Chapter 383: Introductions [2]

Iris walked down to the drawing room, listening to quick tales about Zayne’s mother. She wished she had the chance to prepare a gift for the first meeting or prepare special treats to win her over, but since Zayne kept assuring her that all was well, Iris stopped worrying.

At least, she tried to. A small flutter of nervousness still lingered in her chest.

Iris held onto Zayne’s arm when they neared the drawing room, and as soon as they entered the door, Zayne’s mother was in view, seated with tea already being poured for her.

Olivia Bailey, Zayne’s mother, lowered her teacup from her lips after seeing the pair. "There you two are. I was starting to think my son took you and tried to slip away from the estate. You must be Iris Wilkins."

Olivia stood up to greet Iris.

"I am. It is a pleasure to meet you, Mrs Bailey," Iris said with a curtsy.

"Oh, dear. No need to be so formal, as I have been told that we are going to become family," Olivia said, approaching Iris for a hug. "Please, come have a sit beside me. There is much I need to know. Go," she shooed Zayne.

"Is that the polite way to speak to your lovely son?" Zayne asked, putting space between himself and Iris. "Shouldn’t I be present for this sit-down?"

"I didn’t say you are to leave. You are not needed at my side now. Ignore him," Olivia said as she sat down. "My awful son waited days later to tell me that he was engaged. He was not even so kind as to inform me there was a lady he was smitten with."

"I would not have liked for you to meddle before I convinced her to marry me," Zayne explained.

"I could have helped you plan ways to win her heart. I am quite surprised that you managed to do it by yourself. After all, you are your father’s son. I expected some difficulty in knowing how to court a lady. Now," Olivia said, turning her attention back to Iris. "He doesn’t trouble you, does he?"

"No. Not at all," Iris answered, glancing at Zayne. The sight of him eased some of her nerves. "I am thankful for his company, and I truly adore him."

"I hope he didn’t put you up to this. Tell me, did he convince you to marry him so I would stop hounding him about marriage?" Olivia asked and held Iris’s hand so she wouldn’t lie.

"No. That is not what occurred. We would have been engaged sooner if not for me asking to wait until the end of the Season-"

"End of the Season?!" Olivia exclaimed and pulled her hands back. "You mean I would have needed to wait longer? Have you any idea how long I have waited for this moment? You did wonders convincing her to move sooner, Zayne."

"I can’t take credit for it, Mother. She was the one who changed her mind and decided to get engaged now, but the wedding will have to wait for the end of the Season. If I had it my way, we would have a wedding tomorrow," said Zayne.

"While that would please me, the urgency would spark gossip about a child. You are not pregnant, are you?" Olivia asked, her gaze falling to Iris’s belly.

Iris blushed, partly offended and partly horrified by the question. "No. Does it appear that way?"

"We have not done more than hold hands and share a kiss on the cheek after the engagement. What do you think of me, Mother? That I am a scoundrel?" Zayne asked, offended.

"I am pleased to know that you are a gentleman. Since the end of the Season is not so far away, it will give us plenty of time to plan the events leading up to the wedding and find a suitable dress design. No one needs to panic," Olivia said, taking a deep breath.

"I believe you are the only one about to panic. Iris’s biggest worry, or only concern, was meeting you," Zayne revealed.

"Why? What did you say about me?" Olivia asked, looking at Zayne.

"I was nervous that you might not be too fond of my position," Iris answered in place of Zayne. "Your family is so wonderful, and my family name has been tarnished."

"I only care about him finding a lady he can settle down with. I have a few relatives, both from my side and my husband’s side, who put the family name to shame. A good name isn’t everything, but rather how your heart is. Are you a bad lady, Iris?" Olivia inquired.

"No. I don’t think that I am," Iris answered.

"Then, I have little to worry about. I like to think that Zayne picked you because he loves you, and since you are staying at the estate, you must be good. I believe Damien has a good judgement of character. Plenty works in your favour," Olivia assured Iris.

Relief washed over Iris.

"I told her that you weren’t a cruel woman," Zayne said, enjoying how Iris worried all for nothing.

"I am not unless I am pushed to be. I am merely happy that my son has finally found his person. When I arrived at his home in the morning, I could see my way around. I hope that it stays so," said Olivia.

"I intend to let it be so. I have stumbled one too many times in his home," Iris said, sharing Olivia’s sentiments.

"Finally, someone who understands me. My husband says that I should leave him be, but I find it difficult to leave him in that state. Oh, look at me," Olivia said, realising her mistake. "I didn’t take time to greet Damien or his wife. Are they present?"

"They are present, but occupied with each other. You know the estate needs an heir. You two should continue getting to know each other in the meantime. I will leave you alone," Zayne said, standing up from his chair. "I’m sure Damien won’t mind we’re here."

"I would love to know more about her without you meddling. Be a dear and send for some water for us. And a teacup for Iris. Don’t disturb us until we are ready for you," Olivia said, shooing Zayne again.

"You will both want my company quite soon, and when you do, I shall not come to you. Excuse me," Zayne said, leaving to find someone who would appreciate his company.

"I fear I went wrong somewhere with that boy. Now, let us speak about how we truly feel without Zayne near. Is there more you are worried about?"

Iris hesitated. Most of her fears regarding Olivia had disappeared within moments of meeting her. However, one concern still lingered stubbornly in her mind.

"Yes, his uncle. He is a scary man," said Iris.

"Why would you be worried about him when Zayne is not his son? I don’t worry about him," Olivia said, unknowingly removing the last of Iris’s concern.