Chapter 88: The Wedding

Raine counted on her fingers, saying, “If we sell the shop, we should get twenty. I’ve saved some money over the years, too. Lad also has about ten in his account. If we pool our resources, we can have a hundred.”

Isolde's face fell. “A hundred? Isn't that too little? Besides, wouldn't Helena suffer if you sold the shop?”

Secretly, Isolde was overjoyed. The Woods were willing to go into debt for Helena’s freedom, showing how much they valued her.

Lad’s face flushed. He mumbled, “I won’t let her suffer. She can rest easy at home.”

Helena retorted, “Do you expect me to rest while you and Mrs. Wood work yourselves to the bone? Won’t that make me disabled?”

Lad, without thinking, said, “You can focus on bearing children.”

Helena was furious. “I’m not a baby-making machine!” she exclaimed, turning to leave.

Seeing her anger, Lad was at a loss.

Hazel interjected, “Dumbo, follow her!”

Lad finally reacted, chasing after Helena.

Isolde smiled, taking Raine’s hand. “I was joking,” she revealed. “Helena isn’t bound to me by indenture. When she started working at the manor, I burned her contract, along with the others’. She’s a free woman. Give me whatever you can; more will make you look better, but I'll give it all to Helena. If you can’t afford a proper wedding, I’ll cover the rest. I’ve set aside funds for her wedding.”

Raine was delighted. “Miss Langley, you’re so kind-hearted!”

Isolde said softly, “Mrs. Wood, I only ask one thing: tell Lad to treat Helena better. Don’t let him break her heart by taking more than one wife.”

Raine scowled. “If that boy dares, I’ll be the first to make him suffer!”

Isolde was relieved. The Woods were good people. Raine and Lad got along well, and Helena wouldn't be bullied.

Since Prudence was returning to Argentum, Isolde suggested an early wedding. The Woods were happy to proceed quickly, even if it was rushed. Helena, however, cried for two nights after the date was set.

Hazel, impatient, suggested, “Helena, if you don’t want to marry Lad, ask Noelle to do it instead.”

Helena’s face paled. “Why?”

Hazel replied, “I thought you didn’t want to marry him?”

Helena said, “Did I say that?”

Confused, Hazel said, “If you’re willing to marry him, you should be happy. Why are you crying?”

Helena stammered, “I can’t bear to part with Miss Langley.”

Hazel rolled her eyes. “If you miss her, visit when you can. It’s not like you’re separated by life and death. We’re practically neighbors!”

Isolde smiled and said, “Hazel, leave her be. It’s normal for a bride to be emotional. Let her vent. She’ll be happy later.”

Noelle entered, teasing, “That’s right. Helena, you’ll be happy when you see the money Miss Langley prepared for you.”

Helena shook her head. “Miss Langley, I don’t want your money. I have savings. I can manage.”

Isolde said, “Keep your savings. I’ll give what I want to.” They had been together for many years, and Isolde knew she would miss Helena dearly. However, she was happy Helena found a good husband and family.

Isolde was uncertain how much longer she had to live and wanted to make plans for those she cared about.

The wedding was set for August 3rd. It wasn’t a special date. It had rained for days, but the weather cleared on the wedding day, which everyone took as a good omen.

The day before, the Royal Court issued a commendation order, praising the Duke of Blackmoor for killing the fugitive Milton. Although there was no reward, the Duke was overjoyed; he hadn’t received a commendation in years. He’d initially thought he didn’t care, but the order overwhelmed him.

He sent Harlan with many gifts to Pearl Tower early that morning—wedding gifts for Helena. This surprised Isolde. She’d expected him to be furious since Lad was a potential suitor she'd prepared for her, yet she'd matched Helena with him instead. Given his dictatorial personality, she'd anticipated a tantrum. Nevertheless, she happily accepted the gifts.

Noelle reviewed the gifts. Her eyes widened. “Diamond bracelets, two sets of gold and silver hair accessories, yards of satin, and more! Helena, the Duke is generous. He treats you like a daughter.”

Helena looked at Isolde. “I can’t accept these gifts. Miss Langley, should I return them?”

Isolde said, “Why? They’re gifts. Rejecting them shames the Duke. We'll take all the free stuff we can get.”

Helena had initially hesitated, fearing she'd offend Isolde. Isolde's words relieved her, and she happily accepted.

Isolde lacked a wedding planner, so she enlisted Anne, Matilda’s maidservant, for help. Helena’s gown wasn’t extravagant, but decent, with an embroidered veil and intricate embroidery. Isolde gave Helena 500 and many practical gifts. Five hundred was a huge sum for an ordinary family; some wealthy families wouldn't give their daughters that much. However, Isolde didn’t tell Helena, fearing rejection. She hid the money in new bedding, instructing Noelle to tell Helena afterward.

Isolde had been happy since the wedding was decided, but when she heard the wedding music welcoming the bride, she was overcome with emotion. Helena had been with her since she was five. Isolde remembered their first meeting: a skinny girl with a ponytail, wearing tattered clothes and no shoes, timidly greeting Isolde at the instruction of the maidservant in charge. Now, Helena was getting married.

Not wanting anyone to see her tears, Isolde quickly left, instructing Noelle and the Goodwin sisters to handle things.

Helena, sensing Isolde’s emotion, bowed towards her room, crying, “Miss Langley, I’m leaving now. I’ll never forget you.”

Isolde sat in her room, her throat tight. She said nothing in response to Helena’s farewell.

The crowd departed, leaving confetti. As the noise faded, Isolde emerged, looking at the confetti. She sighed, then gradually smiled, reminding herself this was a joyous occasion. She would continue finding suitable husbands for her maidservants. Doug had said he’d made too many enemies and always planned for Isolde's future; Isolde felt the same about her maidservants. Now that Helena was married, she had her own life and someone who loved her. Isolde no longer needed to worry about her.