The Lady Nun Vows Revenge by Caroline Rowland

The Silent 492

The Silent 492

“Eliza? What is she doing here?" Matthew was the first to speak, his tone clearly displeased.

Gabriel shifted his gaze to Dale. "Did you invite her?" His tone was assertive, almost accusatory.

Dale ignored him completely, rising to his feet and preparing to lead his wife and son outside to greet the newcomer. But before he could, another figure moved more swiftly than he did.

'Benedict? Why is he in such a hurry? The Stonor family members are all quite prejudiced against Eliza now. So why is Benedict more anxious than I am upon hearing she's arrived?' Dale wondered.

Even from behind, it seemed Benedict's lips were curved into a delighted smile.

Benedict hadn't expected Eliza to come to the Duke's estate today. 'Is it for Dylan? Or for Caleb? Never mind. No matter the reason for her visit, I'm just glad to see her, he thought to himself.

"Lord Benedict, slow down. You're not fully recovered yet. Don't run so fast," Manson called out, rushing to keep up with Benedict's hurried pace.

In a short while, the two reached the entrance of the Duke's estate. As Benedict was about to catch a glimpse of Eliza, he quickly stopped and turned to Manson. "Manson, check me over. Is my clothing neat? Is my hair in place? Is there anything messy or dirty?"

Manson, who had finally caught up, panted and shook his head repeatedly. "No, Lord Benedict. Your hair is fine, and your clothes are clean and tidy. There's nothing amiss."

"Good," Benedict said with a relieved smile, smoothing his clothes once more before stepping out the door.

But instead of Eliza, he saw only the carriage outside the Duke's estate.

carriage, leaned in and whispered to

Her Grace's

lit up instantly.

lit up. "Hey-" He instinctively took a step

Eliza as he used to.

lips together, he composed himself and said slowly, "Your

of the High Council, Benedict was but a minor

It was only proper that he pay

is everyone else?" Eliza asked from inside the carriage. Almost immediately, more people

and, after a brief moment of awkwardness, Adeline joined her

said, signaling for Adeline and Caleb to do

same.

Grace, greetings," Caleb muttered,

already reluctant to speak, but as the center of attention that day, he couldn't avoid it. His father even grabbed him by the collar

reluctantly said, "Your

Eliza's calm voice came from the

others knew exactly what she was waiting for, so they stood aside without complaint. Sure enough, soon the rest of

and even Anthony, who had already retired

stationary carriage outside the gate, narrowed his eyes slightly before leading the

of your arrival. I apologize for my tardiness. Greetings," he said coldly, as if reprimanding someone who

quickly stepped forward. "Your Grace, you needn't worry. Today is precisely to resolve the entanglements between us and the Duke's estate. Lord Mowbay should be pleased that I've managed to invite you to preside over this. He won't object. Or perhaps the Duke's estate never intended to negotiate in good faith today?" Dale's challenging gaze fell on Gabriel. Gabriel, of course, had objections. He didn't even acknowledge Dale's remark. "Any matter between the Duke's

1/2