Chapter 97: Sharing a Meal

Guests arrived one after another. Prudence greeted them outside, leading a group to welcome them. With the Duke of Blackmoor's rising influence, many colleagues also attended. The Duke escorted Vance, his son, and nephew to meet official circles, while Prudence led Priscilla, Matilda, several granddaughters, and other ladies to socialize. Margaret arrived with only two maids, dressed splendidly and maintaining a graceful demeanor.

"Madam, I am deeply grateful for your presence!" Prudence exclaimed joyfully.

Margaret smiled appropriately. "Mrs. Blackwell, you flatter me. Our two families almost became in-laws."

"It's my granddaughter's misfortune," Prudence said, pausing, surprised Margaret addressed the matter so directly.

Margaret smiled and gave Isolde a meaningful glance. "Miss Langley seems more spirited than usual today."

Isolde smiled. "Thank you for the compliment, Madam."

Prudence led her inside, arranging for Matilda to entertain the guests while she continued welcoming others. Aveline and Rosemary arrived together, Aveline holding Theodric's hand, and Bourbon arm-in-arm with Rosemary. Seeing this, Prudence quickly led Priscilla upstairs.

"Hello, Princess and Madam!"

Aveline smiled. "I hope we are not troubling you too much, Mrs. Blackwell."

Prudence smiled. "It is an honor to have you grace us with your presence."

Rosemary, in a slightly worn teal satin gown and simple jewelry, wore a stern expression. Her years of service beside the Queen Mother lent her an air of aloofness.

Prudence glanced at Bourbon, then greeted her: "Your Highness!"

Bourbon seemed impatient. "Can we go in now? It's terribly hot out here!"

Prudence hurried to apologize, inviting them inside for fruit juice. She instructed Martha to take the Princess, but Bourbon pointed at Isolde. "You take me."

Isolde smiled. "Alright, Your Highness, please."

They walked briskly inside. Isolde said with a smile, "You look quite stunning today, Your Highness." Bourbon, in a vibrant red outfit, looked spirited and striking.

"It's as if you've seen me before," Bourbon warned, giving Isolde a sharp look.

Isolde shrugged. "Yes, it's my first time seeing you."

From a distance, Matilda spotted Isolde with Bourbon and quickly approached Bryant, smiling brightly. "Isn't this Princess Bourbon?"

Bourbon glanced at her indifferently. "You are the Duke of Blackmoor's second wife, the stepmother of the County Princess of Cromwell, correct?"

Matilda smiled awkwardly. "Yes, Your Highness, it seems you still remember me."

She nudged Bryant, who had been staring at Bourbon with a dazed expression. Since their last meeting, he hadn't stopped thinking about her. Matilda's nudge snapped him back to reality. "Your Highness, do you remember me?"

Bourbon glanced at him but didn't respond, pulling Isolde inside. Bryant chuckled, watching her go. "Mom, she's really beautiful."

Seeing her son's behavior and his lack of respect, Matilda thought her reputation as a spoiled young lady was well-deserved. She disliked Bourbon's arrogance; such a woman would be difficult to manage, even in marriage. "Stop staring; she's out of your league," Matilda said irritably.

"Why is she out of my league? I want to marry her!" Bryant retorted, going inside.

Matilda fumed. "There's no end to his troubles."

The guests had nearly all arrived. The men were in the main hall, engaged in lively discussion, while Prudence led the ladies to the garden. Rosemary and Aveline looked around, then sat in the pavilion. Margaret was already there, relaxing. Prudence brought other ladies to join them.

Aveline smiled at Prudence. "Why don't you stay and watch a bit longer?"

Prudence smiled. "I'm getting old; after walking a few steps, I get tired."

Rosemary glanced at her. "Prudence, you're still strong for your age."

Prudence chuckled. "You flatter me, Rosemary." She called Priscilla for tea and pastries.

After some time, conversation lagged, mainly due to Rosemary's imposing presence. Lady Vandenberg, Rebecca, noticing the awkward atmosphere, said to Prudence, "Prudence, you are truly fortunate. Your granddaughters are all as beautiful as flowers."

Prudence waved her hand. "Ah, speaking of which, it troubles me that my eldest granddaughter hasn't found a match. I kindly ask the ladies here to keep an eye out; I would be most grateful."

Everyone paused in surprise. They knew her eldest granddaughter, Michelle, had been divorced and disfigured. They didn't understand why they should be looking for a match for her. Michelle listened from the side, feeling ashamed.

Isolde, having just arrived with Bourbon, overheard. She smiled faintly, unsure why Prudence made this mistake; it seemed intentional.

As expected, Prudence slapped her forehead and laughed. "Oh my. I'm getting forgetful. It's actually my second granddaughter."

Everyone relaxed and smiled, turning their attention to Nicole. They praised her grace, poise, and beauty.

Prudence worried, "Ah, one granddaughter was divorced, and the other's engagement was broken off, with an unclear connection to Doug. Their reputations are tarnished, and the sisters haven't reconciled. How can I not worry? Since you are all wise women who manage your households well, I ask for your advice."

However, attention shifted to Isolde and Doug's unclear relationship. Doug had been protective of Isolde, fueling rumors. Some said they were teacher and student; others claimed it stemmed from Doug's past affection for Prunella. Few knew the truth.

Aveline said mildly, "What's unclear about it? A teacher looking out for his disciple is only natural. A teacher is like a second father."

Prudence said, "What you say is correct. Those who know understand, but those who don't will guess. I've only been back a few days, and I'm already hearing disgraceful talk. Isolde stayed at Paletein Manor to show filial piety to her teacher, yet rumors say Doug called her there to… fool around with him. Such words are unbearable! How can they not cause anger and worry?"

The phrase "fool around with Doug," from Prudence's lips, was shocking. Everyone wondered if such rumors truly circulated, as they hadn't heard them. The speculation seemed absurd. However, Prudence, as Isolde's grandmother, wouldn't make such claims without reason. Her mentioning it made them wonder if this banquet was arranged to clarify the matter. If so, the speculation about "fooling around with Doug" might be possible.