Pampered by my three brothers: the return of the neglected heiress

Chapter 1604: I do not want to be the one to break his heart

"Miss Sandford?" freewebnovel.com

Miss Sandford, who had opened the door, almost jolted in surprise at the sight of Charles outside.

"Mr. Bennet!"

"Uh... I didn't know you and Mildred Pierson were acquaintances," he said. "Is she in?"

"We only met not long ago, and yes, she is," Miss Sandford replied, nodding as she opened the door wider. "Please come in. She's in the kitchen-I'll just call her."

With that, Miss Sandford let him inside, and Charles stepped in carefully. As he approached the couches, he watched her hurry off toward the kitchen.

"They must be close if she's answering the door instead of the owner," he muttered as he took a seat, but he didn't dwell on it much.

It didn't take long before Mildred came into view. As soon as she did, Charles quickly rose from his seat.

"Mr. Bennet," Mildred greeted, her steps slowing until she stopped a few paces away. "To what do I owe this visit?"

Charles's expression quickly turned solemn, prompting her to raise a brow.

"Madam Mildred, may I ask for a minute of your time? I have some personal matters to discuss with you regarding Haines. I was hoping you might have some answers."

It felt strange. Strange to be asking someone else about Haines.

If there was anyone who should know Haines best, it was Charles.

They had grown up together-from foolish boys to teenagers, then to men. They were family. And yet, here he was, hoping a woman who hadn't known Haines long could give him insight.

It stung more than a little.

Mildred didn't answer immediately. Her lips pressed into a thin line.

"There's a path to the garden," she said, gesturing to the side. "Wait for me there while I prepare some tea."

"There's no need-"

hunch this will be a long conversation," she interjected. "Please, I'll join you in a

held each other's gaze for a beat

Later in the garden...

Charles with a tray and a tea set. After setting

Mr. Bennet," she

resting his forearms against the edge of the

be direct. I hope

cup of tea," she replied, reaching for the teapot. "So? What

get angry with me for asking,

twitch. A little tea spilled as she poured into the cup-just enough for Charles

urged, watching her give him a brief look. "You're the only one he's been seeing lately. I was hoping you'd

as she finished pouring and handed him a cup. Then she served herself and set it down with a

you came here for an answer. It feels more like you already know it... but you're hoping I'll tell you something different. I wonder why that

blinked, caught

How did she know?

shaking her head. "You and Haines... after so many years together, it's clear you're like brothers. Both of you wear your thoughts on your faces long before

to deny it-I'd like to clarify something," she continued. "Haines and I don't See

more, nothing less."

a slow sip of her tea, savoring the flavor before placing the cup

don't think I'm in

The

about him. Still, he did mention someone from his past," she admitted, giving him a slow nod. "As for the de believe it's best

from him directly."

settled between them, broken only by the whisper of

of tea rising

Charles finally said.

apologetic smile. "I'm sorry that's all I

don't need to apologize." Charles stood, prompting her to do the same. "I was asking you to put yourself in a

in return,

my leave. Please give my regards to

Charles turned

in his head.

he wanted real answers, he had to confront Haines. Like a man. Like

had.