Love's Unexpected Awakening Elowen's Choice novel Chapter 71

Chapter 71 Unwelcome Guests

“What’s wrong?” Elowen asked, concerned.

“It’s morning. You’re the lady of the house now. Lots to handle,” Cassian said.

The reason sounded plausible enough.

Elowen nodded.

After climbing out of bed, she drew the bed curtains closed.

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As she washed and dressed, the heat in her cheeks subsided, and she replayed their morning interaction.

Cassian had initially wanted to hold her to sleep, then suddenly told her to go.

She didn’t think she’d said anything wrong. There could only be one reason—he had thought of the woman he truly loved, felt guilty, and ultimately decided to remain faithful to her.

That was fine by her.

While she was finishing her toilette, Cora came in from outside and reported, “Your Grace, the visitors from Rose Hall are here.”

Elowen nodded. “Have Lady Sylvia wait for me in the parlor.”

Cora hesitated. “It’s not just Lady Sylvia. Lady Marwen is with her.”

Elowen wasn’t surprised. “Then have them both wait in the parlor.”

“Yes, Your Grace.”

Once she was ready, Elowen made her way there. The moment she stepped through the doorway, Marwen launched into a voluble speech.

“Your Grace! I heard about the little disagreement Sylvia caused at the verse salon yesterday. Such a bother for you! I’ve brought her here today to apologize.” Marwen’s smile was wide and ingratiating.

Elowen offered a thin, humorless smile in return. “How thoughtful of you.”

Marwen’s smile widened. “Well, it’s not hard to guess what was on the poor girl’s mind. She’s at that age, you see, starting to think of marriage. Seeing His Highness the Crown Prince-so

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Chapter 71 Unwelcome Guests

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noble, so handsome-well, it’s only natural she’d be smitten. She’s just a young girl, trying to catch his eye, though her methods were clumsy.”

If Elowen hadn’t already spoken to Sylvia, she might have been taken in by this performance.

She remained silent, sipping her tea slowly, her eyes downcast.

Marwen scrutinized her expression. “To be honest, when you think about it, His Highness addresses His Grace as ‘Uncle. Sylvia is His Grace’s cousin. It’s not such an impossible match, is it?”

There it was-the naked ambition laid bare.

Elowen held her cup and smiled, “His Highness does address His Grace as ‘Uncle.’ But His Highness’ marriage is not for His Grace to decide; Her Majesty the Queen oversees that. Just as Sylvia’s marriage is your concern, is it not?”

Marwen gave a strained laugh. “My point is, we’re all family. Wouldn’t it be lovely to strengthen those bonds? You and Her Majesty are sisters-in-law now. You can enter the palace anytime. Could you put in a word?”

Mira, standing behind Elowen, couldn’t hold her tongue. “Her Grace is swamped every day. How would she have time to drop by the palace just for your daughter’s marriage…”

Marwen’s face instantly hardened. She shot Mira a withering glare. “When your betters are speaking, a servant should know her place and hold her tongue!”

Thud.

Elowen set her cup down with deliberate force,

Marwen instinctively looked at her face.

Elowen’s face had zero smile.

“Mira came with me from Hale Manor as my only attendant from home. When you insult her, you insult me-and the Hales.”

Marwen blinked, taken aback. “Your Grace, you misunderstand, I didn’t mean-

“Please leave,” Elowen said, standing up. “I’ve got a lot on my plate today. I won’t be keeping you.”

With that, she turned and left, Mira following closely.

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Chapter 71 Unwelcome Guests

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In the now-empty parlor, Sylvia squirmed with embarrassment. “Mother, let’s just go. What’s the point of staying here?”

Marwen snorted, “This is to show Elowen my resolve! If she refuses to help me, she’ll pay for it dearly.”

Sylvia frowned. “But Mother, we’re the ones left cooling our heels out here-we’re the ones enduring this slight. Her Grace is far too busy with her own affairs inside to know the first thing about hardship…”

Marwen glared and shook off her daughter’s hand. “Heartless girl! Taking her side! It’s all your fault-you couldn’t even catch your own cousin’s eye, let alone the Crown Prince!”

Sylvia hung her head. “I’m not beautiful or talented. What could I possibly use to attract them?”

“Exactly! That’s why you need me!” Marwen declared. “Now, you sit here and be quiet. We’re not leaving!”

She then waved imperiously at Cora, who had remained by the door. “You! Fetch fresh tea. And pastries!”

Cora stared.

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