Chapter 21
Before Daphne could finish his sentence, James interrupted her.
With a fierce glare, James gritted his teeth and growled, “Stop talking nonsense. How could 1 possibly be interested in her? If word gets out, what will happen to Mrs. Farrow’s reputation?”
He thought, ‘At that time, my life would be at risk too!
Daphine rolled her eyes, swatting his hand away.
“Then why did you send someone to Princess Celia’s estate to tell me about Arabella’s situation? Why ask me to visit her at the Duke’s estate? Doesn’t that look like you’ve got an ulterior motive?” she asked.
James froze. He thought, It isn’t about him–it is about… Wait, stop! I can’t say it. The king’s plans are too shocking. It is better if fewer people know, especially Daphne. I can’t involve her in this
“I wasn’t trying to make it about myself. 1 just saw that you two have a good relationship, and I didn’t want you kept in the dark by Noel. I was only trying to warn you. Now you’re making it sound like I’ve done something wrong”
Daphne snorted, unimpressed. Then why didn’t you say anything earlier? Arabella’s already been through the hardest part. What good is comforting her now?”
With that, she lifted her foot and kicked him.
James dodged a couple of times but didn’t resist, allowing her to kick him.
“You said she’s already been through the hardest part? Does that mean she’s not sad anymore? So what’s her plan?”
Daphne paused mid–kick, narrowing her eyes at him. “You still say you’re not interested in her? If you weren’t, why are you so invested in her situation?
James broke out in a cold sweat. It wasn’t that he cared for Arabella–he was just following the king’s orders to gather information. He’d seen all sorts of schemes before, but spying on a subject’s wife for the king? That was new.
“Don’t show. What if someone overhears? Just answer my question–no need for all the extra chatter
Daphne, frustrated, closed her eyes. But then, worried that James might do something reckless that could harm Arabella, she suddenly opened her eyes wide.
“I’m warning you–don’t even think about making a move on her. If you do, I’ll tell Father and have him break your legs. You know Father and the Marquis’s estate are sworn brothers. If you start eyeing his daughter, he’ll make sure you regret it.
james, utterly misunderstood, lost all patience.
If it were up to him, he’d quit his position as the head of the Royal Vanguard in a heartbeat. He thought, Helping the king take another man’s wife? What if my father found out? I’d be lucky if I don’t get my legs broken.
But this is the king’s plan, and when the old man finds out, he’d probably say I fail to offer any objections and blame me for everything.
“Good grief, you really think I’m interested in Arabella? You know how close Father is to her father. I have no ill intentions. I just asked about her situation out of concern. I swear, there’s no ulterior motive.”
Seeing the sincerity in his eyes, Daphne finally softened a little. Then hurry up and settle the marriage. Only then will I feel at ease.”
With the king still waiting for news, he reluctantly agreed. “Fine, fine. I’ll go have Mother handle it. Can we drop this now?”
Daphne was satisfied. She didn’t hold back any longer and told him everything she could. “Don’t worry. Arabella is strong. We even made plans to go see some handsome young men.”
She thought, “Well, now everything is out in the open
James stared at her, confused. See handsome young men? Where?”
Daphne grinned mischievously. “Not telling you.”
At a crucial moment, she wasn’t foolish. She knew that James was a close advisor to the
e king, always by His Majesty’s side. So, she wisely
refrained from saying anything that might be seen as prying into the king’s private affairs.
take Arabella to see any other young lords, but the words got stuck in his
James almost blurted out a warning to her, telling her not to t throat
If he said it, she’d misunderstand and think he had feelings for Arabella. It was better to avoid stirring up unnecessary trouble. As for the king it was best to just keep things quiet
“Take care of yourself. I’m leaving now,” he
he said
Arabella’s carriage arrived at the residence of the Marquis’s estate,
After stepping out of the carriage, she didn’t rush inside. Instead, she paused in front of the massive statue from ancient times, and looked up at the sign hanging above,
The bold letters–Marquis’s Estate–seemed to carry the weight of her family’s struggles and sacrifices.
Looking at the plaque, she faintly recalled the scenes of mothers bidding farewell to their sons, wives sending off their husbands to battle:
When they returned, it was with dark, lacquered collins, and the air was filled with the sound of wailing. Such scenes had repeated in every generation of the Marquis’s estate.
Alexander hadn’t died on the battlefield, but the injuries he sustained there led to his early death. Had he not been so wounded, he wouldn’t have died in his prime
Now, the Marquis’s estate had fallen into decline. Even low–level families like the Duke’s estate could pose a threat to her, let alone other noble ones
She wondered. In the dazzling, bustling Althoria, how many people still remember the loyalty and sacrifice of the Everhart family? This ancient residence, weathered by time, would eventually fade into history”
“Arabella. it really is you! When the gatekeeper told me, I couldn’t believe it. An elderly voice pulled Arabella out of her thoughts. She quickly stepped forward, supporting the old housekeeper’s arm and signaling for him not to be so formal.
“Homer, how have you been?”
The old housekeeper Homer Whitmore gently patted her hand, his face full of affection and concern.
Tm fine, everything’s well. That boy, Henry, comes to visit me often. You don’t need to worry about me.”
Henry was the steward of the house.
Homer had never married or had children. When he was younger, he had taken a young scholar into the Marquis’s estate as an adopted son–this young scholar was Henry.
Arabella noted that his health seemed to be good, which put her mind at ease.
As she helped him inside, she said, “You should relax here at the residence. If you need anyone to look after you, just ask the steward to bring in more help. Don’t worry about saving money for me.”
Homer had been her grandfather’s attendant, and even when Alexander was alive, he had always been treated with great respect. Naturally, she, as the younger generation, also held him in high regard
When he heard her words, tears filled his eyes.
“This large residence has no muster now. With so many servants–mands and young boys–I don’t need that many. But Miss, do you. need help? Should I send more people over from the Duke’s estate?” As he spoke, tears streamed down his face.
He knew the rumors circulating outside, but he didn’t dare bring them up, fearing he would upset her. Without parents, a child could only suffer from the bullying of others. He wanted to confront the Duke’s estate, but as just a servant, he felt powerless.
Arabella smiled faintly, her eyes filled with quiet resolve. “Tin fine, you don’t need to worry. When I pack my things and return home, I’ll be in charge of this entire residence. Just thinking about it makes me happy”
Homer nodded repeatedly, saying. “That’s good, that’s good, I’ll be waiting at the gate every day for your return. Miss
Arabella turned slightly, fighting back the tears that threatened to rise. She would leave and return home. She was certain of it!
“Clarissa, Rosalie, go to the second and third houses and ask my uncles to come to the Marquis’s estate. Tell them I have something to
discuss with them.
The two maids nodded and bowed before leaving.
Seeing this, Homer furrowed his brow and asked, “Miss, are you preparing to settle the title?”
