Old Mr. Jarvis retreated to the study at the back of the house; upon entering the room, he was greeted by Old Mr. Quintin’s smug expression, which denoted he had clearly enjoyed the spectacle.

Huffing with frustration, Mr. Jarvis grumbled, “The Macclain family really is a disappointment!”

Mr. Quintin couldn’t help but revel in his dismay, “It serves you right for going!”

Mr. Jarvis shook his head, his voice growing serious, “Estelle can be a bit prickly, and to folks who don’t know her well, she might come off as, well, standoffish. I thought if the Macclains had some misunderstandings with her, maybe I could smooth things over. Estelle grew up without a mother; how could she not long for a mother’s affection?”

But after seeing Simone, the ever obsequious Bennett, and Terrence, whose eyes only saw dollar signs, he knew it was a pipe dream.

Quintin’s expression softened, “Sometimes we just can’t force things to happen. Our love for her is enough!”

Catherine chimed in with a laugh, “From now on, I’m Estelle’s mother. I’ll make sure to give her all the love she’s missed out on!”

Geoffrey added warmly, “Our whole family will dote on Estelle!”

Mr. Jarvis nodded, “Perhaps I’m overthinking it. Let’s drop it!”

After spending the afternoon at Old Mr. Quintin’s, they didn’t leave until after dinner.

part ways, Magdalen held Estelle’s hand and asked, “You’re heading

with a

reluctance, “Well, come back soon. I’ll miss you! But I know you won’t stay away long—Jonathan will

her gaze deep and knowing, “Will you even have time to miss me? Aren’t you and Morrison setting off for your honeymoon in France

heart will be with you. I hope you’ll be back when we

Estelle nodded, “Sure!”

joked with a wide grin. “Then we

car around. Estelle paused, “Now that

should be worried about me! My folks called this morning, and the first thing they asked was how Morrison was

“They love him by

Estelle hugged Magdalen, “I should get going. Have a

hugged me like this. It’s not like we’re parting forever. Don’t be so

see each other off,” Estelle said

you in

“Sure!”

while the

The Novel will be updated daily. Come back and continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

Comments ()

0/255