Chapter 508
As Athena was about to leave, she heard Hedda’s remarks and had to take a few quick steps to catch up with her.
Athena asked, “Why didn’t you discuss issuing the invitation in the name of the Xander Manor with me in advance?”
Hedda was taken aback, not expecting that her words with the maid would be overheard by Athena, and that she would be stopped on purpose. She was stunned for a moment, not knowing what to say.
Athena looked up at her, her eyes as sharp as needles. “Mrs. Garrick has always been strict about propriety and detests those who try to use connections to climb higher. If you don’t make the purpose of the invitation clear, and only vaguely say ‘the Xander Manor invites you,’ then when she arrives and learns it is really to discuss marriage for your children, she will think the Xander Manor lacks proper manners—and you’ll hand her the perfect excuse to criticize.”
Hedda choked, then smiled again. “You’re too worried; I only said to invite her to drink coffee, and I won’t say anything else,” Hedda said, already plotting in her mind. As long as Athena was present, even if Jessie was unwilling, she would not publicly refuse Athena’s request. Hedda thought that as long as she could start a conversation with Jessie, she would have a way to facilitate things.
Alexandra walked out of the room and sneered, “Hedda, do you think the Garrick Manor is a roadside coffee shop? Mr. and Mrs. Garrick value family reputation most. Their daughter has been well-versed in poetry and prose and proficient in domestic affairs since childhood. How could Benson, who spends his days in brothels, be worthy of her? Moreover, Jessie is insightful and can see through your little tricks at a glance. Be careful, or your scheme may backfire—ending with nothing gained, and the Xander Manor left bearing the shame.”
The smile on Hedda’s face finally faltered, but she still refused to give up. “Why do you always say such discouraging things? Benson is just indulging in temporary pleasures; he can change! Besides, with Athena helping, how could Jessie not show face?”
Athena did not argue with her further, but instead spoke to the maid. “Put the invitation down for now, and I will have someone inquire whether Jessie is free these days before deciding on a date for the invitation. In addition, the post must state ‘Hedda of the Cavendish family is the host, and the Princess Consort Athena is accompanying,’ and it cannot be ambiguous, so as not to be misunderstood that Xander Manor took the initiative to invite.”
The maid quickly responded, holding the invitation and retreating.
Hedda’s face turned livid as she listened. By stating that Hedda was the host, Jessie could rightfully decline if she was unwilling to come. No one cared about Hedda.
Just as she was about to retort, Athena had already turned to Alexandra and said, “I still have some affairs in the manor to deal with, so I’ll take my leave first.”
Alexandra nodded in response, glanced at the sulking Hedda, and spoke in a cold tone. “You should not stand here; go back and discipline your two children, and stop thinking about taking shortcuts.”
Hedda suppressed her anger, but did not dare to flare up again, so she could only stomp her feet and leave Alexandra’s courtyard in frustration.
Back in her own courtyard, the more Hedda thought about it, the more unwilling she became. Complaining to her personal nanny, she said, “Athena is deliberately trying to undermine me. If she hadn’t stopped me, I would have sent the invitations out already! How could Jessie refuse the marriage out of respect for Athena?”
The nanny quickly advised, “Please calm down, madam. Although Athena has changed the title of the invitation, she will still be accompanying you. As long as you say good things during the party and let Benson perform well, Jessie might really change her mind.”
Hedda’s eyes lit up, and she felt that this made sense. “You’re right; I’ll have someone call Benson back right away and have him learn the rules. Don’t let him lose face in front of Jessie! Also, Ella must also learn to play musical instruments, chess, calligraphy, and painting, even if it’s just for show!”
The more she thought about it, the more hopeful she felt, as if she had already seen her children marry into wealthy families, and herself, looking infinitely radiant. Even the unhappiness of being checked by Athena just now gradually dissipated.
Later, the Garrick Manor replied, and Jessie agreed to go. Both parties agreed to meet at the Star Pavilion the next morning.
At lamp-lighting time, the doorman of the Xander Manor delivered a gilded envelope, which was the reply from the Garrick Manor. Hedda was at that time forcing Benson to recite sonnets. Seeing the maid holding the envelope in, she snatched it and opened it.
After scanning a few lines, she was so excited that her voice trembled. “She agreed, Jessie really agreed!”
Benson rubbed his astringent eyes, his face full of impatience. “It’s just having coffee. Do you have to be so happy?” He was dragged back from the brothel today and has been reciting books all day, and he is already uncomfortable. At that moment, his mind was full of the singers in the brothel, and he had no mind to dealing with any Princess Consort.
“You know nothing,” Hedda twisted his arm, a calculating glint in her eyes. “As long as you perform well in front of Jessie tomorrow and she takes a liking to you, you will be the son-in-law of the Garrick Manor, and you won’t have to worry about not having a good life,” Hedda said.
She turned to Ella, who was playing with beads, and said sternly, “Ella, don’t dress so gaudily in the future. Wear plain clothes, speak less and smile more, and don’t let people see that you are not quick-witted!”
Ella pouted, and the beads in her hand fell to the ground, “Mother, plain clothes are not good-looking.”
“Looks alone won’t keep you fed.” Hedda bent down, picked up the beads, and stuffed them into the drawer. “Tomorrow I will let the teaching nanny teach you etiquette, and you should also learn some music, chess, and painting.”
The more she spoke, the more excited she became. She also asked people to prepare a calming soup in the kitchen, insisting that Benson drink it and rest earlier, so as not to be in poor spirits tomorrow.
At this time, in another courtyard, Athena and Alexandra sat facing each other. The candlelight reflected their calm faces, and Alexandra sighed softly, “Jessie does show us respect, but with Hedda’s personality, I’m afraid something will happen tomorrow. If she is more peaceful, that’s fine; if she dares to act recklessly in Star Pavilion, I have my own way to deal with it.”
Athena put the reply on the table, her eyes calm. “I have had people inquire; Jessie hates ostentatious people the most, and she values her children’s character very much. If we stop Hedda from getting close to Jessie, she will inevitably resent us. Why not shamelessly accompany her this time? When she is turned away, she will know to retreat.”
Alexandra nodded in agreement. “You are very thoughtful. Tomorrow, keep a close eye on her and don’t let Hedda lose the Xander Manor’s reputation.”
“You are flattering me, mother. This is my duty,” Athena said.
“Alright, go and rest.”
The nanny came in with Randolph and Bernie, and the two little ones shook their chubby little hands and burrowed into Alexandra’s arms. Athena’s eyes filled with sorrow at the sight. Although she was back, the two children still slept in Alexandra’s yard at night.
“Randolph, Bernie, do you want to sleep with me?” Athena asked them.
The two shook their little hands, muttering words vaguely. “No, no.” Then he desperately crawled into Alexandra’s arms, saying, “Grandma, sleep.”
Alexandra felt her heart melt when she heard them call her Grandma. She touched this one and pinched that one, unable to part with either of them, “Okay, stay with me.”
Alexandra waved at Athena, “The children will be noisy at night, and you won’t sleep well if you have to get up, but you can get a good night’s sleep here with me.”
Athena didn’t know whether to laugh or cry; even if they were noisy at night, she would be willing.