Chapter 1210
Josie, standing at the door, wept silently. Tears flowed steadily, a testament to her understanding of Rosalind's past suffering. Thomas's grand proposal, complete with fanfare and Natalie's matchmaking efforts, seemed a perfect counterpoint to Rosalind's struggles. Success would silence many critics.
But Rosalind hadn't yet agreed. Josie almost offered the answer herself.
Rosalind sniffed. "If I don't agree today, you'll become a laughingstock, General Farrell."
Thomas chuckled softly. "I don't care. Let them mock me. I'm a man; let them come. You're a young woman who heroically saved your students. You shouldn't bear the weight of those rumors."
Rosalind's expression changed. She seemed to understand his grand gesture at Highstone Estate was designed to deflect attention from her, should his proposal fail.
Thomas stood, still smiling. "Take your time, Ms. Young. No need to rush. Inform me when you decide."
Rosalind suddenly jumped up. "General Farrell, I agree!"
Heat flooded her cheeks. She averted her gaze, a teasing lilt in her voice. "I... I have no objection. I'll go with what Grandpa and Grandma want."
Her face flushed crimson, she hurried away. Thomas watched her go, a warm glow in his eyes, a sigh of relief escaping him. His suppressed joy now shone brightly.
No one anticipated a union between the Farrell and Young families. Both households rejoiced openly. For Alice, this wasn't just about Rosalind; it resolved a long-standing concern. She deeply cared for her son and wanted someone who truly understood and supported him.
Chapter 1210 +25 BONUS
Following the Viola and Silas scandal, the relentless gossip surrounding the three had been excruciating. Despite Thomas being the victim, the rumors targeted him and the Farrell family, blaming their supposed lack of discipline and instability.
But now, opinions mattered little. Her son was marrying the woman he loved—that was all that mattered to Alice.
Expressing gratitude to Natalie, Alice's voice thickened with emotion. "It's laughable, but every time I suggested a marriage, he brushed it off, claiming the army kept him busy. But I knew it wasn't about being busy—it was because he didn't want to marry. I thought he didn't desire marriage, until I heard from his servant that he couldn't forget Ms. Young. I'm so glad it worked out! Thank heavens!"
Natalie, too, was pleased. This felt like a good deed, contrasting sharply with her unsuccessful attempt to matchmake for Barrett and Viola, a situation that had weighed heavily on her conscience.
Initially hesitant, she'd been reassured by Alice: a marriage's success or failure wasn't the matchmaker's responsibility. Considering Thomas and Rosalind's worthiness, she felt compelled to help.
Alice, eager to set the engagement after the New Year, had already begun preparations. She'd been collecting suitable items for engagement gifts, leaving little to do. The family's pre-proposal purchases further simplified matters.
The families rejoiced when their horoscopes proved a perfect match. Unconventionally, Rosalind commissioned Skye Embroidery, a workshop of skilled but formerly abandoned women, to create her wedding dress.
Chapter 1210 +25 BONUS
Naturally, some criticized this choice. How could such women create a wedding dress? But Rosalind insisted, and Alice and Thomas supported her.
They'd already faced city gossip; why not face it boldly? They would live happily, letting others envy their peaceful, joyful marriage and their defiance of whispers.