Chapter 112
“Seriously, dating a bad boy? Was she a hopeless Romantic?”
“It’s such a pity, considering how brilliant she is.”
Some even whispered, “Sanderson doesn’t have a son to inherit. Are they desperate enough to let this boy marry into the family?”
In the circles of high society, strategic marriages were the norm, where matrimony and interests were inextricably linked. So, Cordelia’s relationship with a so–called “bad boy‘ was utterly baffling to them.
Even with the best intentions, someone said to Lorna, “Mrs. Delaney, I’m just speaking my mind, and it’s for your own good. Cordelia’s young, and she must be confused, right? You can’t just let her run wild.”
Lorna maintained a polite smile in the face of this friendly advice.
But she defended Cordelia in her response, “We have no intention of pushing Lia into a marriage for interests. She’s missed out on a lot, and I trust her judgment.”
Initially, Lorna disapproved of the relationship, but given how Cordelia was utterly absorbed in her studies, she couldn’t picture Cordelia in a romance.
What if this was a mistake? What if Cordelia ended up an old maid?
Seeing Lorna’s response, they dropped the subject.
The decorum of a well–bred lady kept the snark at bay in her presence, but Fanny and Rachel were relentless.
Fanny snorted, “Lorna, aren’t you a bit too indulgent with Cordelia?”
Rachel chimed in with a smile, “Lorna must feel she owes her something. But you know, being well–matched is crucial, or else there’s no common ground.”
Fanny sneered, “That reminds me, wasn’t Cordelia raised in an orphanage? Maybe she finds common ground with those kinds of boyfriends.”
Lorna was livid, “What’s that supposed to mean?”
Before Fanny could retort, Cordelia, who had been glued to her phone, suddenly put it down and shook Lorna’s arm, “Mom, don’t get upset.”
Lorna paused.
Fanny laughed, “Look at you. Your composure doesn’t match up to Cordelia,”
Cordelia turned, her eyes misty as they met Fanny’s, Taken aback by her gaze, Fanny paused.
After a couple of seconds, Cordelia spoke languidly, “We can’t get mad at a dog for barking at us, right? It doesn’t understand human manners.”
Fanny was speechless.
Cordelia continued indifferently, “No offense. Surely, no one’s taking it personally, right?”
Fanny was at a loss for words.
As she was about to erupt, a servant from the Griffin family approached, “Mrs. Brown, Mr. Wallace is here, upstairs with Mr. Brown. Mr. Griffin has asked for Ms. Brown to come up and meet him.”
Fanny, still smarting from Cordelia’s comeback, suddenly perked up, “Of course, I’ll take Sallie up right away.” She stood, straightened her dress, and looked at Lorna with a hint of venom. “It’s a shame. Had your daughter not been tied down, Mr. Hackett would have likely introduced her to someone like Mr. Wallace, a true gentleman, unlike some lowlife unfit to shine his shoes.”
With that, Fanny strutted off with her nose in the air.
GFL
17:52
Chapter 11!
After Fanny’s departure, the others gathered around, envying Sallie’s excellence compared to their own daughters.
One of the girls protested, “I’m not a commodity to be picked over. What if he’s not a good person?”
An elder rebuked her, “Anyone Mr. Hackett deems suitable is bound to be decent and capable. People like that are hard to come by.”
The girl sulked, “Emotions are what matter most. I actually envy Cordella.”
The parent swiftly pulled their child to the side, “You’d do well to emulate Cordelia’s dedication to her studies, but don’t you dare follow her lead in picking boyfriends. If you bring home a lowlife, I’ll break your legs.”
Rachel scoffed, “It’s better to marry well than to study hard. No matter how talented Cordelia is, can she outshine Calvert? Everyone was jealous of you having such a brilliant daughter, and now they’re all envious of Fanny.”
She then whispered to Juliana, “Though Sallie was taken upstairs, it doesn’t mean others don’t stand a chance. Calvert will eventually come down to meet everyone. Be proactive then.”
As the crowd dispersed, avoiding Cordelia like the plague, fearing their children might follow her poor example, Cordelia finally found some peace.
Relieved, she was about to pick up her phone for more math problems when she heard a voice, “Lia.”
Startled, she looked up to see Merry beckoning her from a distance.
Cordelia hadn’t spoken when Lorna encouraged her, “Go on, have fun. Don’t just read all night. You came here to relax.”
Resigned, Cordelia set her phone down and walked over.
Merry, dressed in a red cocktail dress, led her to a secluded balcony with two sofas and a coffee table laden with pastries and tea. They could still see the main room but had a quiet space to themselves.
The gang from Flame Union sat there, Flame No.
elsewhere.
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