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.

leaned in and whispered to

that's Her Grace's

eyes lit up instantly.

up. "Hey-" He instinctively took

as he used to. But then he

himself and said slowly, "Your

Council, Benedict was but a minor

the Holy Lady. It was only

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

family of three approached the entrance and, after a brief moment of awkwardness,

signaling for Adeline and Caleb to do

same.

greetings," Caleb muttered, hiding

center of attention that day, he couldn't avoid it. His father even grabbed him by the collar

reluctantly said, "Your

voice came from the carriage, but

waiting for, so they stood aside

Matthew, and even Anthony, who had already retired to rest,

seeing the stationary carriage outside the gate, narrowed his eyes slightly before leading the Stonor family in a

tardiness. Greetings," he said coldly, as if reprimanding someone who

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

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