After taking a short visit to her father’s home, Eloise returned to the estate to keep her promise to Jane. She had low expectations for how her sit-down with Jane would end, but since she promised to sit with Jane, Eloise went out to the garden.

Inside the garden, Jane was already seated and enjoying cookies.

Eloise noticed Jane putting down a cookie in a panic, as though she was not supposed to eat it.

"You are on time," Jane said, dusting the crumbs from her finger. "Did your visit to the court go well?"

"It did. I was rewarded with my father’s home, and my uncle was arrested for his crimes. It is all thanks to Damien that I have been so successful," Eloise said as she sat down on the other side of the table.

"You are most fortunate to be married to a man like Damien. He is quite helpful in court, but we are not here to speak about him. I want to know about you. You grew up in the countryside, right?" Jane asked, starting her interrogation.

"I did," Eloise answered. "But I lived here in town before I moved to the countryside."

"If I were in your shoes, I would be upset with my father. Why would he leave the wonderful life in town to go to the countryside? What is fun about living there?" Jane asked, taking pity on Eloise.

"It was a change, but I welcomed it. I assure you that the countryside can be just as wonderful as the town. I do not feel as though I was lacking in my childhood. I welcome you to take a trip to the countryside," said Eloise.

"I only go there when we are to meet with relatives. I do get to see our friends at the countryside manor, but I could never live there forever. Did you attend balls or other social events there?" Iris inquired.

"I did. I was fortunate to be invited to many. My father could make many friends easily, so our neighbours and his employers would invite us to events. If you are trying to know if I know how to behave at these gatherings, I do," Eloise said, skipping to what Jane wanted.

"I was trying to be polite with how I asked it. Truthfully, I am concerned about how you might act when you attend events with us. If you make mistakes, then it will affect me when my season is upon us," Jane shared her concerns.

"Jane, while I have not been used to this life from birth, I do know how to act when I am around others. I don’t intend to spoil your brother’s name or ruin your season," Eloise assured Jane.

"That is what I hope for. I think Damien should act sooner to employ a tutor-"

"Jane," Eloise stopped Jane in her tracks. "Pardon my rudeness for interjecting, but are you not tired of judging me before you get to know me? You seem stuck on these thoughts that I cannot read, know how to act like a lady, or that I am not well-versed in gatherings."

"I might not have grown up on an estate, but my father taught me well how to behave. I joined him at his work and spoke to his employers, who had titles. I know how to behave, and if you are only going to continue to judge me, then we should end this," said Eloise.

"You cannot speak to me in this manner. I was speaking with your best interest in mind," Jane said, insulted by how she was spoken to.

"My best interest? Did you not just speak of your season, which is a long way from here? I understand that I am not the kind of lady you envisioned for your brother, but I am here. If Damien didn’t care for me, I wouldn’t be sitting here with this ring on my finger," said Eloise.

"You have won your father’s home, and now you are quite bold," Jane muttered.

"I came into this estate worried about my father’s home being stolen from me. Now that that has been settled, I have a bit of time to focus on other matters around me. I think it was fortunate for everyone around me that I did not snap during all that I faced," Eloise said, almost on the verge of snapping.

"I have somewhat of a clear mind now that my father has received some justice. I have let a lot of disrespect be ignored since I returned to town because I have been trying to be respectful, but look what I ended up with. Nothing," Eloise concluded.

"I have only been curious," Jane said, defending her actions. "I am trying to get to know you."

"But there is judgment in your tone, and it feels as though you are looking down on me. I genuinely wanted to get to know you, and I still do, but the judgment has to stop. I have not judged you," Eloise said.

Jane laughed as it would be absurd for Eloise to judge her. "How can you, of all ladies, judge me?"

Eloise smiled as Jane proved her point. "There is much that can be judged about you, Jane. If I see it, then others can see it as well. I am not here to compete with you about judging, but I ask that if you truly want to get to know me, you should stop with your antics."

"Well, forgive me for being so concerned about my future and my reputation around the town," Jane said, annoyed with Eloise’s behaviour. "Does Damien know you act this way? When we are in his presence, you are kind. Now, you are acting like this."

"From the very start, your brother insisted on being stern with all of you. For the first few days, I was kind. I sat quietly, taking all that was said by you and others. I was reminded today what the result of letting disrespect be ignored leads to," Eloise explained. 𝑓𝑟ℯ𝘦𝓌𝘦𝘣𝑛𝑜𝓋𝑒𝓁.𝑐ℴ𝓂

"So, are we going to have a good talk to get to know each other, or will you judge me? You must remember that I am not against you. You are my husband’s sister, so now we are family. We should get along," Eloise said, having a bit of hope for Jane.

Jane stood up since her plans were spoiled. "You may sit alone. You will regret not listening to me when you are tossed into social events. Good day," she said, parting from Eloise.

Eloise didn’t regret how her talk with Jane went. Instead, she wondered if Damien would like some of the cookies left behind.