Chapter 72: The In-laws
Isolde couldn't find a suitable match; or rather, Geoffrey couldn't find one for her. He consulted Xavier and arranged a marriage for Isolde with Lad Wood, the son of his former subordinate. After his father's death, Lad received bereavement compensation from the Royal Court. He later joined the High Magistracy of Argentum and worked as an executioner. "Lad" was just a nickname; he was unnamed after his father's death on the battlefield, given the name by his grandmother. He was the beloved of the Wood family, raised by his grandmother after his mother remarried when he was five. His grandmother sold scones and bread on West Street, starting with a small stall before expanding to a shop, establishing a stable income.
Geoffrey carefully selected Lad from numerous candidates, impressed not only by his family background—a simple one, consisting only of his grandmother—but also by Lad's own merits. Marriage to Lad would provide Isolde a comfortable life; it was the best Geoffrey could manage. He therefore invited Lad and his grandmother, Raine Wood, as guests, partly to allow Raine to assess Isolde.
Isolde recognized Lad from her previous life, or rather, she knew Raine first. In her past life, while living on the estate, Isolde preferred simple fare, often sending Helena to Raine's shop for bread, which Isolde found delicious, sometimes eating three at a time. Their prior acquaintance naturally extended to this life, though Raine was unaware that her frequent young customer was the Duke of Blackmoor's daughter.
Lad, recently turned twenty and an executioner for two years, also struggled to find a suitable partner. His family's assets meant he could easily marry into a smaller family, yet Raine had searched unsuccessfully for nearly two years. Expecting Geoffrey to match Lad with a maid—maids from large families being more desirable for their training and experience in managing a household—Raine accompanied her grandson to the Duke's estate. A shrewd businesswoman and smooth talker, Raine felt confident despite her initial apprehension.
Chapter 72: The In-laws (Continued)
Matilda, though grounded, was summoned to greet the guests due to Isolde's impending marriage, despite Geoffrey's dislike of her. Upon learning that Isolde's intended was an executioner, Matilda was overjoyed, dressing meticulously to receive Raine. Seeing Lad's burly, fierce appearance further heightened her delight. She offered them seats.
Raine, curtseying to the luxuriously dressed Matilda, discreetly observed the two maids, finding them attractive. Matilda informed her that his Lordship was in his study but would return soon. She then covertly assessed Lad, noting his build and size, imagining his potential for violence and the suffering Isolde would endure. Her satisfaction grew with each observation.
Raine respectfully replied that they could wait and shouldn't disturb his Lordship. She, too, continued assessing the maids. Matilda then instructed that Isolde be summoned to meet Mrs. Wood.
Horrified at the prospect of the County Princess, Isolde, coming out merely to greet her, Raine protested. Matilda, however, explained that Raine would need to guide Isolde after the marriage. Stunned, Raine initially believed she had misheard, suspecting her recent hearing problems. She then queried if Matilda intended to match Lad with Isolde’s maid.
Matilda reproached Raine, asking if Geoffrey hadn’t informed her of the arrangement for Isolde's marriage to Lad. Raine, realizing her family's unsuitability for marrying a County Princess, felt faint. Their only asset was their bakery; it couldn’t be Lad's position as an executioner that secured this match. Clutching her chest, she feigned illness, pleading for a doctor and subtly requesting time to consider her options.
Matilda's initial shock gave way to understanding; Raine and Lad were unaware of the true arrangement. She offered support and immediately sent for a doctor, preventing their departure. Upon hearing this, Raine nearly fainted. Lad, unaware of his grandmother's ruse, was alarmed by her sudden illness, questioning her about it.
Chapter 72: The In-laws (Continued)
Raine curtly replied that she didn't want to worry him. She then addressed Matilda, expressing her ill health and requesting to discuss the marriage another day. Matilda gently responded, calling a doctor while remaining present.
At that moment, Isolde arrived with Helena and approached Raine with a smile, inquiring about her visit. Raine, recognizing Isolde, exclaimed her surprise at seeing her former customer. Isolde explained her absence from the shop and inquired about Raine’s health. Matilda quickly urged Isolde to greet Raine.
Raine revealed Isolde's true identity as the County Princess of Cromwell. Isolde confirmed and inquired if Raine's visit was for her. Raine denied this. Matilda laughed, suggesting they dispense with formalities as they would soon be in-laws.
Raine nervously wiped her brow. Isolde, surprised, questioned the in-law connection. Matilda smugly informed Isolde to greet Raine. Isolde interrupted, curtseying and expressing her pleasure in meeting Mrs. Wood, adding her surprise at their in-law relationship. Matilda responded that it was even more significant than that. Isolde questioned the relationship's nature, then, reminding Matilda that Michelle was not yet divorced, wondered why another marriage was already being arranged.