SMR | CH 24

~Chapter 24~

At Trisha’s words, Harriet’s expression changed slightly.

“If you’re talking about life at my uncle’s house, yes, I did go through some hardship.”

There was almost a boldness in Harriet’s response, and Trisha let out a small chuckle. As expected, her grandniece was not an ordinary person.

‘She seemed quite smart, even as a child.’

Trisha still remembered the time 13 years ago when Arthur’s family came to visit her sick husband.

Back then, Arthur and Lillian had sincerely offered their condolences and support, and Harriet, who was nine years old, had been polite yet charming.

“Great-Aunt, this is a lucky stone. I found it two years ago, and ever since I picked it up, only good things have happened to me.”

“Really? It’s a pretty stone.”

“I’ll give it to you, Grandma.”

“Hm? It must be precious to you, so why are you giving it to me?”

At that moment, Harriet had glanced at Trisha’s husband, Oster, who was holding Arthur and Lillian’s hands. Then she turned back to Trisha and said, “I’ll give you all my luck. I really hope Great-Uncle gets better.”

For a moment, Trisha hadn’t known what to say. But then that little girl, as if she understood something, placed the stone in Trisha’s hand and added, “Even if my luck can’t save Great-Uncle, at least something good will happen to you. It really is a lucky stone, I’m not lying.”

Perhaps that’s why.

Despite everyone believing Trisha would be left powerless after her husband’s death, she ended up becoming the head of the Pellon family, following his will.

After that, while she was busy managing both the family and its affairs, the news of Arthur and Lillian’s deaths reached her.

For years, she lost touch with Harriet, who was said to be living with John’s family. It wasn’t until three or four years ago that Harriet’s name resurfaced, and it wasn’t under honorable circumstances.

‘Weren’t they calling her a shameless scandal maker?’

Trisha saw the nine-year-old Harriet in the grown woman sitting before her, who looked her straight in the eye. The intelligence that had been in those olive and brown eyes was still there.

But even after exchanging several letters, Harriet had never offered any explanation about the rumors surrounding her. Roxana, who had spent five months with her, also hadn’t heard anything about it. All she had said was this:

“She doesn’t seem to think she has done anything wrong. Whether that’s because she truly hasn’t, or because she’s just shameless, I’m not sure.”

Though Trisha felt she understood the situation, she still asked, just to see.

“Why don’t you tell me a bit about those hardships? All I’ve heard about you is that you ‘you pretended to be your cousin Bella to lure men.’”

As expected, Harriet’s expression darkened. But it didn’t look like she was hiding anything.

“There’s a lot I’d like to say. None of it is true. I didn’t do any of those things.”

“Really?”

“But right now, no matter what I say, it will sound like a one-sided excuse. So…”

A sharp glint flickered in her eyes.

“Please watch what I do from now on. When you decide you can trust me, ask me again. Then, I’ll tell you everything.”

Trisha was sure she hadn’t imagined it.

Harriet was as sharp and perceptive as ever, able to read the thoughts and feelings of others.

There had to be a reason such a clever girl had been driven to the point of public ridicule.

“You’re bold.”

“If that came off as disrespectful, I apologize.”

“No, I meant you’re smart. If you keep handling things this way, I might not have much to worry about… but…”

Trisha’s tone trailed off, suggesting she had something to criticize. Harriet tensed up as Trisha frowned and looked her over.

Trisha raised her index finger and motioned up and down at Harriet’s outfit.

“But we need to do something about your appearance.”

“Huh? Oh…”

Harriet glanced down at herself and felt her ears burn with embarrassment. She had thought her clothes were simple yet neat enough, but now that she saw them through Trisha’s eyes, she realized she looked like a fallen noble just up from the countryside.

‘She’s not wrong.’

She knew she would need new clothes eventually. But since she didn’t have much money, she would have to choose carefully.

Harriet began to explain her plan.

“For now, I thought I’d observe the trends in society for a bit and then have my clothes tailored accordingly—”

“What a funny thing to say.”

But despite her words, Trisha’s expression showed no amusement. Harriet swallowed nervously.

