V
Chapter 27
Meanwhile, Lilian was completely oblivious to the exchange between Rupert and the marquise as she went straight to Madam Lestrade.
Her health had improved considerably, and Mrs. Sully was helping her take her medicine when Lilian arrived.
It must have been very bitter, as Madam Lestrade’s face was contorted.
Still, her expression eased when she saw Lillan. “Oh, Lily!”
“Grandmother.”
Lilian bowed before going up to Madam Lestrade’s bedside. “How do you feel?”
“Better.” Madam Lestrade stniled, gently caressing her cheek. “Did I scare you?”
Lilian shook her head repeatedly. “As long as you’re fine.”
It hurt Madam Lestrade to see tears welling up in Lilian’s eyes, but considering what the marquise said last night, she quickly asked, “Did you just return from the palace?”
Lilian was taken aback that Madam Lestrade knew, but she nodded silently.
“You have nothing to worry about,” Madam Lestrade assured her right then. “If you’re reluctant, forget Prince Michael–I would stop even Consort Darling if she personally came for you.
Lilian felt warmth in her heart right then–Madam Lestrade would always take her side, no matter what happened.
Still, she shook her head. “Given my situation, marrying Prince Michael is my good fortune. I’m perfectly willing, so don’t worry.”
“You’d better be!”
Breathing a long sigh, Madam Lestrade continued, “I’m worried that you want to marry quickly because you want to make me happy. It’s the rest of your life, Lily–you shouldn’t be so careless about it!”
Lilian could not help throwing herself into Madam Lestrade’s arms, holding her tightly.
After all, she was the only one in the marquis‘ residence who considered Lilian’s marriage important.
Still, Lilian assured Madam Lestrade, “Don’t worry. I’m really willing.”
She would do anything as long as her grandmother was happy and not worried about her.
12
+25 BONUS
Over the next few days, Lillan stayed by Madam Lestrade’s side, who was at once cheerful and healthier in her company.
And fortunately, Rupert did not bother her either, and she thought that it would be great if things went on like this.
However, fate was always cruelly denying desires.
Even before Lilian finished breakfast on the eighth day of the new year, Winter arrived, informing her reluctantly, “Ms. Lestrade is here… again.”
Again.
Even Winter clearly despised Evelyn.
Lilian was frowning too, but before she spoke, Winter continued, “I’ve tried telling Ms. Lestrade that the lotus pond is dangerous, and I could pass a message, but she insisted on seeing you.”
“The lotus pond is dangerous.‘
It was clearly a veiled insult on Winter’s part.
Still, Lilian sighed ever so softly. “She’s the real daughter of the marquis, and you know my position at present. If you upset her, I can’t protect you.”
That somehow pleased Winter instead. “You’re going to protect me, milady? Does that mean you’ve really accepted me now?”
What a brat!
Lilian really did not know what to say–even if Winter really served Rupert, it was amazing that she came to her defense when it mattered.
And when it came to people who protected her, she would always repay the gesture with sincerity.
Seeing that Winter was not getting the point, Lilian eventually relented, “Bring her in.”
“Yes, milady. Don’t worry–I will stay glued to her, so that she won’t fall into the pond! Hehe!
Winter giggled as she headed outside, clearly not listening to Lilian at all.
