Chapter 90: Prudence Is Back

Prudence returned to the Duke's estate on August 9th, accompanied by a grand procession of over a dozen carriages laden with their belongings. Along with the old lady came Vance, Priscilla, and her two granddaughters and two grandsons. Geoffrey had already ordered everyone on the estate to welcome them, including the grounded Matilda and Michelle. Isolde, of course, was also present. She stood beside Geoffrey, watching as several maids assisted Prudence from the carriage.

Dressed in silk, her graying hair styled in a high bun, Prudence, despite being in her sixties, carried herself with remarkable energy. Her long neck lent her an air of authority, and though deep wrinkles lined her eyes and mouth, her sharp gaze remained undiminished. Even her gentle smile couldn't mask her undeniable aura of command.

Vance, who had once served as an official in Caelmont, had a failed career. After a failed attempt to buy a promotion, he was dismissed following exposure by a superior. Since then, he had pursued business with little success. Over the years, Prudence had discreetly used Prunella's money to support him countless times.

Despite being younger than Geoffrey, Vance's indulgence in drinking and socializing had aged him considerably. His wife, Priscilla, hailed from a once-prominent aristocratic family, though the hereditary honors had ceased by her father's generation. Nevertheless, as a daughter of nobility, she was tactful, socially adept, and skilled at winning her mother-in-law's favor. This elevated her status in the household, surpassing even Matilda's.

Naturally, she looked down on Matilda, and once, on Prunella as well. Though Prunella came from a distinguished family, to Priscilla, Prunella was merely the uncouth and unrefined daughter of a military man. Priscilla prided herself on bearing a son and two daughters for the family, unlike Prunella, who had only produced one troublesome daughter. Most fascinatingly, in her second year of marriage, Priscilla had arranged for Geoffrey to take a concubine, who bore him a son the following year, making him the eldest of the next generation, albeit illegitimate. This bolstered Priscilla's confidence within the family.

When Geoffrey saw Prudence, he stepped forward and greeted her with a bow. "Mother, you must be exhausted from the journey. Please, come inside."

Prudence acknowledged him with a warm, approving nod. Her words, however, were somewhat garbled.

Geoffrey, genuinely pleased by the praise, remained modest. "I'm flattered. After so many years in court, I have accomplished little and brought no honor to you. I'm ashamed."

"You've already far surpassed your brother," Prudence said with a smile, her gaze briefly sweeping over Vance with an unreadable expression. "Well? Aren't you going to greet Geoffrey?"

Vance hurried forward, grasping Geoffrey's hands. "Geoffrey, we haven't seen each other for so long!"

"Vance!" Geoffrey responded warmly.

Priscilla then stepped up, bringing her children. "Clark, Braden, Nicole, Martha, come greet your uncle." Clark, born of a concubine, had been adopted into Geoffrey's household when Prunella struggled to conceive, making him Geoffrey's legal son in name.

After the four children paid their respects, Geoffrey regarded them with satisfaction, pleased by their graceful demeanor. Turning to Isolde, he said, "Isolde, come greet your grandmother. Pay your respects to your uncle and aunt, and meet your cousins."

Prudence's gaze landed on Isolde, sharp and assessing. The wrinkles between her brows were deep, and though a slight smile played at her lips, she remained unapproachable.

Isolde slowly stepped forward and bowed. "Greetings, Grandmother."

Prudence gave a small hum of acknowledgment, her expression softening slightly. "It's good that you're back."

After everyone paid their respects, Matilda and Michelle stepped forward and greeted the old lady. Prudence looked at Matilda. "It must have been hard on you while I was away."

Matilda lowered her head. "Please don't say that, Madam Langley. It was only my duty."

Prudence then turned to Michelle, noticing her veil. Her brows furrowed. "Michelle, what's this? Why are you covering your face in this heat? Do you not wish to see me?"

Tears welled in Michelle's eyes. "No, Grandmother, it's not that. My face… it's too unsightly. I don't want to scare you."

"Nonsense!" Prudence was furious. "I've seen your face since you were a child. Take off the veil at once!"

Michelle slowly removed it, revealing a scarred face. Her eyes were filled with silent grief, tears shimmering on her lashes. Prudence stiffened in shock. "What happened? Why did you become like this?"

Geoffrey stepped forward. "Mother, I will explain later. It's too hot outside. Let's go in first. I've had some chilled fruit juice prepared for you."

Prudence gave a dignified nod and allowed Matilda and Priscilla to escort her inside, followed closely by Priscilla's daughters, Nicole and Martha. Nicole was two years older than Isolde, Martha a year younger. Nicole had been engaged, but her fiancé had died the previous spring, leaving her unmarried at eighteen.

One of the main reasons for Prudence's return to Argentum was to arrange suitable matches for her grandchildren, particularly Nicole's marriage, her greatest concern. The young lady was beautiful and levelheaded, but her previous engagement hindered her prospects, making her seem past her prime marrying age. Prudence was anxious.

After a few sips of coffee, she instructed Matilda, "Start making inquiries. Find out which young men have good character and family backgrounds. Write them all down, and we'll evaluate them carefully. We need to settle Nicole's marriage first."

Matilda, needing to redeem herself, readily agreed. "Yes, Madam Langley. I will call for a matchmaker tomorrow."

"Good. Now, where is Bryant?" Prudence glanced around, her tone displeased at his absence.

Matilda quickly explained, "Madam Langley, Bryant went out a few days ago. He didn't know you were arriving today, so he wasn't able to return in time to welcome you. Please forgive him."

"Hmm. He's already seventeen, isn't he? His marriage needs to be arranged soon as well. Has he taken a liking to anyone?"

Matilda smiled. "He has, but Geoffrey doesn't think she's suitable."

"Not suitable? Whose daughter is she? Is it because her family is of lower status? Don't be too fixated on rank. A good wife is one with virtue and kindness," said Prudence.

Matilda replied, "The family is not low in status. It's just that the girl is a bit headstrong… She is Princess Estelle, daughter of the Marquis of Greystone."