Try Begging - Chapter 148.1
While he quietly swallowed his anger and self-loathing, his mother began her exaggerated complaints.
“Staying in the capital, I had so many things to worry about. It was exhausting. Going in and out of the palace and attending parties—it’s all so tiresome…”
“Think of it as a long-awaited retreat to the countryside.”
“Jerome, I wish I could just relax, but as soon as we return to Halewood, I’ll be bombarded with invitations. It’s such a nuisance.”
In truth, the ‘Elder Madam’ of the Winston family had spent the entire month in the capital, proudly orchestrating the preparations for the title conferment ceremony.
Proudly what?
In reality, there wasn’t much to coordinate for such a standardized event. Both Jerome, who had witnessed her pestering royal aides daily, and Leon, even from a distance, knew her real agenda.
The title conferment had already been decided, so she wasn’t lobbying for the title itself. Rather, she was pushing to attach a title to their late father’s name, ensuring she could be addressed as the Dowager Countess Winston, a title reserved for the widow of the previous Earl.
It seemed she was envious of Grand Lady Aldrich. Once again, she brought up a topic she’d been harping on since the title announcement.
“I still think we rushed your engagement, Leon. Honestly, I only accepted the proposal from the Grand Duke’s family because they promised it would strengthen your claim to the title, even at a loss to us…”
She rolled her eyes in discontent.
“I don’t see what the Grand Duke’s family actually did for us. This title is all thanks to you, Leon.”
Naturally, every seemingly agreeable statement came with a catch.
“Let’s not forget who raised you, though. That’s my doing.”
Even as they left Winsford’s city limits and sped through the suburbs, her disparagement of the Grand Duke’s family continued.
“I hate to bring this up now, but I never really liked the Grand Lady either. She never tried to get close to her future husband. Leon, has she ever called to check on you? As far as I know, she hasn’t. She’s just so cold and distant…”
Unable to listen any longer, Jerome finally interjected.
“In that case, I think my older brother surpasses her. Honestly, I believe Her Highness is the perfect match for our family’s standing.”
Elizabeth glared at her younger son with a sharp look and snapped back.
“Why are you taking the side of the Grand Lady instead of your beloved brother?”
Of course, Jerome’s affection was for the Grand Lady, not Leon.
Silently listening, Leon quietly scoffed.
“Our family’s standing has changed now. No, it’s more accurate to say we’ve reclaimed our original status. Oh, we were too hasty. We could have found a much better match. Even if we were to forge an alliance with the Grand Duchy, we could have done so under much more favorable conditions.”
Both brothers, having heard this speech countless times, remained silent, each staring out of their respective windows.
“The Grand Duke must have realized the change in our status by now. Last year, he wanted to delay the wedding, but now he’s audaciously urging us to set a date. I firmly refused. Don’t you think I did the right thing?”
At the mention of the Grand Duke, Leon clenched his teeth. He was suddenly reminded of the Grand Duke’s toast at the celebration party following the title bestowal ceremony.
“Here’s to Earl Winston, who has finally rid himself of all past stains and is now as pristine as freshly fallen snow.”
The Grand Duke knew the woman had vanished. He not only showed his delight but also treated the woman and child as mere blemishes.
Leon had to suppress the urge to pull out his pistol and turn the Grand Duke into a sieve. That wasn’t his moment.
Just wait. One day, when she returns.
“Your Excellency, congratulations.”
As soon as the car stopped in front of the mansion’s main entrance, the butler opened the door with a bright smile.
“Everyone is waiting inside. Please, come in.”
The butler gestured toward the wide-open entrance to the main building. The first-floor hall, except for the carpet leading to the stairs, seemed entirely occupied. The household staff, all in identical uniforms, awaited their master, but Leon pushed Jerome forward instead.
“What about the luggage?”
He asked the head maid standing next to the butler. Mrs. Belmore nodded with her hands clasped politely.
“Everything has been arranged as you instructed.”
The woman’s belongings from the Blackburn boarding house had been moved to the mansion, overseen by Mrs. Belmore. Items from the Riddle family in the basement storeroom were also moved to the annex.
These were technically evidence meant for the military, but on site, his word was law.
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