Page 63 of Hawthorne

Do I like my brother alone with Camilla?No.

He’s worse with women than I ever was, but he knows more than most. But I also know my brother would never disrespect me like that. He’s the only one who could check on her without raising questions.

So, I nod.

“Ladies, I need to use the loo. If you’ll excuse me,” he curtsies and leaves after her.

“Have you thought about changing the housekeeper, Vincent?” Eleanor asks me.

“No,” I answer quickly.

“She’s...so young,” she mutters. “Does she know how to do this job? I am sure it is demanding.”

“I agree with you, my dear,” my mum chimes in.

“She performs her duties with perfection,” I state, keeping my face as stoic as possible.

My mother sighs, “It seems my son does not agree with me.”

“Duke,” I blurt.

If I can’t put her in place for one thing, I sure as hell will for something else.

“What?” Eleanor asks, confused.

“You called me Vincent before, but we’re not married. We’re not even dating anymore. You either address me by Your Grace or Duke.”

Both women gasp, shocked at my demand, but at this point, I really don’t care.

“Vincent Hawthorne, that is not how I—”

“That’s exactly how you raised me,” I cut her off. “You taught me to put people in their place and for me to be treated with respect. That’s exactly what I am doing.”

“But Eleanor—”

“Is way below us in the hierarchy. It only makes sense,” I stop her once again. “Ladies…I have a big load of paperwork waiting for me in my office. I appreciate your visit, but I am afraid I’ll have to leave you to yourselves now. Enjoy the tea and the biscuits. Call Mariah if you require something else.”

Heading to the same service door Camilla and Edgar just left from, I find Mariah on the other side, just like expected and tell her, “See my mother and Eleanor out whenever they’re ready and let Camilla know I am expecting her in my office today as soon as possible.”

Mariah nods quickly with wide eyes before scurrying off to do what she’s been told.

My body works on autopilot, willing my feet to take me back to the office while I think back to what just happened. My mother is a cunning, ambitious woman, always set on her goals, and I know she has—from the start—noticed the tension between Camilla and me, even if she doesn’t understand the real extent of it.

Camilla’s a possible threat to her and to the futureshewants for me.

But what she doesn’t realise is that all that she wants is everything Idon’t want. Amid all the expectations and responsibilities I am expected to fulfil, my life is a mess. Turnedupside-down by a strong tornado. And in the middle of it all is Camilla, the only calm of the storm that is my life.

And I am not willing to let go just yet.

19

Camilla White

My life is such a bloody mess.

It shouldn’t affect me—I know it shouldn’t—but it does. And worse, it hurts.

We’re not even involved anymore, but every action the duke’s mother took and every word she and Eleanor said felt like they were cutting me open.

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