“I told you very clearly, didn’t I? I won’t tolerate anything that tarnishes my name.”

“Yes.”

“Once it becomes known that I’m your guardian, it’s only a matter of time before people take notice. If you walk around looking like this for even a day, it will reflect poorly on my reputation.”

Sweat began to form on Harriet’s hands. She had only just found a guardian, but if Trisha realized she barely had enough money to buy proper clothes, would she be thrown out immediately?

Harriet wanted to ask for more time to prepare, but Trisha’s stern gaze was so intimidating that she couldn’t bring herself to speak.

“Sorry, I… I apologize…”

“So, we’ll start moving from tomorrow. I’m sure you’re tired from the trip, but you’re not here to relax, so brace yourself.”

“Excuse me? I’m really sorry, but… what exactly do you mean by ‘moving’?”

Harriet couldn’t help but ask, even though she feared she’d get scolded for it. Trisha responded as if she couldn’t believe Harriet didn’t understand.

“I already told you! We need to do something about the way you look. When did you even get those clothes tailored? Did you inherit that hat from your mother? And those shoes… goodness!”

Harriet suddenly felt embarrassed about her worn-out shoes and pulled her feet in. Although the damage wasn’t visible from the outside, she still felt self-conscious.

“Everything about your appearance is failing! You’ll need to visit the dressmaker and the shoemaker and get everything newly made. Don’t even think about walking around looking like this!”

Harriet’s mouth went dry. There was no way the places Trisha was referring to would be cheap, so Harriet knew she couldn’t hide it any longer. She had to admit her financial situation.

“Great-Aunt… I’m really sorry, but… I don’t have enough money right now to get new clothes and shoes. But I promise I’ll find a way to get the money and make sure I have clothes that won’t embarrass you. Could you please give me a little more time?”

“What? Did I just hear that right?”

“I don’t mean I have no money at all. If I sell my necklace and bracelet, I’ll be able to afford a couple of dresses and some shoes, so…”

“Good grief!”

Trisha shook her head in disbelief. Harriet tightly closed her eyes, unable to face the possibility that her good fortune might slip away.

“Harriet Listerwell.”

“Yes, Great-Aunt.”

“What do you think a guardian is?”

“Um…?”

Trisha scoffed.

“Is there anyone in Genoa who doesn’t know that you have nothing left? Do you think I called you here to ask for money?”

“No, that’s not it…”

“Or do you think John made you pay every time you got new clothes?”

“Well… no, he didn’t…”

“So, you’re implying I seem stingier than John?”

“No! Absolutely not, Great-Aunt!”

Harriet waved her hands in panic, but Trisha clicked her tongue, clearly displeased.

“Being your guardian means that, until this relationship ends, I’ll be responsible for everything you wear, eat, and live in. During that time, you’ll be preparing yourself to become fully independent, just like you promised. Got it?”

Harriet hesitated for a moment. She felt like there was something she didn’t fully understand, and before she could stop herself, a question she had meant to ask later slipped out.

“Then… what do you get out of this, Great-Aunt? I mean, why did you accept my request to become my guardian…?”

Her voice trailed off. It felt like such a ridiculous question to be asking now.

Trisha stared at Harriet with an expression of disbelief.

“Do I seem so poor that I need to get something out of you? I’m simply well-off and decided to take in my poor grandniece, that’s all.”

Then, as if she had just remembered something, she added, “Or maybe I’m repaying a debt to you.”

“Huh? To me?”

Harriet looked confused, wondering if she had heard correctly. A slight smile formed on one side of Trisha’s lips.

Could Harriet still remember that lucky stone, which was still resting in her jewelry box?

“Let’s just say there’s something. Anyway, you must be hungry, so go eat dinner. I’ll be heading upstairs.”

“Th… thank you.”

“Esther!”

At her call, a maid with a calm demeanor quietly appeared and bowed.

“Show Harriet to the room we’ve prepared for her. Oh, and she’s my grandniece, so make sure everyone treats her with the proper respect.”

With that, Trisha left the parlor. As Harriet bowed her head to show her gratitude, the maid named Esther approached her.