Love's Unexpected Awakening Elowen's Choice novel Chapter 23

Chapter 23 The Weight of a Title

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After all, she was eager to take charge and see if she could manage the estate herself. Step one was to head to Rose Hall and collect all the manor’s keys, ledgers, and records.

Elowen brought Mira and Cora along, had Bran accompany them, and summoned both Gerda and Edith for good measure. Still feeling that wasn’t enough, she added two brawny guards from the house staff. With such a large entourage behind her, she felt much more confident.

Marching boldly with

full force, Elowen led the group straight to Rose Hall.

Mira stepped forward first to state their purpose “By order of His Grace himself, Her Grace the Duchess will

now take over the entire estate. We ask that Lady Marwen come forth and hand over all the keys and ledgers.”

They were received by a maid-Agnes-the same one who had come after Elowen on her wedding night to urge her to pay respects to Marwen.

Agnes tilted her eyes and wouldn’t even look Mia directly in the face. “Lady Marwen has managed the manor for many years. Suddenly appointing a duchess, barely of age, to take charge? I fear the estate will fall into disarray.”

Mira straightened. “This is His Grace’s direct order.”

Agnes gave a lazy shrug, smug and stubborn. “Of course, we know it’s His Grace’s command. However, we all care about him and

new hands, who bears that blame? Rant what’s best for him. If the estate crumbles under

properly.

to wait until His Grace awakens and discuss it

Mira froze. Young and inexperienced, she hadn’t dealt with this kind of scene before and didn’t know how to respond.

Elowen turned to look at the two older women sanding beside her.

Gerda said nothing. But Edith stepped forward without a word, raised her hand, and delivered two loud slaps across Agnes’s face.

Elowen was stunned. Mira was stunned. Agnes certainly hadn’t seen that coming. Dizzy from the blows, she staggered back.

Edith’s voice was like a whip. “Matters of His Grace and Her Grace are not for a mere servant to speak on.”

Her brow arched coldly. “Well? What are you waiting for? Invite the Duchess in!” Her authority was overwhelming.

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Chapter 23 The Weight of a Title

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Agnes, who clearly preferred bullying the meek was immediately cowed. She clutched her face and couldn’t say a word.

Elowen’s eyes lit with quiet admiration. A woman from the royal palace indeed-decisive and efficient.

Mira looked positively inspired. Her eyes sparkled as she clenched her fists in her sleeves. So that’s how it’s done. She got it now. She understood.

“Who’s here? Is it Elowen?”

A soft female voice called from inside. A young woman stepped gracefully through the doorway, eyes curving with a smile. “I’ve heard my cousin married a beauty. Seeing you today, I must say the rumors were true.”

It was Vivian Ashcroft.

Before Elowen could respond, Vivian continued “You’re here for my mother, aren’t you?”

Elowen nodded. Vivian sighed. “Something mus have shaken her last night. She’s been sleeping ever since she returned.”

“She hasn’t woken up at all?”

“Not once.”

Elowen asked, “Did you send for a physician?”

“We did. But he said he couldn’t find anything wrong and just prescribed rest.”

Anyone with sense could see right through this. Mimicking Cassian’s coma? Really? She couldn’t even be original.

Elowen played along. “Then, about the keys and ledgers-who should I ask?”

Vivian sighed helplessly. “No one else knows the details. We’ll have to wait until Mother wakes up.”

Elowen nodded sympathetically. “What a shame Vivian followed with a sigh of her own.

“But since it’s Aunt Marwen, and she hasn’t stirred, I ought to see her for myself,” Elowen said, her tone suddenly shifting.

“…What?” Vivian blinked.

Elowen was already walking inside. Vivian tried to stop her, but Mira, finally awakened, pounced. She grabbed Vivian in a firm hug before she could move.

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Chapter 23 The Weight of a Title

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