Chapter 103: Meet Her “Fiancé”
Geoffrey knew a fight had occurred at the Duke’s estate and that Prudence’s banquet would be criticized. He chose to ignore it, unconcerned since he hadn't offended his colleagues. Prudence's methods were sometimes radical, but he neither agreed nor objected. As for Isolde, he preferred to leave her to Prudence's discipline, hoping to avoid further trouble. He always believed Prudence intended Isolde no harm; at most, she wished to teach Isolde a lesson and curb her temper.
Harlan, intentionally or not, informed Geoffrey that he had seen Eden. Geoffrey's face turned cold. "Who brought him here?" he demanded.
"I don't know. I saw Lady Isolde's maids take him away," Harlan replied.
"Why did she seek out that villain?" Geoffrey was upset.
Harlan explained, "Lady Isolde might not have found Eden herself. Perhaps someone else found him, and she simply discovered it."
"Keep an eye on him. Don't let him disrupt the Duke's estate again," Geoffrey ordered.
"Understood!" Harlan hesitated, wanting to speak further, but Geoffrey's impatience silenced him.
Prudence's banquet was indeed criticized. Within days, she gained a reputation for snobbery, alienating the ladies who had once been close to her. These connections had taken years to build, and she couldn't bear to lose them. Born of low birth, the daughter of a county magistrate, she had married Geoffrey's father, but remained childless for a long time. She had the concubine bear a son, who later rose to nobility, despite Prudence's unhappiness.
Fortunately, her skill at dancing, cultivated from a young age, had gained her favor with Argentum's noble ladies. She had been a prominent figure for some time. In contrast, Prunella, daughter of the Great Marshal Sharp, had married into the Landley family. While publicly respectful to Prudence, Prudence had become increasingly overbearing.
Now, stripped of her power, Prudence didn't panic. She understood these noble ladies' motivations. Corrupt officials, though wealthy, feared the High Court of Parliament. Those who hadn't embezzled lacked funds for lavish spending. Prudence could satisfy both types.
Geoffrey, a man of filial piety, deeply respected Prudence and largely heeded her advice. She spoke favorably of officials to Geoffrey, and these comments "accidentally" reached the families of those officials, fostering gratitude and overshadowing the snobbery accusations. Officials without great wealth were even easier to manage; while the officials themselves were not corrupt, their households often desired small favors. Expensive jewelry, medicinal materials, and fine silks quickly silenced complaints.
Prudence busied herself repairing her reputation and making visits. Meanwhile, Isolde traveled to Paletein Manor; her “fiancé” was still there. As usual, she brought Clark, not to avoid misunderstandings, but hoping to recommend Clark to Doug. Clark, unaware of her intentions, believed she simply desired his company. On the way, he said, "Isolde, if you dislike him, reject him. Don't keep him waiting needlessly. Otherwise, you'll damage your reputation." He believed Anthony to be a lovesick young man infatuated with Isolde for years, and meant his warning out of goodwill. Isolde reassured him, "Clark, don't worry. I will make things clear with him."
Clark's eyes were gentle, "That's good." They resembled Oliver's, possessing long, beautiful lashes; however, Oliver's eyes held brightness and vigor, unlike the coldness and sharpness Isolde remembered from the past. Clark’s eyes were different; he was gentle, and she had never witnessed him lose his temper—or show happiness, for that matter. He remained consistently calm, even in marriage to a wealthy businessman's daughter, a peaceful life devoid of children. He seemed to live solely for Braden; all his actions ultimately benefited him.
Isolde pondered his past life, rejecting the idea of a predetermined fate. She believed lives were shaped by personality. If Clark had fought for more, his life might have been better; at the very least, he wouldn't have been subservient to others. Years ago, Isolde had been similarly foolish, believing that avoiding the struggle for money and power would bring blessings and familial harmony.
Chapter 103: Meet Her “Fiancé”
It was a blessing, but not hers. In silence, they arrived at Paletein Manor.
Clark admired Isolde greatly. A country girl with no family, she lived a more dignified life than he. She had even taken Doug, head of the Southern Watch, as her master, saving Lord Theodric with her martial arts skills and earning the title of County Princess from the Royal Court. He was flattered she asked him to accompany her. Previously, seeing her overbearing and arrogant treatment of her grandmother and mother, he had considered her more unruly than Martha. He was surprised to find them quite different.
As they pondered these thoughts, the carriage reached Paletein Manor’s entrance. Clark alighted first, then helped Isolde down. She smiled, "Thank you!" Clark smiled back, thinking her smile bright and beautiful. The gatekeeper admitted them.
Doug, enjoying a day off, was relaxing at the manor. Upon learning of Isolde’s arrival, he instructed a servant to guide them to the lake in the west garden. The lake, though small, was lovely, surrounded by trees and flowers. Doug was fishing, two trout already in his basket.
From afar, Clark saw a neatly dressed middle-aged man by the lake. Distance obscured Doug’s face, yet his power was palpable. It was Clark's first encounter with Doug, eliciting reverence, anticipation, and a touch of fear; after all, Doug was rumored to be the devil of the Southern Watch.
Doug reeled in his line, picked up his fish basket, and walked toward them. Isolde approached him. "Let's see your big catch today!"
"Enough for a feast," Doug said relaxedly, gently knocking Isolde's head. Seeing the lively trout, Isolde smiled. "Roast fish?"
"Or something new? Almond trout, with butter and celery," Doug suggested, his gaze landing indifferently on Clark’s face.
Clark bowed hastily. "Mr. Becker, I'm Clark Langley. It's an honor to meet you."
"Langley?" Doug's expression shifted subtly, a dignified aura making Clark apprehensive. Isolde quickly took his arm. "My surname is Langley too. He's my cousin, family."
Chapter 103: Meet Her Fiancé
"Oh, family?" Doug snorted. "Don't get attached easily. You might consider him family, but he may not reciprocate." Doug harbored deep hostility towards the Langley family.