Chapter 66
“What’s causing such a commotion?”
“N-nothing, sir.”
Unlike usual, Thomas hesitated, prompting Stefan to quickly change the subject.
“I have an important matter to discuss with Mother, so you may leave now.”
“Yes, Your Grace.”
Thomas, looking tense, stepped aside to make way for them. Once the Duke and Duchess entered the bedroom, he hurriedly closed the door and disappeared.
Still fuming, Rita was startled by her son and daughter-in-law’s sudden appearance, her face flushing even redder.
“What brings the two of you here at this hour?”
“You weren’t planning to sleep already, were you?”
“Of-of course not.”
“We wanted to discuss something about Stella.”
“What about Stella?”
Already overwhelmed with Susan’s issues, Rita found herself displeased by Stefan bringing up Stella now.
“Stella will turn fourteen next year. We were thinking of enrolling her in the academy to ensure she receives a proper education.”
“Her lessons with the private tutor are sufficient. Isn’t that how Susan was educated as well?”
“Susan loved books and was naturally curious, so she had a strong desire to learn. The private tutor’s lessons were enough for her, but Stella is different.”
“Different how?”
“Do you really need to ask?”
As Stefan frowned, Rita cleared her throat and avoided his gaze. He was essentially blaming Stella’s ignorance on her, after all.
Rita had coddled Stella, treating her as the baby of the family. Not only was she much younger than her siblings, but being born posthumously made her even more precious. Stella, who inherited her father’s striking looks, also helped elevate the Duchess’s status. It was only natural for Rita to dote on her.
Sending Stella to the academy, which inevitably meant staying in a dormitory, would separate mother and daughter. The mere thought of parting from her beloved youngest child was unbearable for Rita.
“I refuse. If even Stella leaves for the academy, what do you expect me to do?”
Rita, on the verge of tears, appealed to her son. But Stefan’s cold expression made it clear he was determined to push through his plans.
“I can no longer sit idly by while Stella tarnishes the Edmond family’s reputation every time she opens her mouth. If she refuses the academy, I’ll consider sending her abroad instead.”
Rita’s eyes widened in shock. Sending Stella to an academy in the capital was already upsetting enough, but now he was suggesting an indefinite stay abroad?
“How can you, as her brother, be so heartless?”
“It’s precisely because she’s my sister that I want to raise her properly.”
“An academy is full of boys! Aren’t you worried about your young sister being there?”
“Are you planning to keep Stella by your side forever and never let her marry?”
“……”
“She might even meet a fine young man at the academy and marry, just as Susan did. Unless, of course, you plan to send her off to some faraway marriage and then regret it.”
The sudden mention of Susan caused Rita to hesitate. She realized that addressing Susan’s problems would leave her less time to focus on Stella. Perhaps sending Stella to the academy temporarily wouldn’t be the worst idea. If she were to find a suitable husband at the academy, even better. After all, graduates of the academy were highly regarded as ideal matches.
“Can we send a maid with her to the academy?”
“That won’t be possible.”
“Then perhaps she could go with a friend…”
“Does Stella have any friends?”
Seeing Stefan’s earnest expression, Rita quickly changed the subject.
“I mean, if she enters with someone her age, it might help her adjust to the academy more easily…”
“Then let’s bring Remington. My brother-in-law also intends to enroll in the academy.”
Rita’s sharp gaze shifted to Rachel. Her expression seemed to say, ‘Was it you who conspired to put this idea into my son’s head?’
Rachel was just as surprised. She had planned for Remington to attend the academy in the capital, but she hadn’t expected him to enroll alongside Stella so openly.
“I’ll talk to Stella about it.”
“Wh-what’s the rush?”
“The enrollment season has passed, so we need to act quickly.”
“Then why not wait until next year?”
“Time waits for no one.”
Stefan’s meaningful words silenced Rita. With Susan in urgent need of help, there wasn’t time to waste.
“Well then, we’ll take our leave.”
“Goodnight, Mother.”
“……”
Though Rita huffed and turned away, Rachel couldn’t help but feel delighted. This unexpected turn of events would allow Remington to join the academy in the capital with ease. She grasped Stefan’s outstretched hand, smiling softly. Tonight, for the first time, he felt less like her husband and more like the most dependable ally in the world.
