Chapter 96: Sorely Mistaken

The guest list was finalized the day before. Hazel retrieved it from Harlan and showed it to Isolde. Isolde examined it, commenting that Prudence’s invitations were remarkably bold. Aveline, Margaret, and the Marchioness of Greystone were all invited. Margaret’s attendance was expected; she would certainly come. After all, despite their broken engagement, and regardless of outside speculation, Margaret needed to demonstrate the families remained on amicable terms, showing respect to the Duke.

Isolde was more surprised by the Marchioness of Greystone's presence. Accompanying the Marchioness was the rather spoiled Princess Bourbon. However, Princess Sadie was absent from the list. Isolde knew only one princess could attend, as the Marquis of Greystone's household had only ever had one princess. Yet, Harlan had informed her that Prudence had invited both. If only Princess Bourbon had come, Prudence would be displeased. Isolde felt uneasy, setting the list down. She had always longed to meet the Marchioness of Greystone, believing she possessed considerable knowledge about her mother. Over the years, Isolde had sought information about her mother—her personality, appearance, character, and demeanor—but her knowledge remained limited. Despite sending men to locate her mother's former maids and servants, there had been no news.

Concerned Isolde might cause trouble, Geoffrey had instructed Harlan to speak with her, advising restraint for the next day. Isolde merely smiled and dismissed his concerns.

The following morning, Isolde prepared herself. Hazel asked if she would wear the headpiece Prudence had sent. Isolde replied, “Just leave the headpiece where it is. Don’t touch it unless necessary; they might want to take it back later.”

Hazel chuckled. “How do you know so well?”

“She’s always like this. It’s meant to show her generosity and magnanimity, but do you really think she would give me such a fine headpiece, then find a reason to reclaim it? How do you know she would do that? You’ve never really spent time with her, have you?”

Although Isolde had recently returned from the countryside and had never met Prudence, she was familiar with her methods. Isolde smiled and said nothing. There was no need to lie to her own people; sometimes silence was the best answer. While she hadn't received much jewelry since returning, Isolde had been gifted a box—she hadn’t purchased much for herself, but Doug had sent a chest of fine items. Any piece chosen at random was far more luxurious than anything Prudence had given her. Aveline had also sent gifts, so Isolde had no shortage, she simply hadn’t worn them before.

She wore a moon-white silk chiffon gown with cloud patterns and embroidered peonies. Her embroidered shoes had pearl-tipped toes. Her hair was styled in a high bun, secured with a white jade hairpin and a gold tassel with southern pearls. Though the hairpiece might seem too formal for an unmarried woman, it was appropriate for a County Princess. Her makeup was light, her eyebrows subtly lifted, enhancing her natural charm. Her bright eyes and perfect smile made her strikingly beautiful and captivating.

“You’re amazing when you’re dressed up,” Hattie and Hazel exclaimed in awe.

Isolde, looking at herself in the mirror, mused, “Everyone says I look like my mother, but I wonder how much we actually resemble each other?” She had heard her mother dressed similarly, using the hairpin, silk chiffon, and bun. She wanted to surprise Prudence.

“Miss, have you ever seen a portrait of your mother?” Hattie asked.

Isolde said, “No!”

Hazel leaned in and whispered, “I heard from someone in the mansion that the Duke of Blackmoor has a portrait of her, but it’s kept in a drawer in the study, and it has a key.”

Isolde silently noted this.

Once dressed, Isolde, accompanied by Hattie and Hazel, went to the main hall where Prudence sat awaiting guests. From a distance, Isolde saw Prudence’s kind, benevolent smile, surrounded by her children and grandchildren in a harmonious, cheerful scene. Isolde approached.

Prudence’s smile froze. She stared at Isolde, her eyes reflecting shrewdness and displeasure.

“Grandma!” Isolde greeted respectfully, recalling Priscilla’s instructions.

Prudence slowly smiled. “Hmm, you look very good. Why aren’t you wearing the headpiece I sent you yesterday?”

Isolde smiled and replied, “Since it was a gift from you, I couldn’t bring myself to wear it. I’m keeping it as a treasure.”

“Silly child,” Prudence said, her gentle smile returning, though insincere, merely a formality. “I gave it to you, so you should wear it.”

The Duke of Blackmoor was relieved, fearing Isolde's sharp attitude might cause a scene. Priscilla stepped forward, gently taking Isolde’s hand. “My dear, you’ve dressed up so beautifully.”

“Everyone says I resemble my mother, but I wonder if that’s true,” Isolde replied.

Priscilla paused. “There is a slight resemblance.”

Nicole then stepped forward, taking Isolde's hand sincerely. “Isolde, I apologize on behalf of Martha. She is still young and doesn’t understand; please don’t hold it against her.”

Isolde smiled at the graceful Nicole. “Of course not. Please don’t say that.”

“That’s good!” Nicole sighed in relief. She genuinely hoped Isolde and Martha would get along. Nicole was eighteen, and marriage was a pressing matter. Discord between the sisters would affect her reputation.

“Isolde!” A clear, gentle voice called.

Isolde looked into deep, thoughtful eyes and a handsome face wearing a soft smile.

“Clark!” Isolde greeted.

In the past, Clark had been the only one in this family to treat her well. Clark, Vance's eldest son, had been adopted into the main branch, making him, in a way, her older brother. However, after Matilda bore a son, Prudence recalled him to live with his biological father. His biological mother had died young, and he was raised by Priscilla, who, while outwardly kind and generous, was sharp-tongued and harsh in private. He had never had an easy life. Prudence favored legitimate heirs, looking down upon illegitimate ones. From a young age, Clark knew he would live in the shadow of his legitimate younger brother, serving as a support to the heir—essentially a shadow of the Duke of Blackmoor. He was foolish, never considering his own future or interests.

Isolde's gaze shifted to Vance's youngest son, Braden. He possessed delicate features, fair skin, red lips, and white teeth—a face more refined and youthful than most women's. Sitting arrogantly, he sneered coldly when he met Isolde’s gaze. Isolde smiled faintly, thinking that if Prudence expected Braden to continue the Langley line, she was sorely mistaken.