Chapter 198: A Spirit Marriage & Pearls

When Margaret emerged from the main hall, she saw all the servants and guards standing outside. The main door was closed. Her heart sank as she called out, “Why are you all standing outside?”

A servant stepped forward. “Madam, Mr. Garrett Sharp and Mr. Doug Becker are here. The Marquis is speaking with them.”

Margaret exclaimed, “Why weren’t you informed that esteemed guests were visiting? Quickly, bring out the best desserts!” She pushed open the door and entered.

Pablo heard her voice from within. He looked a little angry upon seeing her, but he couldn't show it with Garrett present. Margaret smiled, walked forward, and bowed. “I heard the Great Marshal had returned and intended to visit, but I never expected you to come in person. I apologize for the inadequate hospitality.”

Garrett looked at her. “Ma’am, you don’t need to be so polite. I came today to invite you. After all, you and Pablo must make this decision together.”

Margaret was stunned. She retreated to the side and sat down. “I’m a woman. What can I do? I don’t know what this is about.”

Garrett said seriously, “My granddaughter, Isolde, was previously engaged to your son, William. After the engagement was canceled, the Marquis announced he wanted Oliver to marry Isolde. Now that Oliver is dead, Isolde—a very stubborn person—says she will marry regardless. Therefore, Doug and I are here to discuss a marriage between our families. We’re both rather uncouth and unfamiliar with etiquette, so we ask you to arrange the marriage.”

Margaret’s expression changed. “How can this be? Oliver is dead. How can we let Isolde marry him? This will blight her life. We’ve already let Isolde down once; there can’t be a second time. Mr. Sharp, Mr. Becker, you can’t let her be so willful.”

Garrett sighed. “I didn’t agree at first, but since she’s made up her mind, I have no choice.”

Margaret looked sharply at Pablo. “In the past, I had some negative opinions about Isolde. I disliked her rough personality after she returned from the village. However, many things changed my opinion. I even asked if she was still willing to marry William, but she rejected it, and it was too late to regret. The Marquis reprimanded me then, and I regret it even now. How could I forget that Isolde saved Pablo’s life? I pity her. If she were still willing to marry William, I’d be happy. But marrying Oliver is impossible. I can’t bear to see her become a widow…”

Margaret’s voice choked. She wiped away tears.

Doug looked at her coldly, picking up his coffee cup. “Madam’s concern for Isolde is touching. However, Madam must give a definite answer. Do you agree to this marriage or not?”

He ignored her emotional plea, essentially asking, “Will you do it, or should we find someone else?”

Margaret felt hatred. She couldn’t take advantage of Doug. Wiping her tears, she said tactfully, “Isolde is a County Princess. How can we let her marry a dead man? We cannot wrong her. We cannot repay kindness with ingratitude.”

She glanced at Pablo. She knew he liked Isolde and wouldn’t wrong her. Logically, he wouldn’t agree. However, he said slowly, “If this is what Isolde wants, I couldn’t agree more.”

Margaret stared, shocked by his approval. “But… how can we wrong Isolde like this?”

“It’s her wish. What’s wrong with it? If she felt wronged, she wouldn’t ask. Besides,” Pablo said coldly, “didn’t you always say managing the residence is tiring? Isolde can share the burden once she marries into our family.”

Margaret was transfixed. Was that his intention? She had never complained about the burden; what did he mean? A burning anger flared in her stomach. His cold eyes chilled her heart.

“Go back. Hold the wedding, or get someone else to do it,” Pablo said indifferently.

Margaret pinched her sleeve, her fingertips white. “If the Marquis insists, I won’t object.” She stood and bowed to Garrett. “Mr. Sharp, take your time.”

“Take care, Madam,” Garrett said, confused. Pablo and his wife were usually respectful; why was his tone so cold? “Pablo,” he continued, looking at him, “if Madam disagrees, I’ll discuss it with Isolde.”

Pablo shook his head. “Great Marshal, she will agree.”

Garrett hesitated. “I fear that if Madam disagrees, Isolde, joining your family without a husband to defend her, might suffer injustices… Don’t misunderstand, Isolde is my beloved daughter. I can’t bear to see her suffer.”

Pablo replied seriously, “Don’t worry. I guarantee that after Isolde marries into my family, no one will bully her. If anyone dares, they can leave.”

Garrett was relieved. He sighed. “I hope she’ll be happy for the next three years.”

Garrett and Doug had informed Pablo about Isolde’s situation, leading to his agreement to the marriage with Oliver. Doug and Pablo felt heavy-hearted.

The marriage was decided. News spread quickly, sparking gossip. A spirit marriage wasn’t unusual; if a young person died unmarried, one was often held. There were two types. If both parties died young, relatives held a ceremony similar to a regular wedding, the deceased represented by a cremation urn. Customary wedding preparations, including gifts, were observed symbolically.