Chapter 384: Introductions [3]

"That is right. Still, I saw him in passing and couldn’t help thinking he was a scary man. Zayne also seems to be afraid of him. I must get used to a warden also looking so scary. He must be different when he is with family," said Iris.

"He isn’t. He seems to think that we should always be afraid of him so we don’t speak of him being soft and let others stop fearing him. After a while, you’ll get used to it. I had no other choice," said Olivia.

"I see," Iris responded, still uncertain. "I will concern myself with only what you think of me. And your husband, of course."

"Don’t concern yourself with my husband. As long as I am happy, he will accept you. You appear to be a very quiet and polite young lady. Then you are related to Damien’s wife. It is all wonderful," Olivia said, pleased that the two families now had a true tie.

"I once thought that Zayne was courting me so he could truly be family with Lord Hawthorne," Iris confessed.

Olivia sighed, as it sounded like something Zayne would do. "My silly son would do it to bother Damien. They’ve been thick as thieves since they were little boys. I was close to Damien’s mother from a young age."

"So I have heard. It is quite unfortunate what happened to them," Iris said, and wondered if Olivia knew what had occurred.

"It is. I like to write to Damien and the others sometimes to make sure they are well. I would visit more, but I don’t want to hound them. I looked forward to meeting your cousin. Tell me, what is she like?" Olivia asked as she picked up her teacup.

"Well, as you said, Lord Hawthorne has a good judge of character. My cousin Eloise used to be friends with him while her father worked at this very estate. She is kind, lovely, and very suited to be the lady of this estate and land," Iris praised Eloise.

"They have known each other that long? It does seem as though it was fate for them to marry. If she used to visit and play with him, then I should remember her. Were you here running around as well?" Olivia asked, enjoying how they all knew each other.

"No, I was not. Only Eloise’s father worked here. I did not come to visit with her or her father. That would have been lovely, but now I know that it would not have been for the best. I don’t think Lord Hawthorne would have liked me then," Iris joked.

"You never know. It could have been Zayne that you became friends with then," said Olivia.

"Perhaps. Part of me believes that had we been friends from youth, it would have been unlikely that we would be getting married now. It all worked out better that we met when we had grown up," Iris said honestly.

Iris didn’t think many would have been supportive of a young Damien showing interest in Eloise, or the same for her and Zayne.

"I understand it. There would have been quite a bit of meddling to stop our sons from showing interest in the daughters of servants. Marriages are more like business arrangements for some of our families and us. Something must be gained," said Olivia.

"I don’t have anything to offer Zayne. I also never plan to ask Eloise for money or help to put on an act. My childhood home was set on fire, so I cannot offer that, and my brother is not a wealthy man. This is all that I am," Iris said, putting all her flaws to the forefront.

"I am well aware. I have been told plenty about you. There will be some objections from others around us, and I am certain you are aware of this, but I like you. For all the money that I have, I could not find ways to make my son happy," Olivia said, ashamed of herself.

"You did more than I ever could in so little time. And don’t misunderstand me," Olivia said, reaching for Iris’s hand. "I will not like you only because you make my son happy. I have been waiting so long for a young lady in the family."

"I looked forward to getting to know you as well. Zayne was quite adamant that he would be pushed out of the way once we meet, so I didn’t think you would like me only for him," said Iris.

"Everyone gets to speak of their daughter-in-law, but I am without one and all the fun activities. I can hardly wait to help plan the wedding and all the events before it. That is, if I am welcome to join you," Olivia said, not wanting to overstep.

"I would be very happy if you were to help me. My mother is not present at the moment, so the only lady I have to help me is Eloise. Oh! Countess Tompkins has offered to help, and my friend Rosalie," Iris shared.

"I know a Rosalie."

"It is the same one you are thinking of. I met her through Eloise. We have all become quite close, and she has offered to help me where needed," Iris said.

Olivia stared at Iris, wondering if she had heard the talk of suggesting Rosalie wed Zayne. "I must share that there was a bit of consideration for her to marry my son, but that would have never worked."

"I know of it, and I am no longer worried. Rosalie is a sweet woman, and she has already shared that she doesn’t have any interest in Zayne. I also don’t mind that you two are close. I will not come and try to ruin what was before me," Iris said, her confidence stronger now than it had once been.

"Thank you for being so understanding. I know that I sent for some water for us, but would you like to take a walk? I wish to refresh my memory of the estate, and we can get to know each other. I apologise for coming without a gift," Olivia said as she stood up.

Olivia offered her hand to Iris to help her stand.

"I was also worried that I didn’t get to prepare you a gift for our first meeting," Iris said, placing her hand on Olivia’s to stand.

"Then we can prepare one for when we meet the second time. I would like to take you on an outing. It is time everyone starts seeing the woman engaged to my son," said Olivia.

"I would enjoy that," Iris replied, unable to suppress the smile that spread across her face.