Love's Unexpected Awakening Elowen's Choice novel Chapter 276

If Sylvia had been humiliated today, and Yvonne was the kind of woman who obsessed over purity, then even if nothing truly happened, the unease would still wedge itself into her heart.

Elowen returned to Sunspire Hill with that worry gnawing at her.

Cassian went to handle the attacker, questions, interrogation, whatever needed doing. He took it on himself.

Elowen went straight to Sylvia.

Sylvia had been staying in the small courtyard next to Elowen's, but when Elowen went over, Sylvia wasn't there.

A maid said, "Miss Ashcroft is with the duchess Yvonne."

Elowen stepped inside and immediately saw Yvonne, full of concern, holding Sylvia's hand and asking, "How are you doing? Are your hands still shaking?"

Elowen paused, backed out, then stepped back in again.

Yvonne patted the back of Sylvia's hand gently. "Sweet girl. You've really been through it."

Sylvia looked overwhelmed by the kindness, cheeks red as she shook her head. "I'm much better now. Thank you, duchess."

Yvonne's eyes were soft with affection. "You sweet thing. Why are you still calling me 'duchess'?"

Elowen was speechless. That is a fast turn.

"You feel better now?"

Cassian's voice came from nearby.

Elowen's eyes curved as she nodded.

"Elowen!"

Sylvia noticed her then and called out, "Why did you come back?"

Elowen said, "I heard a man snuck into the estate. I wanted to see for myself."

Yvonne was so pleased with Sylvia that she seemed to like Elowen more too. She smiled. "You didn't need to rush back over one bold man. We could've handled it ourselves."

Then she added, "But it's good you're here. I was about to take my leave and head back to Vanelle."

Elowen made the polite offer. "Why not stay a few more days? It's rare to get a hot springs trip."

Yvonne smiled. "The hot springs are great, but I've got too much waiting. The biggest thing is, once I'm back in Vanelle, it's time to handle those two kids' marriage. Dragging it out isn't doing anyone any favors."

Sylvia blinked.

Elowen's smile widened. "I see."

Then Elowen said, "But it's late. Stay one more night. Tomorrow morning, I'll have someone escort you back."

Yvonne agreed, still smiling.

After a few more words, Elowen excused herself and left the courtyard.

Outside, she ran into Elspeth.

Elspeth went straight to it. "Ella, do you know what happened with Sylvia?"

Elowen blinked. "Can I go see him?"

Cassian took her hand. "Don't. It's messy."

He wasn't about to tell her that he'd had them smash the man's "weapon" to pulp.

On the first strike, Geoffrey had started shaking all over, sobbing and begging.

And when he was done confessing, Cassian had them finish the job.

Elowen stayed where she was and asked, "So what are you doing with him?"

Cassian's tone stayed flat. "He's a Baker servant. The Baker household will answer for it. I sent Bran to handle it."

Elowen nodded.

Cassian's thumb brushed lightly over her wrist. "Let's go to Serenity Church."

Elowen tilted her head. "It's really late. And we just got back."

Cassian looked at her. "I want to watch it with you."

Then, quieter, "If we miss this one, who knows how long it'll be before we get another chance."

Elowen frowned, confused. "Why? Serenity Church isn't that far. We can go whenever."

Cassian said, "Something came up in Vanelle. We need to get back soon."