Chapter 181: Bedrock

"Honestly, mother," Rochester said as they mounted down the stairs. "You drive me nuts when you do things like this." He felt helpless learning from Simon how she had given strict orders to his men at the gate to allow his sister into the house without restraint. It was wrong for her to do this, to assume leadership in his house, like that.

"There is nothing wrong with what I did," Eloise said in her defense. "I know deep down you are just as eager to see your sister. You don't have the face to make certain decisions, that's all. And that is why you should thank me for stepping in for you."

"Don't be ridiculous, mother," Rochester said and grimaced.

Eloise was tempted to shrug at him, but she didn't. "Do you want to know what is ridiculous?" she asked. "It is that despite all this noise you are making, you chose to wear a nice Tuxedo to greet her and her husband."

"Should I appear before them in rags then?" Rochester scoffed at best.