Chapter 211: Mother’s Wedding Gift

When Geoffrey learned that Isolde’s wedding was to be held early, with only two days to prepare, he felt melancholic. There were no women left in the residence capable of managing the arrangements; he could not handle the wedding alone. Fortunately, the Queen Mother sent Rosemary, Judith, and Rowena from the palace to assist. Geoffrey was secretly suspicious. Why had the Queen Mother suddenly become so concerned about Isolde's marriage?

He returned to his study and retrieved the jewelry box he had recovered from the storeroom. It belonged to Prunella, who had once said she would leave her finest jewels for her child. If she had a daughter, the jewels would be an engagement gift; if a son, they would be for his future wife. This was Prunella’s wish, her blessing for her child. “But how should I give it to her? Will she accept it?”

After much deliberation, Geoffrey arrived at the Pearl Tower with the jewelry box he had taken from under Priscilla’s body. He hesitated outside the door, peering inside but afraid to enter. Esme had seen him and expected him to come in, but he remained outside. Esme approached Isolde, saying, “Geoffrey is outside, holding a jewelry box. I wonder if he’s here to give you something.”

Judith, who was assisting, exclaimed, “Geoffrey is here? We should invite him in. He really is excessive. Must he pay such close attention to detail when visiting his own daughter's room?” Judith’s unawareness of the Duke’s estate’s internal affairs revealed the Queen Mother’s infrequent interference in the domestic lives of her subjects. Otherwise, such commotion at the Duke’s estate would surely have reached the Mystic Palace.

Isolde smiled faintly, a barely perceptible coldness in her eyes. “Yes, Esme, please invite my father in.”

Esme went to Geoffrey. Having persuaded him many times before, she saw a hint of guilt in his evasive expression, but showed no surprise. “Since you’re here, go in.”

Geoffrey glanced inside, seeing Judith and Rowena discussing something in the corridor, a light blue figure behind them. He stopped looking and handed the box to Esme, earnestly pleading, “Please give this to Isolde. Tell her it’s from her mother. I can’t go in.”

Esme’s expression softened. “Since you’re here to give a gift, you should go in. How can a parent's belongings be given by another? It's a blessing, a single chance. If you miss it, there won't be another. You've missed many chances before. Don't regret this one.”

Geoffrey looked at Esme with a complex expression, remembering her previous advice to treat Isolde well, advice he’d ignored. Her words filled him with regret. Esme is right. Isolde will only marry once in her life, even with Oliver gone. Since she's chosen this, I should cherish this chance. This is her mother's blessing, he thought.

“Alright, I’ll go in and give it to her myself. After all, it belongs to her mother.” His voice was loud, fearing Isolde wouldn't hear him, or that she would dismiss him. His fear wasn't of disgrace or harsh words, but of failing to deliver Prunella's gift.

Rosemary, checking the wedding list, saw Geoffrey enter. In a low tone, she said to Isolde, “The wedding is important!”

Isolde nodded. “I know!” The wedding's importance extended beyond the ceremony, encompassing the looming war. Among military officers, it was almost a superstition to avoid harsh words, rebellious acts, or ominous pronouncements before battle.

Rosemary instructed Judith and Rowena, “Please check the wedding list and gifts again, then have someone clear a storeroom for temporary storage. When Isolde marries, she’ll take all the gifts.” They complied.

Rosemary watched Geoffrey enter, the sun’s shadow flickering on his back. Sarcasm tinged her expression. “You don’t know what you’re talking about!”

Isolde didn’t rise or speak when he arrived, only picking up a bracelet. Her good days were near; her silence didn’t indicate concern for these outsiders.

Geoffrey quietly placed the box on the table, pushing it toward Isolde. He said softly, “These are wedding gifts from your mother. She said, when pregnant with you, that if she had a daughter, these jewels would be her wedding gift; if a son, they would be for his wife.”

Isolde replied indifferently, “Thank you.”

Geoffrey was surprised. He’d expected rejection, harsh words. He hadn't anticipated gratitude. A moment of exhilaration followed, a feeling that the unpleasantness was past. A relaxed smile touched his face. “Open it and see what Prunella left you.”

Isolde said coldly, “There’s no need. Since my mother gave it to me, I’ll look at it later.”

“I know you resent, even hate me. But I am your father. I hope you’ll be well. This wedding is rushed. With the groom deceased, you’ll likely leave and not return. I feel…”

Isolde interrupted coldly, “What are you trying to say? Don’t talk nonsense about not wanting to part with me.”

Unable to speak calmly, she took the box and left. Geoffrey remained, his expression a mixture of disappointment and frustration. Whether he was crying or smiling bitterly was unclear. No one offered comfort; the Pearl Tower residents had long given up on him. He had suspected Isolde, and repeatedly reconsidered his actions; whether he truly regretted his treatment of her remained unknown. After a long moment of disappointment, Geoffrey left.

Isolde entered her room and closed the door. Gazing at the jewelry box, despite its connection to Priscilla’s death, she felt its sacredness. Opening it, she found exquisite jewels, a magnificent set that captivated the eye. These were her mother’s legacy. In the past, she'd imagined her mother’s appearance; now, her mother's gift arrived on her wedding day. Isolde smiled gently, caressing the translucent emerald, feeling immense happiness.