Love's Unexpected Awakening Elowen's Choice novel Chapter 59

Chapter 59 A Well-Laid Trap

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Marwen was effusive. “Just now, Cora brought your message to Rose Hall! Sylvia, come on, kowtow to your sister-in-law and thank her.”

Elowen frowned. “Why should she bow?”

Marwen laughed as if it were obvious, “A royal gathering is a grand affair! Without your grace, such an opportunity would never come to my simple daughter. She must show her gratitude!”

She turned to Sylvia. “What are you waiting for? Come here!”

Sylvia, head still bowed, shuffled forward and began to bend her knees.

Yvonne watched with keen interest from the side.

“Stop!” Elowen’s voice cut through sharply.

If Sylvia truly performed a full kowtow today, by tomorrow, the entire Vanelle would be buzzing.

The lightest rumor would be that the Duchess of Duskmoor was haughty and demanding; the worst would drag Cassian’s name through the mud.

That was the last thing Elowen wanted.

Was Marwen deliberately setting a trap, or was she simply too oblivious to see the consequences?

“I’m her sister-in-law. Taking her to a gathering is a small favor. Demanding a kowtow puts me in an awkward position, Aunt.” Elowen’s tone was cool.

Marwen faltered.

Elowen’s

gaze

shifted to Yvonne, adopting a politely puzzled expression. “And you are…?”

“Oh, this is Duchess Yvonne, the Duchess of Falconcrest,” Marwen introduced with false familiarity. “She came specifically to pay her respects.”

“I see. Duchess Yvonne, please, sit. Mira, refreshments. Bring the tea His Majesty gifted us.”

She added casually, “I received it when I attended Princess Maerwyn’s birthday celebration recently.”

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Chapter 59 A Well-Laid Trap

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Yvonne offered a flattering smile. “His Majesty clearly holds Duke of Duskmoor, and you, in high esteem.”

Elowen smiled back. “Isn’t the Duke of Falconcrest also a pillar of the realm? At the Princess’ banquet, I happened to meet your son-a most impressive young man. Is he… spoken for?”

The mention of her son’s marital status made Yvonne sigh. “He’s a stubborn, troublesome boy! Either the girl isn’t pretty enough, or her character isn’t to his liking. At his age, he won’t even take a bedchamber maid! It worries me day and night.”

For this kind of chat, Elowen had a catchall line. “He simply hasn’t met the right one. When fate decides, he’ll be more eager than anyone.”

Pleased, Yvonne accepted the tea Mira presented.

Elowen observed her discreetly, wondering what had truly brought Yvonne here.

Yvonne took a delicate sip and set her cup down. “I heard something rather shocking happened at the Northern Garrison yesterday.”

“The Northern Garrison?” Marwen feigned surprise, glancing meaningfully at Elowen. “Wasn’t that where His Grace was yesterday? What happened?”

Ah. Here it comes.

Elowen played along, asking with mild interest, “Yes, what did happen at the garrison yesterday?”

Yvonne’s eyes lit up with gossipy fervor. “They say a woman caused a terrible scene, forcing her way into the camp. Apparently, she had a secret understanding with one of the officers there. He’d sworn he loved her for years, treated her like a treasure, but never got around to marrying her. Then, for some reason, the officer suddenly married another woman recently. The jilted lover was so furious she stormed the garrison, making a dreadful spectacle, threatening to take her own life!”

Marwen’s face was a mask of exaggerated shock. “How dreadful! Who was the officer?”

Yvonne shrugged. “No idea who exactly. Just heard he’s someone important in the garrison. They tried to hush it all up, of course.”

Marwen’s eyes widened dramatically. “Someone powerful in the garrison, and His Grace happened to be there yesterday-could it be…”

She cut herself off there and looked at Elowen.

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Chapter 59 A Well-Laid Trap

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