Chapter 49 A Proposal

“I just went out for a walk.” Jacqueline scoffed. “Not like there’s much work to do around here anyway

She couldn’t stand the way Helena strutted around like some high–ranking maid. They were both just girls taken in by the estate–what made her so specialt

aris

Isolde ignored her attitude and gave a calm order. “Go and have dinner prepared. I’m inviting Oliver to eat with me. We’ll dine in the pavilion–set up a bonfire.

Jacqueline grimaced at the workload that entailed “There are too many mosquitoes outside. Why not eat in your room instead?”

Isolde gave her a level look. “Would you like me to serve you instead?”

Jacqueline froze, then hurriedly bowed her head. “I wouldn’t dare. I’ll see to it immediately”

And with that, she scurried away.

Dinner was a grand affair.

The bonfire burned bright, casting golden light over the estate and making the surrounding mountains glow like they were bathed in daylight.

To ward off the mosquitoes, Isolde had the servants burn mugwort. Its sharp scent clung to the air, blending with the rich aroma of the food, giving the evening a rustic charm.

The wind picked up, tugging at her already–loose hair, sending a few strands tumbling free.

Oliver, now dressed in a simple farmer’s tunic, had let his hair down, loosely tying it at the nape of his neck. Without the formality of his usual attire, he looked strikingly carefree–almost like a wandering swordsman, untamed and unbothered by the world.

“A simple meal,” Isolde said with a soft smile. “No need for formalities, Oliver.”

She wore a long, embroidered gown, its delicate seams gleaming under the firelight. Around her neck hung a brilliant red coral necklace–one Oliver recognized immediately.

Before leaving for Montlins Manor, he had made sure to bring it with him.

“The food is good,” Oliver remarked. Then, with a pointed look at the necklace, he added. “And so is your jewelry.

Isolde’s fingers brushed against the cold beads, her smile deepening. “It is beautiful. I like it very much.”

“Mr. Becker treats you well,” Oliver noted.

Isolde didn’t answer. Instead, she reached for a ladle, pouring him a cup of warm crab–infused wine. “Try

this.”

Oliver took a sip and immediately frowned. “Not strong enough.”

her tone light. “But

The richness of the crab,

49 A Proposal

A 69%

Dex Pearts

bad,” he admitted. “Do you drink this

said. “She said warming the wine

“Amber?”

“My nursemaid.”

“She’s

her wine, her cheeks flushed from the heat. “She’s dead,” she

That’s why she was so desperate for someone to come fetch me from Windermount–she was afraid that if she passed, Id have no one to take care of me. She thought… that

cup in her hands, lips curving into a cold,

in her eyes, making them appear wet, but upon closer inspection, there

quietly. Just as

Isolde said, setting her cup down. Her voice was steady, unwavering. I’m not sad. If anything. I’m luckier than most.”

Even after everything she had endured, she refused to wallow in

comes next?” he asked. “Your stepmother and half–sister won’t give up so

back. As a discarded wife, she has no power left. And Matilda

“Then why do you seem troubled? Something else is bothering you.”

shook her head. “It’s troublesome, but nothing I can’t

before–if you still wanted to marry

curled slightly. “You

refusal,” Oliver said, “is it because

“What do you think of William?” she asked. “As

his expression unreadable. “By appearance, family status, and background,”

his sworn brother. Naturally, you wouldn’t say anything

admitted. “If he had

M

A

the man

battlefield. Isolde stated with absolute

was. William had always wanted to go to war.

De Pearts

about it repeatedly–his desire to prove himself in

to the front, she had felt uneasy

was utterly helpless. When the chaos erupted, he

help, he managed to kill a few enemy soldiers. It was a small victory, but when he returned to

with himself.

at his food, glanced up. “And

that–let’s eat before the food gets cold.”

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