Chapter 39 Chapter 39 Beo/Named "Mother"...

The velvet curtain slowly opened, revealing a huge portrait.

The beautiful lady in the painting is dignified and elegant, like Artemis in mythology. Her ice-blue eyes complement the sapphire crown on her head. The sunlight outside the window and her smile intersect, making her look divine.

Amidst exclamations, Tilov bowed and nodded, accepting the praise with a smile.

"I have to say that more than half the credit for this painting goes to Miss Norman—this beautiful and elegant model. Otherwise, no matter how skilled a painter is, he couldn't have created such a stunning beauty out of thin air."

Isabel smiled: "Talented celebrities are always humble. Thank you for adding luster to our wedding."

Tilov lowered his head again and looked at Heinrich. "I should thank the Duke for inviting me to capture Miss Norman's beauty. The preciousness of that Atlantis crown is a testament to the Duke's love for his wife. I wish you both a happy marriage in advance."

In the portrait, the crown on the blonde lady's head is of unique shape, and the sapphires in it sparkle in the light.

This crown, inspired by the priestly crowns of the lost civilization of Atlantis, was created by renowned jewelry designer Daniel, who specializes in designing jewelry for royal courts and aristocrats worldwide. Upon its release, it became a household name and was recently purchased by the Spencer family, leading many to speculate it was the Duchess's wedding jewel.

Tilov expressed his admiration for the Duke's intentions and praised the exquisite crown with gorgeous words.

Isabel appreciated this very much, and was even more satisfied than she expected.

The base of this tiara is shaped like a seahorse's tail fin, and its central sapphire contains a natural water bladder, creating a "deep-sea vortex" when shaken. Surrounding it are coral branches inlaid with mother-of-pearl, symbolizing the nurturing power of the ocean. This truly exquisite piece is truly extraordinary.

She smiled and glanced at Heinrich. "Thank you for my part, Lady Violet, for your generosity. I appreciate it."

Tilov exclaimed, "Oh, so it was the old lady's handwriting..."

Heinrich said with a dull expression, "Yes, Mr. Tirov's compliments were given to the wrong person. No man would take the trouble to choose jewelry for a woman."

Tilov scratched his head in embarrassment.

Isabel raised her eyebrows. "I thought so too. I almost thought it was Mr. Spencer who bought it. Fortunately, it wasn't. Otherwise, I would have to thank you."

"?!" Heinrich stared at Isabel. For a moment, he was angry whether he said it or not.

After watching his employer suffer a loss with satisfaction, Victor coughed twice and stepped forward, saying, "Sir, it's time to try on your suit."

Before the wedding, it is not only the bride who is busy, the groom also cannot escape the fate of trying on various clothes.

Heinrich walked away with a sour face.

Isabel called Emily and selected the one wearing white gauze and a sapphire crown from the several paintings left by Tilov and sent it to Kent.

Emily packed the painting and told the servants to transport it carefully and not to bump it. The servants agreed and moved very cautiously.

When the picture frame was being loaded onto the carriage, the wind blew up a corner of the curtain, revealing the beautiful and dignified lady in the painting smiling, with the gems on her head sparkling and delicate.

The servant was stunned.

“It’s so beautiful…”

“It’s so beautiful!”

Kent, Winston Manor, Audrey looked at the huge portrait and exclaimed in amazement.

"It's obvious that you and your sister have similar looks, blonde hair and blue eyes." Greta smiled. "I believe that Artist Martin has the ability to capture your beauty so that your sister from Hank County will be equally astonished."

Audrey smiled and winked at the painter Martin: "Thank you for your hard work, Mr. Martin."

"My pleasure!" Martin playfully took off his hat and nodded, then sat down seriously and continued to complete his masterpiece.

Lucy came in with coffee, and after entertaining the guests, she leaned against the door and admired the little master sitting on the sofa.

It should be said that everyone in the room was admiring the beautiful lady.

By the French window, Audrey wore a strapless white veil gown, a sapphire crown similar to the one in the portrait, and a matching necklace, the one Isabelle had given her. Her golden curls were tied into a bun, and the deft Greta had even dotted the braid with a few white lisianthus flowers, making her look even more charming and elegant.

The portrait process lasted two hours, and Audrey stood there for two hours. Even the most brilliant flowers would have wilted by then.

But she didn't dare move and could only glance at Lucy.

"I'm a little thirsty."

Lucy smiled and offered her a drink.

If you want to capture a beautiful moment, you always have to pay a price. Audrey encouraged herself in her heart.

Fortunately, Martin quickly declared it over.

Facing the expectant expressions of Mrs. Greta, Audrey, and the other ladies, Martin bowed gracefully and said, "Please believe that it is a masterpiece. To ensure a surprise, you can reveal it on the wedding day."

Charles had spent a lot of money to hire the painter Martin, and he was said to be highly regarded in the industry. Audrey and Greta naturally had no reason to question his opinion and expressed their gratitude politely.

After seeing Martin off, Audrey couldn't wait to run to the portrait.

She's not waiting for a surprise! She wants to see it now! The sooner she sees it, the sooner she'll be happy!

