Chapter 36
“Finn, could you place this reply for me?”
“Lord, may I re-fold the letter?”
Leopold’s face flushed red as he realized the way he had folded the letter made it unsuitable for the message tube.
“Ah… yes, please.”
“Thank you.”
Bell unfolded the letter, re-read it, and then refolded it neatly. Since he had informed Rachel of his presence here, he planned to send a message to Finn via the carrier pigeon soon as well.
Bell casually placed the letter into the message tube and bid farewell to the pigeon.
“Take good care of the letter.”
As he extended his arm out the window, the pigeon flew off energetically. Watching the bird disappear into the sky, Leopold commented in an even tone,
“You’re skilled at handling carrier pigeons.”
“Sometimes, animals can be more reliable than people.”
“Reliable, you say….”
Leopold’s expression hardened at his meaningful response, as if trying to discern who the unreliable person in question might be. Bell, sensing his unease, responded with a faint but sharp smile.
“Viscount, you should be wary of everyone around you. Especially those involved in business.”
“It almost sounds like you’re telling me to doubt you as well.”
“Of course, I’m included. After all, I’m both a businessman and someone who serves the Duke, not you.”
“…….”
Leopold had diligently learned the ins and outs of managing the trade guild from Bell. He had assumed that this had built a faint but mutual sense of trust between them, though it seemed that wasn’t the case after all.
Steeling himself, Leopold reminded himself of the possibility that Bell might be Stefan’s lover. With that thought in mind, he posed one final question.
“Does His Grace also doubt everyone around him?”
“Of course.”
“Does that include family?”
“Family is no exception.”
“…I see.”
With an even grimmer expression, Leopold turned and walked away. Watching him go, Bell clicked his tongue quietly.
‘It’s hardly the time to be disappointed over something like that, Viscount Burke.’
Then again, now wasn’t the time for Bell to worry idly about Leopold. He had his own troubles to deal with.
‘Finn would never make such a mistake…’
Bell, too, had heard some things from Finn about Rachel. She was described as an innocent country girl, oblivious to the fact that she had been essentially sold off via promissory notes to marry into the Edmond family. Yet, from her actions, it seemed she was well aware of the situation.
The “Burke family’s unresolved issues” she mentioned likely referred to the trade guild’s debts, which meant she also knew her brother had accepted those promissory notes.
‘I didn’t think Viscount Burke was foolish enough to let something like that slip…’
And now she was asking for a potential match for Susan to be found in the Courtney region? Did she intend to get rid of the headstrong Susan from the duke’s household?
‘Even so, it’s not like that would significantly change the duchess’s position…’
What surprised Bell most, however, was that Rachel had sent a carrier pigeon. Judging by Leopold’s awkward handling of it, it was clear she hadn’t used one before either. Moreover, the only people allowed to use the pigeons at the duke’s estate were Stefan and Rita. Rachel must have used a pigeon from another family.
‘The duchess seems to have already made friends in the capital.’
He chuckled to himself at the thought but quickly replaced it with a serious expression before making a suggestion to Leopold.
“Viscount, why don’t you visit the trade guild in person tomorrow?”
“…Very well.”
“In that case, you should rest early tonight. Running a guild is more exhausting than it seems.”
“Understood.”
“I’ll take my leave now, then.”
“Thank you for your help, Finn.”
“Think nothing of it.”
Bell offered a polite smile before leaving Leopold’s study. Once outside, he hurried his steps, his thoughts preoccupied with the need to send a carrier pigeon to Finn before nightfall.
—
For some reason, Rachel seemed to be in an exceptionally good mood that morning. Perhaps it was because the obligatory night spent with her husband was over, allowing her a good night’s sleep. Or perhaps it was because she was quietly plotting something.
Late the previous night, Finn had delivered startling news that left Stefan wide awake until morning.
‘So, she knew she was sold off because of the Burke trade guild’s debt. And why would she ask about finding a husband for Susan? Could it be she’s truly planning to settle in and take control of the Edmond family?’
Stefan’s gaze, which usually turned to the morning paper, lingered on Rachel instead. She noticed, of course.
