Love's Unexpected Awakening Elowen's Choice novel Chapter 91

Chapter 91 The Plea

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Upon seeing Elowen, Rowena immediately rose to her feet, her face etched with apology. “Just now, my daughter Elara behaved improperly, barging into your private chambers without permission. It was a grave offense. Please accept my deepest apologies on her behalf.”

She performed a formal, perfectly measured curtsy.

Elowen was somewhat taken aback but maintained a pleasant smile. “It’s alright.”

But Rowena continued to offer profuse apologies, even nudging Elara to make her own.

Elowen finally caught on. No wonder Cassian had told her not to worry-Rowena was clearly a woman of proper decorum.

Once they were seated, Rowena spoke first. “Yesterday, I mentioned my nephew’s marriage prospects to His Grace. He said the matter could be discussed with Your Grace.”

Elowen smiled, “Here’s the situation. The Duke’s uncle, General Aldric Ashcroft, has a younger daughter, Sylvia. She has come of age, and I thought, as the two are of similar years, perhaps they could be introduced.”

Rowena nodded. “General Ashcroft and my husband are old acquaintances. I have met Sylvia a few times in the past-a lively, pretty girl. She must have grown into a fine young woman.”

“Mother…”

Elara’s voice was soft and pleading from the side. “I’m of age too, and I still haven’t married.”

Rowena shot her a glance but said nothing.

Elowen looked over. “Yes, Miss Wren is at a perfect age. Have any suitable matches been considered?”

Elara whispered, almost to herself, “Cassian is quite good…”

Rowena’s expression darkened.

First, the girl had barged into someone’s private chambers unannounced.

Now she was praising another woman’s husband to her face.

Her daughter, usually so obedient, seemed to lose all sense and reason whenever Cassian was involved.

As her mother, Rowena was burned with shame wishing the floor would swallow her whole.

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19:16 Fri, Feb 13 TTD

Chapter 91 The Plea

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Elowen’s voice remained calm and measured. “The Duke is, without doubt, an exceptional man. But the world is full of different people, and the most suitable husband is different for each woman. Take your father, for instance-hes a truly good man. Marrying him was a great fortune in your mother’s life, was it not?”

Rowena started, looking at Elowen with a mix of shock and admiration.

They were nearly the same age as her daughter, yet so much wiser. What Elowen said was both perceptive and tactful.

Rowena remembered that Elowen’s mother came from a distinguished background-no wonder she had raised such a daughter.

She felt utterly inadequate by comparison.

Forcing a smile, Rowena opened her mouth to agree and smooth things over.

But Elara seemed to have reached a resolution. She suddenly stood up and knelt heavily before Elowen.

The smile vanished from Elowen’s lips.

Rowena’s brow furrowed in anger. “Elara! What is the meaning of this? Get up at once!”

“Mother, I missed my chance with him once before. I cannot let it happen again!”

Tears welled in Elara’s eyes as she gazed imploringly at Elowen. “Your Grace, Cassian and I grew up together. Since I was a child, I vowed I would marry him. If I cannot have him, I will shave my head and join a convent!”

“Elara, what nonsense are you spouting!” Rowena’s voice trembled with fury.

Elara’s face was set in stubborn defiance, refusing to look at her mother.

Elowen looked down at the kneeling girl. “You speak of your feelings for the Duke. But what of his feelings for you? Did he ever vow to marry you and no other?”

Elara flinched slightly but pressed on, “He may not have said the words, but his actions speak! If he held no affection for me, why would he be so kind? He sends an allowance for Mother and me every month, and he assigned his most trusted guard to protect us… I must be in his heart!”

Elowen sighed, “He looks after you and your mother out of respect and concern for your father.”

“No! It’s not because of Father!” Elara shook her head vehemently. “If he weren’t waiting for me to grow up, a man his age would have married and had children long ago. But he hasn’t.

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19:16 Fri Feb 13 TTD

Chapter 91 The Plea

He’s waiting for me…”

Elowen opened her mouth, then closed it, at a loss for words.

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Sometimes, people-whether due to youth or lack of hardship-cling stubbornly to their delusions, refusing to see the truth until they crash headlong into it.

In her past life, she had been that person, blind in the midst of her own folly.

Even when Alaric had treated her so cruelly, she had gritted her teeth and persevered, always thinking, What if tomorrow he finally treats me right?

Elara was the same now.

“Your Grace, I beg you…”

Elara knelt on the floor, shuffling closer on her knees, her plea desperate. “Please, allow me and Cassian to be together… As long as you agree to let me in, I’ll serve you well and-”

Smack!

Rowena could bear no more. She sprang up, strode forward, and struck Elara hard across the face.

Elara froze, her hand flying to her cheek, staring at her mother in disbelief.

In all her years, her mother had never struck her The sting of the blow and the harshness of the reprimand broke the dam; tears streamed down her face.

Rowena’s face was dark with shame and anger. “You shameless girl!”

Her fingers trembled violently, but she did not let it show.

Taking a deep, steadying breath, she turned back to Elowen, her eyes filled with profound remorse. “I have spoiled this child beyond reason. She is not in her right mind today and has spoken unforgivable nonsense. Please, Your Grace, don’t take it to heart.”

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