Eloise quietly read her book whilst Damien leaned his head against her shoulder.
There was little for Damien to do in the chamber, yet he remained to spend time with Eloise.
As she had suspected, the rain began to fall, first in gentle drops, then in greater numbers that lashed against the glass.
At times, the thunder startled her, but she forced herself to remain composed so as not to wake Damien.
She couldn't help worrying about the others. 'Did Jane's guest return safely?' she wondered, her mind circling back to the young woman who had arrived unannounced.
Eloise tried to let the book serve as a distraction, but the storm kept getting her attention.
Unable to focus, she set the book down upon the bedside table, deciding instead to join Damien in going to sleep.
Just as she shifted beneath the blanket, a knock was heard at the door.
"Come in," Eloise answered.
The door opened, and Jane entered with Iris beside her, both afraid of all the noise outside.
