Chapter 99: I Want to Marry You

Isolde knew very little about the Marchioness of Greystone, the Queen Mother's most trusted confidante, who resided mostly at the palace. Her maiden name was Rosemary, but her family name remained unknown. She was eccentric, domineering, strong-willed, and decisive in matters of favor and resentment, fiercely protective of her daughter. Any ill word spoken against Princess Bourbon would result in immediate conflict. Conversely, she disliked praise directed at her daughter, remaining impervious to both flattery and coercion. It was a mystery how such an extraordinary daughter emerged from such a mother.

The Marchioness of Greystone, maintaining a cold expression, merely sipped her tea without looking at Isolde. Once the discussion concluded, the ladies resumed their tea, subtly concealing the awkwardness of their intrusion into another's family affairs.

Priscilla then entertained the group with tales of Caelmont's customs and traditions, captivating their attention. Her descriptions of the food particularly piqued everyone's appetite. "My mother-in-law gained a few pounds in Caelmont, all from overindulgence," Priscilla finished, stifling a giggle.

Prudence chuckled, playfully scolding, "You impudent woman, how dare you fabricate such things about me?" This lighthearted exchange highlighted their harmonious relationship, leading everyone to conclude that the only flaw in the Duke's household was Matilda, the Duke of Blackmoor's second wife.

The atmosphere brightened as amusing anecdotes were shared. Isolde sat quietly beside the princess, casually enjoying snacks and the special tea only Prudence could procure from Caelmont.

Outside the pavilion, the gatekeeper approached hurriedly. Hesitantly peering inside, he hesitated to interrupt the conversation. "What is it?" Priscilla asked, noticing him.

"Two people outside claim to be Miss Langley's friends from Windermount. They wish to see her," the gatekeeper replied quickly.

Priscilla's face lit up. "Since they are Isolde's friends, bring them in at once."

Isolde sipped her tea, contemplating these visitors. She had many friends from Windermount, but also many enemies. She was uncertain if this was coincidence or deliberate.

Soon, the gatekeeper ushered in a young man and woman, both around sixteen or seventeen years old. Their attire, while not extravagant, was respectable, surpassing that of an ordinary household. The young man, upon seeing Isolde, appeared excited but hesitated to approach due to the company.

Priscilla greeted them, "Hello, you are from Windermount?"

The exceptionally handsome young man smiled. "Yes. I'm Anthony Bentley. It's a pleasure to meet you!"

"Hello, it's a pleasure to meet you!" the young girl added respectfully.

"Isolde, why don't you greet your friends? Please invite them to sit and have some tea," Priscilla suggested.

Isolde looked at them with a knowing smile. Friends? No, never. She had once been at odds with their neighboring village, and Anthony was the village head's son. They were enemies.

Isolde remained seated, but Anthony stepped forward and unexpectedly knelt before Prudence, startling her. "What are you doing, young man? Get up!" she exclaimed.

Anthony, however, continued to knock his head on the ground several times before raising his head and pleading earnestly, "I am Anthony, a native of Windermount, eighteen years old, from a farming family. I have come to request your hand in marriage."

"Marriage? What kind of marriage?" Prudence's face darkened. "You may leave now. We will discuss this later."

Anthony refused to rise, stubbornly declaring, "Isolde and I privately pledged ourselves to each other in Windermount. She said she would send for me when she turned fifteen to ask for her hand. I have come, as promised, to seek your approval for our marriage."

The room erupted in astonishment. No one expected the County Princess of Cromwell to behave so disgracefully. No wonder Margaret had broken off the engagement.

The words "secretly pledged" enraged Prudence. She immediately shouted, "Nonsense! Get out of here! Don't spread such rumors and ruin my family's daughter's reputation!"

Anthony looked at Isolde with determination. "Isolde, you should kneel with me and beg your grandmother to approve our marriage. We made a lifelong vow at the matchmaker's church, and we have already shared a bed together. We are husband and wife."

"Nonsense!" Prudence shouted furiously. "Someone, drag this fool out! Don't let him disturb the ladies' enjoyment of their tea!"

However, Isolde stood, calmly approaching Anthony. Smiling at him, she replied, "Anthony, my dear, you remember our vow at the matchmaker's church? If you hadn't mentioned it, I might have forgotten."

Isolde's acknowledgement silenced the room in shock. Everyone stared at her in disbelief.

Anthony's eyes darkened, a depth in his gaze belying his youth. "I remember. I remember every word you said."

Isolde maintained her bright smile. "Get up, what are you begging for? It was merely childish behavior when we were six or seven years old. You're a fool to harbor that in your heart. We weren't even sleeping together, just that time we went hunting and slept on the grass."

Aveline laughed. "Six or seven? Childish!"

Anthony looked at her, slowly rising. "Before you returned to the capital, you asked me to come and ask for your hand in marriage. Does that still count?"

Isolde blushed. "Asking for marriage isn't your prerogative. Besides, you shouldn't ask me; you should ask my father. How could I possibly answer you?"

Priscilla and Prudence exchanged glances. Prudence remained impassive, but Priscilla seemed surprised. Isolde appeared to be handling the situation with ease, as if prepared. Moreover, these events were entirely fabricated, yet she spoke as if they were completely true. Such lies seemed effortless, unremarkable.

But Anthony, his gaze deep, said, "I've turned down several marriage proposals from my father just to wait for you. Give me a definite answer today. If you are willing, I will go ask your father for your hand."

Such devotion amused the ladies. However, his public proposal was undeniably foolish.

"Hazel!" Isolde called.

Hazel stepped forward. "Your Highness, what is your command?"

Isolde said, "Hazel, please take Anthony to Paletein Manor and inform them he's an old friend from Windermount. Ensure they take good care of him."

Anthony stubbornly resisted, but Hazel's skill proved too much. With a swift grab and pull, he was dragged back, stumbling down the stairs.

Isolde smiled. "Anthony, please rest at my teacher's house for now. You know him, and later I'll visit you with Clark."

Sending him to Paletein Manor first, with plans to visit later with her brother, was deliberate. There was no mistake in her plan.

Even Lady Vandenberg, Rebecca, praised, "The County Princess handles matters well. It shows the Duke's estate provides a great upbringing."

Prudence smiled slightly. "Madam, you're too kind!"