Chapter 663
Alice was about to express her satisfaction when Opal interjected with a bright smile.
“She’s a fine girl, and we’re all pleased. However, marriage is serious and shouldn't be rushed. Let's each discuss this with our families. After all, Ms. Sanford hasn't indicated whether she likes Thomas, and they only just met. It's best to understand her feelings first.”
Gemma replied, “That wouldn't be difficult. I can ask her now.”
Opal chuckled. “Let's not be hasty. Asking her directly might offend us if she dislikes him. If she says she likes him, it might make her seem eager, which isn't ideal for a young lady. Since our families have met several times, another meeting wouldn't hurt. Her parents aren't in the capital, and her feelings are paramount. What do you think, Gemma?”
Gemma, presented with such reasonable arguments, found it hard to disagree. A match between their noble households shouldn't be rushed. Still, the urgency was palpable.
Alice didn't fully understand Opal's reasoning, but on reflection, it made sense. Would a direct rejection be preferable to hesitation? If Lisette liked Thomas, expressing it might make her seem desperate. Conversely, concealing her feelings wouldn't be good either.
Violet admired Opal's caution. Her meticulous nature was commendable.
Alice smiled. “Opal is right. If there's a bond, it won't disappear. A few days won't make a difference.”
With the matter settled, Gemma smiled. “That makes sense. You've thought this through well. I'll wait a few days before visiting again.”
Though Gemma said this, Alice felt uneasy. Thomas's family showed no objections; they seemed satisfied and were simply inquiring about Lisette's feelings. If she agreed, her family would send a matchmaker to formalize the engagement—standard procedure.
So, why was someone from Lisette's family personally visiting? The Kingsley family was known for their propriety; this deviated from the norm.
Alice kept her thoughts to herself. She trusted Gemma due to their familial ties, but Gemma's eagerness to finalize the match was unsettling. They still needed to verify Lisette's background to confirm she was truly a Sanford.
Violet remained silent during their visit to Grovehill Estate. But afterward, Thomas turned to her. “Violet, do you sense something amiss?”
Violet replied, “Let's discuss it at home. Something is suspicious.”
The three Farrells immediately sobered. Violet, though playful, was serious about important matters. Her tone suggested today's visit had significant implications regarding the woman from the Sanford family.
Back at the Farrell residence, Violet dismissed the servants. “The girl's name is Darin, and she's not from the Sanford family. The Kingsleys have reasons for approaching Thomas. We can't agree to this engagement, but we can't refuse outright. A swift rejection, especially since I accompanied you, would leave things unclear, which wouldn't be good for Carissa and me.”
Alice's heart sank. “Gemma lied to me? I thought we were family! How could she use Thomas's marriage to deceive me?”
Violet replied, “Darin may be unaware of the truth. We need to investigate. For now, delay for a month. Don't commit to anything immediately; you risk damaging your reputation. And I doubt Darin will escape unscathed.”
Alice frowned. “Why is this so complicated?”
Opal stood, linking her arm through Alice's. “Aunt Alice, let's step outside. We shouldn't hear everything Violet says. Some things are better left unheard.”
Opal, with her keen sense of propriety, recognized Violet was selectively sharing information and quickly ushered Alice out.
Alice realized that since Violet sensed something was wrong, the situation was more complex than family matters. There were private discussions Violet intended to have with Thomas, and they needed to avoid overhearing them. If they could avoid hearing anything, they should.