"The others are going to be disappointed when they learn how much you changed. They spent days worrying about you, just for you to have been lying up with a lord. Did your father approve of him?" Peter questioned, a smirk forming as Elose’s expression changed.

Eloise closed her hand into a ball, yearning to strike Peter, but she wouldn’t stoop to his level. "Don’t you dare mention my father. From this moment on, do not think we are friends. Get away from my land." 𝑓𝓇𝘦ℯ𝘸𝘦𝑏𝓃𝑜𝘷ℯ𝑙.𝑐𝑜𝓂

"Lady Hawthorne," Aiden greeted Eloise as he came forward. "Is this man troubling you?"

Peter backed away, his eyes looking down at the stone wall for a loose stone to protect himself with.

"He needs to be moved from our land, and should you ever see him approaching our gates, have him turned away. He is neither a relative nor a friend. He’s an unwelcome nuisance," Eloise said, disgusted by Peter. "I am done with my gardening."

Hannah sighed, annoyed that one man had spoiled her plans to ensure Eloise enjoyed her time alone.

Hannah got a good look at Peter, memorising the details of his face for when she would give the report to Damien.

Aiden remained, cracking his knuckles as he approached Peter.

"I didn’t think I would get to use my fists in the countryside," Aiden said, raising his right foot to step over the wall. "You’ve made it possible for me to test if I am still good at throwing a punch."

Peter stepped back, keeping his eyes on the large man. "There are guards all around the countryside. You will be arrested for attacking me."

"A night in jail wouldn’t be so bad," Aiden said, continuing his approach. "Why don’t you be a little bit tougher? Do you only get fun out of troubling ladies?"

Aiden had faced many men like Peter before. They were only bold when no other men were present.

Peter’s eyes furrowed before realisation set in. "I didn’t trouble her. I knew her from the early days when she first came here to the countryside. If Lord Hawthorne is your master, you should inform him that Eloise is deceiving him."

"Oh," Aiden smiled. "Tell me more."

"Eloise wasn’t like this when she lived here. She received marriage proposals, but turned them down. She spoke of not wanting to marry this season, but as soon as she headed to the capital, she married a lord. Does that not puzzle Lord Hawthorne?" Peter questioned, wishing to speak to Damien.

Surely Eloise got mesmerised by the wealth in the capital and sought it for herself.

"You know what this sounds like? A man who is angry because he was not chosen. You’re a man whose presence doesn’t matter while Lord Hawthorne captivates people wherever he goes. It is no surprise she fell for him and not you," Aiden said in a mocking tone. "Stop being angry for coming in second."

"No," Aiden shook his head, a grin replacing his smile. "I wouldn’t say you’re second. You weren’t on the list of men she would consider. It doesn’t look good when men get angry because they weren’t chosen. Go home," he advised Peter.

Peter gritted his teeth. If Eloise had been honest about what she wanted, he wouldn’t be angry now. "The suggestions for us to wed were only out of pity because she didn’t have a mother. Who wanted to marry a woman with no mother and an ill father?"

Aiden sighed. "It must be the countryside air, or there’s a special breed of men here. If it was only out of pity, why concern yourself about Lady Hawthorne? Why be bothered that she succeeded in marrying a lord?"

Aiden stepped forward, plotting the moment he would pounce. "Admit it, you’re jealous that she did better than you. She gets to leave the countryside and return to her estate, while you remain here with stains and holes in your shirt. I would be angry too. Especially if you add in being too short."

"You bastard!" Peter spat, making the mistake of lunging at Aiden. He threw his fist, aiming for Aiden’s face.

Aiden swiftly moved, a chuckle adding to Peter’s fury. "This is child’s play for me. I urge you to leave."

Peter tried once more, aiming for Aiden’s face with both hands.

Aiden dodged Peter’s attack and raised his right leg to kick Peter’s buttocks to make him stumble. "I am quite happy that I didn’t join Lord Hawthorne for his outing. I’m starting to enjoy the countryside."

Aiden looked away from Peter, taking a deep breath as he enjoyed the countryside air. "That’s refreshing. I was wrong about the countryside air. You’re just a fool."

"Now," Aiden grabbed Peter by his shirt. He twisted the old cloth, further ruining the shirt. "I suggest you leave Lady Hawthorne alone now that you know she doesn’t want to see you. I’m forced to tell Lord Hawthorne about this interaction, and he will be upset. You should find a rock to hide under."

"Huh, a ring," Aiden noticed the small band on Peter’s finger. "Does your wife know that you are so concerned about another woman? A woman you could have wed? I wouldn’t be pleased if I were your wife."

"Unhand me," Peter demanded.

"I intend to, but before you go," Aiden said, pulling Peter forward as he leaned down. "I am not fond of men who can’t handle being rejected and harassing ladies. Had Lord Hawthorne not been here, you wouldn’t have been so bold to approach her."

"I-"

"Ssh," Aiden shushed Peter. "A man is speaking. This is when little boys listen. If you ever approach Lady Hawthorne and trouble her. If you ever disrespect her father’s name, forget about Lord Hawthorne coming for you. I will come for you."

"Before you utter a word about the guards, I don’t fear getting arrested. I’ll enjoy the thrill of taking your life before the guards take me. It’s been so long since I killed a man. Would you do me a favour and misbehave so I can enjoy the thrill?" Aiden whispered, claiming Peter’s death.

Peter trembled, a cold air running over his body as he dwelled on the threats made. This was going too far now.

"Help me!" Peter called the maid, who returned. He was on the verge of peeing himself.

"Aiden, Lady Hawthorne requests your presence," Hannah said, eyeing the two men. "Put him down, and return inside before you make a mistake."

"Have a pleasant day," Aiden pushed Peter away with a shove. "I must tend to my lady."

Peter gasped, his right hand clutching his chest.

What kind of men had Eloise brought to the countryside?