Love's Unexpected Awakening Elowen's Choice novel Chapter 256

Elspeth and Yvonne both agreed.

The three of them set off along the narrow stone path at an unhurried pace. Walking behind, Elowen watched Yvonne for a moment. She looked as though she wanted to say something, but hesitated, holding it back.

Yvonne noticed the pause and spoke first.

"If there's something on your mind, Your Grace, please—go ahead and say it."

Elowen let out a soft breath, her tone sincere. "Forgive me for being so direct, but... are you unhappy about Sylvia's marriage?"

Before Yvonne could answer, Elowen quickly added, "No offense meant. It's just—if this truly isn't what you want, then for Sylvia's sake... and for yours, and for Falconcrest Manor, I can report the matter to His Majesty and request that the engagement be dissolved."

Yvonne froze.

"Your Grace, that..."

Elowen's expression remained calm and steady.

"I mean it sincerely."

There wasn't the slightest trace of insincerity on her face.

Yvonne frowned faintly.

"Well... since you've asked..."

Her eyes drifted past Elowen's shoulder to the towering spires of the church rising behind them.

A holy place. Elowen wouldn't speak carelessly here.

Yvonne let out a quiet breath.

"To be honest, it's not that I dislike Sylvia. It's just that I already had someone else in mind for my daughter-in-law."

Elowen asked gently, "Clarisse?"

"Exactly."

Yvonne didn't bother hiding it. A trace of emotion colored her voice.

"Clarisse has every accomplishment a young lady of good breeding ought to have—music, painting, etiquette. And she's quite lovely besides. But what impressed me most is her wit with the pen. At my birthday banquet she offered a short verse in my honor. It was so elegantly written that even the well-educated gentlemen in my family were left speechless. I've been fond of her ever since."

She paused briefly.

"Ever since then, I've thought that if Clarisse could marry into my family, it would be a blessing earned over lifetimes—for both my son and me. I hope you won't take offense, Your Grace, but in my heart... Sylvia simply doesn't compare."

By then, they had reached the viewing platform.

The setting sun spilled across the sky like molten gold, bathing the valley below in warm shades of amber and orange.

Elowen lowered her gaze and looked down from the platform. "Oh? Is that Clarisse down there?"

Yvonne followed her line of sight.

Her eyes lit up immediately. "It is!"

Delight spread openly across her face.

"It's been quite some time since I last saw her. She's grown even more beautiful. And look at her bearing—so poised, so composed. That's exactly how a noble young lady ought to carry herself."

Elspeth frowned slightly, puzzled.

"But why is she hurrying around like that all by herself? She doesn't even have a maid or a chaperone with her."

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