Chapter 320: Two Families

Isolde looked at Nicole seriously and said, “You’ve seen my relationship with Father. He’s unwell, and I can’t care for him myself. There’s also lingering resentment in my heart. That’s why I want to mend things between us, and I’ll need you to look after him more in the future.”

Nicole responded quickly, “You don’t even have to ask. It’s my duty—I will take good care of Geoffrey.”

Isolde took her hand and squeezed it. “Hearing that puts me at ease.”

Nicole glanced at their joined hands, hesitated for a moment, then placed her other hand over Isolde’s. It was a small gesture, but one made with newfound determination.

They didn’t exchange more words, but Isolde knew that Nicole’s attitude toward her might slowly start to change.

When she returned to the Pearl Tower, Esme greeted her. “Did you talk? How did it go?”

“She should understand now.”

“Lady Nicole needs to grow into her own person. If she remains so timid, how can she ever accomplish anything? I hope she truly gets it this time,” Esme said.

Hattie, listening in, scoffed. “Why even bother with her? Let her be however she wants. It’s not like you need her.”

Esme gave her a light slap on the head. “You’re still young—you don’t understand. Family is family. Why create enemies when you can have allies? Having one more person on your side is always better than having another against you.”

“I don’t see the point. Either way, I’m never getting married,” Hattie said flatly.

Esme chuckled. “That’s not up to you. Sometimes, fate has its own plans. You might swear you won’t marry, and then one day, you meet someone you want to be with, and it won’t be so easy anymore.”

Hattie’s eyes lit up. “You sound like you have a story. Tell me!”

Esme smirked and shot her an amused glance. “I once thought about marriage when I was younger.”

“Then why didn’t you? Palace maids can leave to marry when they come of age, right?”

“Why should I tell you? You’re too nosy,” Esme replied with a laugh before walking away.

The day of the wedding arrived in the blink of an eye. A day many had eagerly anticipated, it began with snowfall on the evening before.

As darkness fell, Helena pushed open the window, looking out at the fresh blanket of white. “Snow is a sign of good fortune—an abundant year ahead. Lady Isolde, you’re marrying on the first snowfall of the season. That’s a wonderful omen.”

Isolde, still in her indoor shoes, walked over to the window. She had napped briefly, knowing that she would hardly sleep tonight. Patricia and Christine were already here, along with an elderly woman known for bringing good fortune. A mother should be the one to impart final words of wisdom before her wedding; since Isolde’s mother had passed, Natasha would take on the role.

Looking out at the snow-covered ground, Isolde murmured, “It’s coming down hard.”

“Enough watching. Get dressed and have dinner,” Esme called as she entered, slightly out of breath and with beads of sweat forming on her forehead despite the cold. Clearly, she had been busy.

Obediently, Isolde returned to change. The room was warm with a brazier burning, making it comfortable despite the wintry chill outside.

“It’s gotten so cold all of a sudden. You should wear a quilted underlayer beneath your wedding dress, or you’ll freeze,” Noelle suggested as she entered.

“Hey! Don’t say things like that today! Haven’t we told you? No complaints, no bad omens today,” Esme scolded her.

Noelle gasped, then quickly spat out three times to ward off bad luck. “I take it back! Stupid mouth of mine!”

Isolde chuckled. “There’s no need to be so superstitious. If mere words could determine fate, then the tongue would be the deadliest weapon.”

Esme sighed. “You youngsters don’t believe in these things. But once you’ve lived long enough, seen enough, you’ll understand that sometimes, these traditions have a reason.”

Isolde found her words rather profound. After some thought, she smiled, feeling oddly reassured.

Once she was dressed, she went to Geoffrey’s residence for dinner. Perhaps due to his good spirits in recent days, Geoffrey looked healthier, his movements steadier. Having spent the past few days together, the once cold distance between them had lessened. They could now exchange words without awkwardness.

Tonight, Clark and Nicole had already eaten earlier and were busy with wedding preparations, leaving Isolde and Geoffrey to dine alone. Even so, the atmosphere was not as strained as before.

“Your grandmother will be arriving soon,” Geoffrey said between bites. “Ask her if she’d like me to come pay my respects.”

He held immense respect for Natasha, though his heart still carried guilt.

Isolde nodded. “I’ll ask.”

Geoffrey studied her through the flickering candlelight, his expression a mix of joy and sorrow. “Tomorrow is your big day. I have no other wish but for you to have a peaceful, harmonious life with Oliver.”

“We will.” Isolde finished her last sip of soup, then looked at him seriously. “Once I’m married, take care of yourself.”

“Clark will be here. I’ll be fine,” Geoffrey reassured her.

She nodded, feeling that there was nothing more to say. Rising to her feet, she excused herself and left.

She had barely returned to her room when Britney hurried in. “Lady Natasha and your aunts have arrived.”

Isolde quickly went out to greet them. Stepping outside, she was momentarily stunned by the sight before her. At least thirty-four people filled the courtyard, their figures silhouetted against the lantern-lit night. Natasha stood at the center, surrounded by a large group that included men, women, and children—each dressed in fine attire. Beside her were five young men. The moment Isolde saw them, her heart swelled with emotion.

“My brothers are back?” she exclaimed in delight.

Patricia looked at her curiously. “You’ve never met them before. How did you recognize them instantly?”

Isolde smiled. “They all take after Grandfather.”

Natasha’s expression softened. “That’s right. They resemble him very much. Come, greet your aunts and cousins properly. There’s no one overseeing this household now, so everyone has come to support you. From this day forward, whether it’s the Sharp family or the Langley family, both are your family. Never forget that.”

How could she not understand Natasha’s intentions? This was a display of strength—a declaration that she had the full backing of her maternal family.

Tears welled up in Isolde’s eyes as she stepped forward to greet each relative with Patricia by her side. Thirty-four people. She committed each of their faces to memory, but more than that, she remembered Natasha’s unwavering love and devotion.

“She looks just like Prunella,” an elderly relative murmured, beaming at Isolde. “If only your mother were here to see you wed. How wonderful that would be.”

Patricia quickly interjected, “Prunella is watching from heaven. She will see. Today is a joyous day—no need to make Lady Natasha sad. Instead, guide us younger ones on the wedding customs we should follow.”

“You’re right, of course!” The relative smiled, eyes shining with approval.

Patricia led Isolde to an elderly woman dressed in festive red, her silver hair tied neatly in a bun, her long earlobes adorned with golden earrings. She radiated warmth and kindness.

“She is the most senior among us,” Patricia whispered. “May you be blessed with her good fortune—harmony in marriage and many children.”

Isolde immediately knelt. “Thank you for your blessings.”

The old woman smiled, reaching out to lift her up. “Good child. Stand up and let me take a proper look at you.”