Chapter 76: The Setup

Michelle lived in Britney Hall, adjacent to Isolde’s rooms. Britney Hall, located in the north and facing south, was elegantly decorated and boasted some of the finest rooms on the estate. Geoffrey, wishing to comfort Michelle, allowed her to stay there.

When Isolde emerged one night, arm in arm with Leonis, she saw Helena furtively pressing her ear against the wall. "What are you doing?" Isolde asked curiously, approaching her.

Helena, startled, looked up. "I wanted to hear if Michelle was crying," she said awkwardly.

Isolde replied calmly, "She won't cry. Even if she did, she wouldn't let us hear her."

Michelle had always been strong and fiercely protective of her image. Now, divorced and back with her family, she refused to allow herself to appear sad. Michelle was Geoffrey's eldest daughter. From a young age, she had been trained to be a perfect mistress of the household; regardless of circumstances, she always maintained appearances.

After her return, Michelle remained secluded, only greeting Geoffrey and Matilda daily. She announced to everyone that she was reflecting on her mistakes. Therefore, despite living next door, Isolde and Michelle had never met.

Michelle's composed demeanor only intensified Geoffrey's sympathy for her, fueling his hatred for Isolde. The Wood family's continued silence regarding the marriage seemed hopeless, further enraging Geoffrey.

A few days later, Princess Aveline hosted a birthday celebration for the nobility at her estate. As the new County Princess of Cromwell, Isolde was naturally invited. This was Isolde's first social event since leaving Belleview Manor.

The rift between Isolde and Geoffrey resulted in their attending the party separately, despite the simultaneous invitation. Isolde’s identity drew little attention; after all, she had been abandoned by Geoffrey, who was unpopular with the king. Even her title of County Princess was not considered significant.

However, Isolde's appearance surprised everyone. Older ladies, upon seeing her, exclaimed that she strongly resembled Lady Prunella.

Milton and Samiyah were also in attendance. Margaret did not come but sent William in her stead. For some reason, William brought his concubine, Eleanor.

Eleanor immediately captivated everyone's attention. Pregnant before marriage and framed by her cousin, Michelle, resulting in a miscarriage, she had become William's concubine despite catching his eye. A remarkable turn of events.

Eleanor wore a peach-colored silk dress, a youthful choice. Unfortunately, the elaborate embroidery, while striking, was inappropriate for her status; such adornment was typically reserved for wives.

Eleanor showed no embarrassment about her position. She even held William's hand and walked amongst the ladies.

Upon Isolde's arrival, both Eleanor and William saw her. The moment their eyes met, Isolde perceived hatred and anger in Eleanor's gaze.

William was stunned, his eyes fixed on Isolde. Though he had seen her several times before and noticed a change, she appeared more breathtaking than ever before. Isolde wore a green dress, her hair elegantly knotted, a pearl hairpin sparkling in the light. Her dress accentuated her figure, adding to her charm and elegance. Every movement exuded grace and confidence.

Seeing William's captivated stare, jealousy surged in Eleanor. She took William's arm and walked toward Isolde with him.

With a smug expression, Eleanor confronted Isolde. "Isolde, I'm surprised to see you here."

Isolde, who had never before attended such an event, replied ironically. Despite being Geoffrey's daughter, she had never been treated as such.

Isolde looked at Eleanor with a faint smile. "What a surprise indeed. I certainly didn't expect you to be here. Does Margaret know you're here?"

Isolde wondered if Margaret would approve of Eleanor's presence; the Marchioness was notoriously concerned with her reputation. William, not yet married, was already flaunting his concubine. Others would surely gossip.

Isolde was unaware that Margaret had orchestrated Eleanor's attendance. Ever since William's outburst at the Duke's estate gates following Eleanor's injury, rumors had circulated. Many claimed William didn't truly want Eleanor and only sought an alliance with Milton.

Gossip alone would have been tolerable. However, the Marquis of Eldermere, a highly decorated soldier, was about to return. If the King, or someone with malicious intent, heard this, it would be disastrous.

Therefore, Margaret had instructed William to bring Eleanor, showcasing his affection for his concubine and suggesting their union was based on genuine feelings.

William suddenly grasped Isolde's arm, pulling her closer. His voice was rough and anxious. "Hold on!"

Isolde could hear his breathing. Since their marriage, William had been the most significant person in her life. She had once been infatuated with his words and actions, captivated by his swordplay while intoxicated, and even more so when he read her poetry under the moon.

Five years of intimacy, risking life and limb for him, had been a cruel joke. The past was a violent chapter. Isolde flung his hand away, saying coldly, "Lord William, have some self-respect!"

William, aware of his loss of composure, released her, but his gaze remained fixed on her. "Why do you refuse to marry me?"

Eleanor's face paled, her venomous glare fixed on Isolde as if she wished to devour her alive.

Isolde sneered, "Wasn't it your family who broke off the engagement?"

William gritted his teeth. Embarrassed and already out of control, he was unwilling to yield. "I gave you a chance—"

"Thank you, but I didn't plan to give you a chance," Isolde said coldly.

A figure quickly approached and took William's hand. Standing beside them, she declared sharply, "Isolde, you are no longer engaged to William. Why are you still bothering him?"

Eleanor's sharp, high-pitched voice commanded everyone's attention.

All watched with interest; Isolde and William's relationship had always been a topic of conversation. Pablo, with his numerous military achievements, could easily have his son marry a princess. Thus, William marrying a country girl was surprising.

After Pablo went to war, his family ended the engagement, and William even took a concubine. Furthermore, Eleanor and Isolde were cousins.

Hearing Eleanor's words, everyone assumed Isolde still desired William. All eyes turned to Isolde, awaiting her explanation. Publicly grappling was inappropriate. No matter her explanation, it seemed futile.

However, Isolde smiled. "Eleanor, although William and I will never marry, we were engaged. We aren't enemies. Naturally, when we meet, we greet each other. If I am truly bothering him, I fear you wouldn't even be his concubine."

She curtsied to William. "William, since your concubine is jealous, let's maintain distance in the future. It will prevent gossip."

Isolde didn't defend herself, simply admitting she had spoken to William. No one found fault with her openness. Eleanor, on the other hand, seemed excessively jealous, preventing them from even speaking, despite being only a concubine.