Her Graceful War Song (Carissa Sinclair) novel Chapter 663

Alice was about to express her satisfaction when Opal chimed in with a bright smile.

"She's indeed a fine girl, and we are all quite pleased. However, marriage is a serious matter and shouldn't be rushed. Why don't we each go back and discuss this with our families? After all, Ms. Sanford hasn't said whether she likes Thomas, and they've only just met today. It's best to first understand her feelings."

Gemma replied, "That wouldn't be difficult. I can ask her right away."

Opal chuckled. "Let's not be too hasty. If you send someone in to ask her like this, it might offend us if she says she doesn't like him. If she says she does, it could make her seem eager, which wouldn't look good for a young lady. Since both our families have already met a couple of times, it wouldn't hurt to meet again. After all, her parents aren't in the capital, and her feelings are what truly matter. What do you think, Madam Gemma?"

With such reasonable arguments, Gemma found it hard to dispute Opal. After all, a match between their families shouldn't be rushed. Both were noble households.

Still, the urgency was palpable.

Alice didn't fully understand Opal's reasoning. But on reflection, it made sense. If they asked Lisette now, would it be better if she rejected Thomas outright or merely hesitated? If she liked him, saying so would make her seem desperate to marry, and no woman wanted to come across that way. Conversely, if she liked him but claimed otherwise, that wouldn't be good either.

Violet admired Opal's carefulness. Her meticulous nature was truly commendable.

Alice smiled. "Opal is right. If there is truly a bond, it won't slip away. A couple of days won't make a difference."

With the matter settled for now, Gemma smiled and said, "That makes sense. You've thought this through quite well. I'll wait a couple of days before visiting again."

Though Gemma said that, Alice felt something was off.

Thomas' side of the family showed no objections. At least, they appeared satisfied. Now they were merely inquiring on Lisette's behalf. If she agreed, her family would send a matchmaker to formalize the engagement. That was how things were normally done.

So, why was someone from Lisette's side of the family personally coming to visit? The Kingsley family was known for their propriety, so why this deviation from the norm?

Violet replied. "Darin may not be a bad girl. She could also be unaware of the truth. But we need to get to the bottom of this. For now, just delay for a month or so. Whatever you do, don't commit to anything immediately. Otherwise, you risk tarnishing your reputation. And I doubt Darin will come out of this unscathed."

Alice frowned. "Why does this have to be so complicated?"

Opal stood up, linking her arm through Alice's. "Aunt Alice, let's step outside. We shouldn't listen to everything Violet has to say. Some things might be better left unheard. We might be able to stay silent if we hear everything."

Opal had a keen sense of propriety. She recognized that Violet was selectively sharing information, and there were topics they shouldn't overhear, so she quickly ushered Alice out.

Alice was not oblivious, and she realized that since Violet sensed something amiss, it likely meant the situation was more complex than just family matters. There were undoubtedly some discussions she meant to have privately with Thomas, and they needed to stay out of those conversations.

If they could avoid hearing anything, they should.