Chapter 1207
Rumors surrounding Rosalind persisted. Jacob's investigation confirmed someone was orchestrating a malicious campaign. Long-forgotten incidents were being resurrected and falsely linked to her and the academy, regardless of any actual connection. Attacking Rosalind, in essence, attacked Trevor and, by extension, tarnished Gracewood Women's Academy. Trevor and Gerald, once respected academics, found their positions reversed; Trevor's reputation suffered, while Gerald's flourished. Meanwhile, Malcolm's affair was curiously forgotten.
Despite the Quinton family's prominence, the increased attention proved detrimental. Their attempts to control the narrative failed, forcing them to refocus their smear campaign on Rosalind and the academy, spreading false rumors about her marriage prospects. Jacob's anger burned; Rosalind's purity was being unjustly defiled.
Initially, genuine, albeit unsuitable, suitors appeared. Soon, however, they were replaced by those seeking only to humiliate her. A group of rejected aspirants resorted to insults and harassment, even though they could not gain entry to the house. Jacob documented these men, intending to punish them later, only to discover another party was also tracking them.
Carissa, upon learning this, dispatched Claire to investigate. The Farrells—Thomas's men—were responsible. Carissa was surprised; Thomas wouldn't return until December 27th or 28th. Had he learned of this and sought revenge on Rosalind's behalf? She instructed Jacob to wait and see Thomas's next move.
Thomas's return on December 25th galvanized the household. He immediately initiated a massive purchasing spree. Alice's delight was palpable as the family raced across town, scarcely leaving the Golden Tower for two days. Nathaniel, the young heir, ensured a twenty percent discount and expedited delivery for all Farrell family purchases, even commissioning overnight work from craftsmen.
Thomas, armed with a list of names, dispatched a dozen men to locate each individual, not to persecute them, but to ensure their presence at Highstone Estate on the 28th. Non-compliance would carry consequences.
By the 28th, the snow had ceased, leaving a clear sky. The sound of drums and trumpets heralded a vibrant procession from the Farrell residence to Highstone Estate, scattering flower petals along the snow-covered path. Thomas, in a sky-blue tunic embroidered with mythical beasts and a black-and-white fox fur cloak, led the procession. His striking features, tanned against the paler complexions of other noble sons, commanded attention. His gaze was resolute, his purpose unwavering. Family members and ladies of the household followed in carriages.
Curious onlookers speculated about Thomas's intentions, with their guesses ranging from a proposal to a Quinton daughter to outright denial of such a union due to perceived differences in social standing or perceived personal flaws within the Farrell household. The murmurs continued until the procession reached Highstone Estate, where silence fell as the crowd realized Thomas’s unexpected destination.