***
Two days later, Remington arrived at the duke’s estate. He had already been prepared to move to the capital, making his swift arrival possible.
“Sister! Sister!”
Jumping off the carriage, Remington came running toward me like an oversized puppy. He had grown much taller since I last saw him. The swordsmanship lessons and steady exercise seemed to have paid off; his physique looked much more robust now.
“Welcome, Remington. The academy enrollment process is underway, so you’ll need to stay at the duke’s estate for about a week.”
“It feels like a dream to live with you again, Sister.”
“I feel the same, my dear.”
I hugged Remington tightly as he buried his head against me, then turned to greet Leopold.
“You must be busy, but thank you for making the trip to Courtney and back, Leo.”
“Even if I’m busy, this is something I have to do. If I don’t take care of it, who will?”
“Thank you. Come inside for a cup of tea before you go.”
“I can’t. I need to head back right away. I’ve been away for two days, so my work must have piled up.”
I felt grateful to my brother, who worked diligently without ever showing how hard it must be to learn the ropes of running the trading company.
“Remington, don’t trouble your sister. There are many difficult people in the duke’s household, so be mindful of how you conduct yourself. And don’t provoke that prickly sister-in-law, Stella, for no reason…”
Leopold’s endless admonitions made Remington’s face gradually turn pale. I quickly intervened to stop him.
“I’ll let you know once the enrollment date is set. Take care, Leo.”
“Alright. I’ll be going now. You two stay safe.”
“Have a safe trip, Brother!”
We stood waving at Leopold’s departing carriage until it disappeared from view, exchanging meaningful glances.
“Has Leo’s nagging gotten worse while I wasn’t around?”
“Don’t even get me started. Since you left, he’s been following me around all day, nagging nonstop like he’s riddled with anxiety.”
“He should spend that time focusing on learning the trading business…”
“Thankfully, things improved when His Grace’s aide arrived. That man took Brother under his wing and started teaching him, so I finally caught a break.”
“You’ve been through a lot, my sweet Remington.”
I affectionately ruffled Remington’s hair before leading him into the estate. His belongings had already been moved in, so I guided him to the guest room where he would stay for the week.
“Why don’t you take a bath first?”
“Yes, Sister.”
While Remington was in the bath, I planned to organize his belongings briefly. Since most of the items would eventually go with him to the academy, there was no need to unpack everything.
“Oh, what’s this…”
As I sorted through his clothes, I found a family photo tucked carefully among them. I paused, my hands stopping mid-motion. It seemed he had placed the photo between soft clothing to prevent the frame from breaking.
“My sweet Remington, how thoughtful of you…”
I gently traced his face in the photo with my fingers before hugging the frame to my chest. It felt miraculous and heartwarming to see the family photo still intact, knowing it had been burned by Rita in my previous life.
‘If I had returned to this point in time a little earlier, could I have prevented my parents’ accident?’
If so, I might not have decided to remarry Stefan. My family would have been complete with just the four of us from the Burke household.
‘Mother, Father, please wait a little longer. I’ll rebuild the Burke family and show you.’
My plan was simple: divorce Stefan after securing a pregnancy and return as Rachel Burke. Then, the five of us could become the Burke family once again. If I could hasten the pregnancy, happiness would come even sooner.
Overwhelmed by emotion, I hugged the photo frame tighter, tears eventually spilling from my eyes.
“Sister, what are you doing there?”
Startled by Remington’s voice, I quickly wiped away my tears. I didn’t want to upset him by making him cry as well.
“Did you finish your bath already?”
As I placed the frame down and began to stand, he was already by my side. He gently hugged my shoulders and whispered tenderly.
“Don’t cry, Sister. I’ll always protect you.”
His words broke the dam holding back my tears, and I began sobbing again. I pulled him into a tight embrace, unable to contain my emotions.
I had thought he’d only grown taller, but his heart had grown so much larger as well. The fresh scent of soap clinging to him reminded me of my father’s scent from long ago.
This time, I vowed to protect Remington until he grew into someone as strong and dependable as our father.
‘I won’t lose you in this life, Remington.’
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