“Your Grace, is there something you wish to say to me?”
“Do you have any plans for this afternoon?”
“What plans could I possibly have when I spend all my days confined to the estate?”
Rachel smiled sweetly at him, and only then did his gaze shift away.
“Just because you remain in the estate doesn’t mean you wouldn’t have plans. After all, the Marchioness of Cota visits often, doesn’t she?”
“How would Your Grace know that when you’re out so frequently?”
“I’ve encountered her, quite often, on my way back.”
Stefan’s emphasis on “quite often” amused Rachel. Was he implying she should not only remain confined but also stop receiving guests? Just as her irritation began to rise, Stefan made an unexpected remark that cooled her expression.
“If you have no plans with the marchioness, I was thinking of calling a tailor this afternoon.”
“A tailor?”
“Wouldn’t it be fitting to have a few dresses made for you?”
Rachel recalled the muslin dress Rita had so mercilessly torn apart not long ago.
‘It wasn’t a favorite, but still, it’s a shame.’
It was strange for Stefan, who had shown no interest in household matters, let alone her wardrobe, to personally arrange for a tailor.
“Is there an event coming up, Your Grace?”
“An event?”
“You’re arranging for dresses, so I wondered if there was an occasion.”
“…No such event.”
“Then why?”
“If a reason is necessary, let’s just say it’s for the new duchess.”
In her previous life, Rachel might have been fooled by such sweet words. But this time, she had resolved never to be deceived.
‘For the new duchess? Nonsense. You just need a convincing facade.’
Still, she thought it wasn’t a bad suggestion. She could acquire some fashionable capital-style dresses while also displaying the appearance of a harmonious marriage to others.
“I’m deeply grateful for Your Grace’s attention to even such trivial matters.”
“You flatter me, Duchess.”
“If I may, could I make one more request?”
Rachel’s shy question drew Stefan’s red eyes back to her. She had a knack for adding a twist to an otherwise smooth conversation, making the atmosphere subtly peculiar.
“Could you also have dresses made for Miss Susan?”
Stefan’s eyes were filled with scorn.
‘So, she’s finally revealing her true intentions.’
He barely managed to suppress the sneer threatening to escape his lips before casually asking,
“Have you grown close to Susan in the meantime?”
Rachel, understanding the implication behind his words, responded with equal candor.
“Your Grace, I’d like you to find a suitable match for Miss Susan.”
“For something like that, speak with my mother. Or hire matchmakers…”
“If they had been successful, I wouldn’t be asking you, would I?”
It seemed she was serious about wanting to send Susan away. But why was she showing her hand so openly?
“Do you have a reason for hastening Susan’s marriage, Duchess?”
“I’m not suggesting we rush her into marriage, Your Grace.”
Stefan, unable to comprehend her intentions, furrowed his brow.
“But you just asked me to look for a match, didn’t you?”
“Wouldn’t it be romantic for her to fall in love with someone who could potentially be her future husband?”
Rachel’s cheeks flushed as if she were daydreaming, and Stefan looked at her in disbelief.
‘Romantic love? For the brazen Susan Edmond? You’ve clearly got the wrong person.’
Rachel, noticing Stefan’s restrained laughter, added,
“Miss Susan is the most confident and beautiful woman I’ve ever met. An arranged marriage doesn’t suit someone like her.”
“An arranged marriage doesn’t seem like such a bad option.”
The comment was thrown out without much thought, but Rachel suddenly placed her hand gently on his arm. Then, with her pale, slender fingers, she slid her hand under his sleeve and began tickling him.
“Could I interpret Your Grace’s words as a sign that our relationship is going well?”
“…If that’s how you took it, I won’t correct you.”
“Thank you, Your Grace. Even though ours is an arranged marriage, I’d like to believe it was the start of a destined meeting.”
Rachel flashed Stefan a sweet smile. For a moment, he saw her eyes turn purple, and he swallowed hard.
‘What in the world is she planning?’
Note:
Hello dear readers,
I’m extremely sorry, I had mistakenly skipped this chapter which is why as compensation I’m free realizing this chapter. Thank you for your understanding and love.
Happy Reading.🩷😊
