The latter immediately reached for the older woman’s hand. “It’s been a while, Grandma. How are you and Grandpa?”
“We’re good.” Emily took Winnie’s hand and gave it a pat before glancing at Joshua, who was next to her.
“But your grandfather’s been having some issues with his throat. He misses your beautiful singing voice and has been waiting for you to come back. But look at you! You did return, but here you are hiding away at Wilhelm’s place! Why didn’t you come straight to the manor instead?”
As Emily rambled on, Wilhelm stood behind Joshua obediently.
After greeting Joshua, Winnie cast her gaze on Wilhelm.
The latter shrugged innocently. “It wasn’t me. I didn’t tell them anything. We agreed on this, so of course I wouldn’t go back on my word.”
Hearing that, Joshua began to grumble, “You could’ve kept this whole thing a secret, but it’s Wilhelm’s fault for not being married despite his age. Your grandmother and I came over right after hearing that he’d brought a mysterious woman home, only to find you in his living room.”
“Oh, goodness!” Emily burst into laughter as she turned to the two youngsters before her. “Don’t listen to your grandfather’s nonsense. We only decided to drop by after confirming that you’re here, Winnie. It doesn’t matter when Wilhelm gets married. Even if he chooses not to, it’s his freedom. We won’t interfere or busy ourselves with his private life.”
“Come on, Darling. You don’t have to explain the obvious! The kids know how naturally funny I am and wouldn’t take my words to heart. Isn’t that right, Wilhelm?”
“Of course.” Wilhelm was envious of the relationship his grandparents shared, but he remained unmarried as he still hadn’t found the right partner yet.
Smiling, he continued, “I still remember the last time Grandpa called himself funny…”
As the man began to reminisce the past, Winnie sat on the bed and listened to them chatter away.
Despite only sitting there and listening quietly, she felt unimaginably warm on the inside.
Although the Speisers were aristocrats, and the elderly couple was the most distinguished lord and lady in the country, Winnie always felt relaxed whenever she was with them.
Even Wilhelm, who was usually cold and stern, became gentle and caring whenever he interacted with his family members.
Enjoying the sunny afternoon with them gave Winnie peace, and peace was exactly what she needed right now.
About an hour later, Joshua left for an appointment with a collector to appraise a newly unearthed antique that was said to be a century old.
Emily, on the other hand, remained behind.
Winnie was done washing up and getting dressed by now.
As someone who was always extremely well-dressed, Emily felt something lacking about the other woman’s attire.
“You should dress better, Winnie. You’re wasting your good looks and lovely figure.”
Winnie glanced at her own arm that was still hanging in front of her torso, not knowing how to respond.
“But Grandma, I’m just in loungewear. I didn’t bring a suitcase with me this time around. I’ve washed my clothes from yesterday and even had to get someone to go to my condominium and bring me what I’m wearing now. Besides, it’s not like I can wear a dress with my arm in this state.”
Emily turned to her. “But you just told me a while ago that it’s been over two weeks since you got hurt. Can’t you remove the bandages by now? The last time I fell, I only had to wear a cast for two weeks. Leaving your arm hanging like that any longer isn’t going to do you much good either.”
“I understand, Grandma.” Winnie smiled. “I’ll drop by the hospital and have them remove my bandages tomorrow. Today will be the last day I keep my arm wrapped up.”
“Do you have any plans for today, then?” asked Emily. “What do you intend to do?”
“Hmm…” Winnie paused briefly. “I was thinking of dropping by the manor to see my adorable grandma and grandpa, but they ended up coming over instead. I must be the luckiest girl in the world.”
Emily was tickled by her words. “Let’s go shopping in a bit. I’ve been thinking of getting you a few dresses while getting my summer collection outfits, but we were always apart. I still ordered you a Chanaean gown, though, which I’m sure you’ll like. Now that you’re back, let’s go have a look at it. We can make a few more outfits at that.”
Emily was one-eighth Aplothian since her great-grandmother was pure Chanaean.
After seeing a photo of her great-grandmother in a Chanaean gown, she swore the latter was the most beautiful woman she had ever laid eyes upon, in the most stunning dress ever.
In all fairness, such a gown only looked enchanting when worn by a Chanaean. Although Emily had an eighth of Chanaean blood in her, she looked nothing like a Chanaean apart from her black eyes.
Moreover, given that she was now old and out of shape, she wouldn’t be able to pull off wearing the gown. That was why she decided to have one made specifically for Winnie instead.
“You have to try it on yourself, Winnie. If the measurements are off, you can have the dress altered on the spot.”
Winnie knew how obsessed Emily was with fashion and jewelry. It was no exaggeration to say that the latter’s dressing room was probably the size of a shopping mall.
In other words, there was no changing her mind about getting the gown today—even if she were to be in a wheelchair and had a hard time moving.
Concerned about Winnie’s safety, Wilhelm offered to take them to the store personally.
Emily was delighted. “You should stick around and take a look too, Wilhelm. Cultivate your taste in fashion so that you’ll know what to get your girlfriend in the future.”
The man nodded. “You make a good point there, Grandma.”
Champes was the most exclusive female apparel brand in the world. It was founded in Yartran and once designed and produced clothing solely for the country’s royal family.
However, with the rapid development of commercialization, Champes eventually began to accept orders on a global scale. Quantities were limited each year, however, and it was virtually impossible for mere nobles to even make it into the waiting list.
Emily was a clear exception, and Wilhelm brought this matter up on the way to the company’s workshop.
“Isn’t there always a long waiting list here, Grandma? Will the workshop receive us if you drop by on such short notice and without an appointment?”
“Of course, Wilhelm. They’re always ready to serve if it’s me.”
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