Love's Unexpected Awakening Elowen's Choice novel Chapter 246

Chapter 246 Lines Drawn

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He wore a face covering, revealing only a pair of cool, composed eyes. Stepping forward, he gave Elowen a respectful nod.

“Doctor Dray is here.”

Elowen inclined her head. “Take the child inside and see to the wound. It’s late, close the gates.”

The heavy doors of Duskmoor Manor shut slowly, cutting off the noise and stares from

outside.

Lydia lifted Nina and followed the attendants toward the side hall.

Elspeth remained where she was, her body still trembling, whether from anger or something deeper, it was hard to tell.

“Aunt,” Elowen said gently, “let’s go in.”

Elspeth frowned. “I don’t want to see her.”

Elowen stepped closer, lowering her voice. “The show’s not over yet.”

Elspeth glanced at her. Elowen gave a small, reassuring smile. “It’s fine. I’m here.”

They entered the side hall and took their seats.

Doctor Dray finished treating Nina’s wound, wrapping it neatly before closing his kit. “Keep it dry. Change the dressing once a day. It should heal in a few days.”

Lydia nodded absently, her eyes drifting toward the doorway now and then, as if waiting for

someone.

Before long, a servant stepped in. “Your Grace, the Marquis of Havenstead has arrived.”

Elspeth’s first reaction was immediate. “Tell him to leave-”

Elowen pressed her arm lightly, stopping her. “Show him in.”

The servant bowed and left.

Elspeth muttered under her breath, displeased. “Why let him in? He’s just going to take their side again…”

Before she could finish, footsteps approached, steady but urgent.

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15:01 Sat, Feb 21

Chapter 246 Lines Drawn

Alistair entered the room.

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Nearing fifty, he still carried himself with a straight-backed ease. Broad shoulders, a defined waist, his dark robe fitted him cleanly. Under the candlelight, his features came into view, sharp brow, deep-set eyes, and a well-kept beard that gave him both authority and refinement.

“My lord-” Lydia spoke first, her voice trembling, almost pleading.

Elowen’s brow tightened slightly.

The wife hadn’t even spoken yet, and the cousin had already stepped forward.

No sense of place. Alistair didn’t look at Lydia.

His gaze went straight to Elspeth. “What happened?”

Elspeth glanced at Elowen. Elowen met her eyes calmly. “Say it as it is.”

Elspeth’s expression hardened. She turned back, voice cold. “Why ask me? Ask your dear cousin.”

Elowen pressed her fingers lightly to her temple, letting out a silent breath.

She was starting to understand why these two never stopped clashing.

Alistair frowned, about to speak-Then Lydia suddenly dropped to the floor, her body folding down as if all strength had left her. She looked up at him through tear-streaked cheeks, voice breaking.

“My lord… this is all my fault. I know she resents me… but I couldn’t stand seeing the two of you drift apart because of me. I lost my head. I brought Nina here, hoping to ask her to come

back…”

Her shoulders shook as she cried. “Blame me if you must, but please don’t be angry with her. It’s all my fault… I shouldn’t have come. I shouldn’t have made myself a burden…”

Elspeth’s temper snapped.

“Stop pretending!” she shot back.

Lydia flinched, shrinking in on herself, voice small and pleading. “If you’re angry, take it out on me. Just… please don’t stay upset with him. That household needs its lady. If it comes to it… I’ll leave Vanelle with Nina. We’ll never show our faces again…”

The words sounded humble. But every line pressed harder.

III

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