Days later, Eloise, Iris, and Jane returned to the estate as it was now deemed safe.
Damien stood waiting at the door to welcome the trio.
Though only a few days had passed, it felt as though they had been gone for weeks.
As the carriages rolled closer, Damien descended the steps to open the door himself.
"Welcome back," he said, extending his hand to Eloise.
"It is good to be back, and to see the estate still standing in one piece," Eloise replied, her fingers brushing his as she stepped down. "Have you been well?"
"As well as I can be," Damien answered. He helped her down before turning to Jane, offering his hand. "I hope you have been on your best behaviour."
"I have," Jane said with her chin in the air. "Countess Tompkins says I may call upon her whenever I feel the need, and she will welcome me. I have also met many ladies I had not spoken to before, thanks to her. Eloise can tell you how well I did."
