Eloise returned home to face Clive's anger.
"Don't you know how to behave, child? We are fortunate that I was able to calm Percival before I sent him off. What if you had lost him as a suitor?" Clive asked, pinching the bridge of his nose to keep himself calm.
"Would it be so bad? I do not believe he is a good match for me, and neither are the others who came before him. Surely, you saw it too," Eloise said, crossing her fingers.
"Eloise, you don't know what is good for you. That is why I must decide in your father's absence. We mustn't lose a good man like Percival," Clive said, thinking of what Percival was willing to offer him.
"Good man? Do you know him well, uncle?"
"I know that he has good business in town, so he will be helpful for your future," Clive said, also thinking of his future. "I know news of his first marriage wasn't pleasant, but at the very least, he didn't have children for you to raise. He is eager to have children with you."
"Yes, sons," Eloise said, the uneasiness in her chest coming back.
"It is natural for a man like him to be this way. He is in great need of heirs. I know he will treat you well. You only need to let go of your fears," Clive advised Eloise.
"We mustn't get too attached to him. There are others I must meet, right?" Eloise asked, hopeful Clive wasn't set on Percival.
"Yes, there are others. You are becoming quite the talk of the town. I must have you attend another ball with Iris and my wife. I will ask around about balls," Clive said. He turned and walked away, starting to plot his next move.
"Uncle!" Eloise called, following Clive. "Have you written to my father or received any word from his doctor? Have you reconsidered letting me return home for a moment?"
"Eloise!" Clive snapped, but seeing that he scared Eloise, he smiled. "Eloise, you must wait for me to decide on the best time to let you see your father. When you behave this way, it makes everyone think of your time in the countryside. Spare me from it."
Eloise masked her true feelings with a smile. "Forgive me. I did not think of what you faced."
Clive approached Eloise and rested his hand on her shoulder. "It would be best for you to place your focus on finding a husband. You should pick a husband quickly while you have captivated the men in town. I would like to see you married."
"I will do my best to enjoy the season and the upcoming ball. Since there are no more suitors, I would like to get back to my book. Good day," Eloise curtsied.
Eloise walked away from Clive with a heavy heart. She feared the worst when it came to her father, all because of Clive's actions.
Had her father become so ill that she couldn't witness him in a weak state, or was Clive concealing something else from her?
Eloise shook her head, ridding herself of the thought that Clive was up to no good. After all, Clive took her in when she needed her family the most.
Eloise retired to her bedchamber to enjoy a moment of peace from her suitors. She knew she should be happy to receive so many visitors, as it was all a lady could ask for, but Eloise could only think of her father.
Eloise stayed hidden away until Iris returned from her outing with Agatha.
"Eloise!" Iris's youthful voice filled the bedchamber. "I have much to tell you. Has someone troubled you?" She asked, noticing the sadness in Eloise's expression.
Eloised smiled, not wanting to burden Iris with her troubles. "It is nothing."
"How can it be nothing when it appears as though your day has been spoiled? Is it because you could not join us for the outing, or did one of your suitors upset you? I knew I shouldn't have left you alone," Iris said, feeling guilty.
Iris closed the door so their talk would be private. "We never keep secrets from each other. You must tell me what is on your mind, or I shall think I am the source behind your sadness. Surely, you don't want me to think it is so when it isn't the truth."
"I assure you that you are not the cause of my sadness. I do not mind when you spend time with your mother since you are so eager to marry. The suitors did upset me, but it is my father's well-being on my mind. My uncle won't allow me to see my father, and he gets upset when I speak of him," said Eloise.
Iris sat down on Eloise's bed. "That is quite odd of my father. Did he not say when you first arrived that you were welcome to return home? What has changed?"
"I suspect my father's health has gotten worse, and while their intentions are good, I must see him. If it is his last day, I wish to be at his side, but it isn't allowed. I am worried," Eloise confessed.
"And rightfully so. Should I ask him?"
"No, no. I don't believe you can convince him. I have never seen him so angry before, and I don't want to pull you into my troubles," said Eloise.
Iris placed her hand over Eloise's and said, "Your troubles are mine. I wish for you to be with your father, and I want to see my uncle as well. What can we do?"
"Oh!" Iris exclaimed. "There is a ball we must attend soon. My mother got the invitation today."
Eloise tried not to let her disappointment show. "I don't see how a ball can help me."
"My parents will both be busy finding me suitors to dance with. I can keep them distracted while you sneak away to go home. We can face the consequences together after you have seen your father. Just as we always have," Iris said, squeezing Eloise's hand. "Are you in?"
Eloise slowly nodded her head. Her mood changed for the better as she found comfort in Iris's willingness to help. "I am in."