and provoke until she gets the reaction she seeks or the apology she believes she deserves. But it won’t come from me. It surely won’t come from Damien. That is why she toys with Jane."
Eloise rubbed her temple. "I don’t want to trouble Damien with every scheme she devises. He might already be aware. Why can’t some relatives simply leave you in peace? Why must they provoke?"
Iris shrugged her shoulders. "A woman like Camille has always been spoiled her entire life. Always indulged and obeyed. She will not let this matter fade as you wish. She will fight until she regains her control. I wonder what her husband thinks."
"I have not met him enough to know how he will approach it, but I assume he will stand by his wife. It would be surprising if he did not. My concern is Camille’s influence upon the family, adding more voices to trouble Damien," Eloise confessed.
"The true drama might begin when others involve themselves. We’ve had a few peaceful days since our return. To think this all began because my husband wished to be alone with me," Eloise added.
"No one spoke of facing such troubles in marriage. They left out far too much when they told us stories as little girls. They made marriage sound pleasant, without hardship," Iris said, realising the illusions she was fed.
Eloise noticed Iris’s reluctance, and reached to hold her hand to comfort her troubled thoughts. "It is not all bad. My marriage to Damien is good. It is the people around us who try to spoil it. The key is to keep them away. Marriage will be good to you if you keep others out."
Iris gave Eloise’s hand a little squeeze, grateful that Eloise was clearing all doubt she had. "I shall take your advice and hold onto it," she said, trusting Eloise’s words as she always did before.