Tangled Temptations novel Chapter 261

After a few days of indulgence, Harvey fell sick.

Eloise was both embarrassed and angry. She refused to let him get close and insisted on him staying home to recuperate.

Harvey was quite restless. Even while he was ill, he still tried to make out with Eloise. Eloise was at her wit's end, unsure of how to handle him. Rather than making a big show of taking him to the hospital, she called in their family physician.

On Monday, Pauline called to invite Eloise over for tea, giving her a much-needed break.

When Eloise entered the study, she found Harvey lounging on the couch, engrossed in some documents. He was casually dressed in a white sweater and grey joggers, exuding a laid-back, homely vibe.

Eloise approached him, placing a hand on his forehead. His temperature seemed to have dropped somewhat, much to her relief.

Pulling her hand away, Harvey looked at her with a faint smile, asking, "Going out?"

"Yeah, Pauline wants me over," Eloise said.

Harvey's gaze returned to his documents, his tone teasing, "So, you're planning to leave your sick husband at home, Mrs. Horigan? Enjoying yourself and then not taking responsibility?"

"I'll be back early in the afternoon," Eloise promised softly, to which Harvey said nothing.

She leaned in to give him a quick kiss, "Is that okay?"

He studied her for a few moments before slowly agreeing, "Alright. But I want chicken soup for dinner."

She agreed.

Upon arriving at the Horigan Mansion, Eloise discovered the house was unusually quiet. Seeing only Pauline, she asked, "Where's Orlena?"

Pauline replied with a smile, "She's out with Daniel."

They moved to the master bedroom's living area, a private space where Pauline could share her concerns without the prying ears of their house staff.

After brewing some coffee, the two women sat down, and Pauline handed Eloise a photograph, "He's a university professor, around Orlena's age, and he runs a small business. What do you think?"

Eloise examined the photograph. The man was handsome, with a refined air about him. She thought he was a good match.

With a worried look, Pauline voiced her concerns, "Eloise, could you talk to Orlena for me? She agreed to meet him, but I can tell she's not enthusiastic. But she can't stay single forever. Her father doesn't say it, but I know he hopes she can settle down."

Eloise's heart wavered. She felt a pang of guilt.

Seeing her conflicted expression, Pauline gave her hand a comforting squeeze, "Her situation with your uncle, it's not just a one-sided issue. They just weren't meant to be. They have a kid together now, and if not for the insurmountable conflicts, they would certainly have softened for the sake of their children."

By four in the afternoon, Orlena had returned home with Daniel.

While Eloise kept Daniel company, Orlena figured something out. She called for a servant to take Daniel for some dessert.

Once they were alone, Orlena whispered, "Eloise, it was my mother who asked you to come here, wasn't it?"

Eloise sighed softly. She slowly picked up a photograph and passed it to Orlena. Orlena fell silent, staring at the image for a long time.

"If you don't want to go, I can talk to your parents about it," Eloise whispered, "If all fails, we can have your brother have a chat with them."

Eloise didn't want to force Orlena. As a woman, she understood that Orlena was still healing from her past emotional wounds. With Daniel in her life, accepting someone else might not be easy.

Orlena held the photograph tightly, her eyes downcast. After a long pause, she said in a quiet, firm voice, "Eloise, I'll go."