My fingers were tugging at the curtain when I heard the sound of a carriage downstairs.

Greta approached the window and waved, "Ms. Norman, come here quickly, look who's here!"

Audrey threw the portrait behind her and ran to the windowsill, holding her skirt.

When she looked closely, she was stunned.

Downstairs, a familiar couple was asked to get out of the carriage by the servants.

Audrey couldn't believe it. She stared at it several times to make sure she was not seeing things. The next moment, she was so happy that the sparrows on the treetops flew away in all directions.

"Dad! Mom!"

Jenny heard the call and looked up at Audrey: "Oh! Honey!"

Edward whimpered, and he and his wife supported each other to avoid falling. "O... Bella! My sweetheart!"

Audrey was so happy that she was speechless and turned around in a daze.

It was Greta who reminded with a smile: "Good boy, go downstairs and greet them!"

"Thanks for the reminder, Mrs. Greta."

Overwhelmed with surprise, Audrey immediately ran out of the room.

His steps were so joyful that he almost knocked over the servant's tray. "I'm sorry, Tom. If you knew how happy I am, you would definitely forgive me!"

She spoke rapidly, blinked apologetically, and ran forward again, holding up her skirt.

Tom, the servant, smiled and stepped aside: "Yes, I can feel your happiness. Please watch your step, Miss Norman."

"Thank you, Tom!"

Audrey ran away with a smile, leaving a trail of her beautiful white dress on the velvet red carpet, filled with a joyful atmosphere.

On the second floor, Hermann was walking out of the study. At Charles's reminder, he was ready to perfunctorily greet his father-in-law and mother-in-law.

As soon as I stepped down the stairs, a small white whirlwind appeared around me.

"Sorry, please make way!"

Before he could react, the white whirlwind quickly turned to the first floor.

"Good afternoon! Mr. White! Good afternoon! Charles! Oh, Charles, your new hat is very nice!" Whirlwind stopped suddenly, turned his head to salute him very carelessly, and then ran out the door happily.

Herman: “…”

Mr. Silver Hair and Charles looked at each other.

The latter spread his hands and said, "Young children are always happy. Isn't that your motto?"

Herman smoothed his hair, which had been messed up by the whirlwind that had passed by him, adjusted his bow tie, and walked downstairs slowly.

"Yes, I am exceedingly happy."

As I walked forward, my eyes looked outside the gate.

The unpresentable Miss Norman had already thrown herself into her parents' arms, her skirt drawing an arc of joy in the air.

"Mom and Dad, I never thought you could come to my wedding!"

In the carriage, plump Aunt Anna rolled her eyes and cried, "Oh, you don't miss me at all, you little rascal!"

Audrey looked up in surprise and threw herself into Anna's arms: "Aunt Anna! You're here too! That's great! So great! I missed you so much!"

Anna's eyes reddened, and she kissed Audrey's cheek: "Oh, dear Audrey... Bella, my aunt's sweetheart, I miss you too."

Edward touched Audrey's face, his eyes full of heartache: "Poor child, you must have suffered a lot of grievances."

"This is Winston Manor, don't talk nonsense." Jenny pinched Edward quickly, smiled and touched Audrey's head: "Mrs. Greta is very generous. She specially wrote a letter to invite us to visit Kent County and sent someone to pick us up. Obviously she is very kind and values ​​you enough." "Yes, Mrs. Greta and Mr. White are both very good people!" Audrey nodded sincerely.

As he spoke, Mrs. Greta and Hermann were already standing behind him to greet him.

"Sir Norman, Lady Norman, Ms. Carven, please come to the living room and talk. Thank you for your hard work."

Greta approached Jenny with a gentle attitude and greeted her. The two nodded to each other.

The group walked into the living room surrounded by servants.

Audrey walked in front with one hand on her mother and the other on her aunt; Edward followed behind. It was originally the son-in-law who should have interacted with his father-in-law, but Greta looked at Hermann who was as still as a mountain, and had no choice but to use her eyes to hint to Charles to talk to Edward.

At the end of the team, Greta glanced at her son and said, "The fact that I was able to send out the invitation means you tacitly agreed. Now that they're here, why bother showing such a face?"

Hermann offered his arm to his mother, and Greta took it.

"If I show a bad face, will they be able to enter this door?" he said lightly.

"With both daughters getting married on the same day, I thought Mr. Norman, who sold his daughters for fame, would come to the Duke's Mansion first." Herman glared sarcastically. "It seems I underestimated the power of money."

Greta snarled at him, "Don't be prejudiced, Hurley."

"I have no prejudice against Mrs. Norman." Herman glanced at Edward in front of him. Remembering how helpless and weak he had been when he signed the contract, it was hard to change his mind. "But as for her husband, I reserve the right to question him."

Greta choked, knowing that this was her son's truth.

Hermann was very kind.

According to the original plan, the bride's parents would not be present at this wedding, which was a financial transaction. Greta urged them to do so, saying that no bride would not want her parents to witness her happiness, and she wanted to give Miss Norman a surprise.

Herman would not get involved in such nonsense.

What's more, he didn't think a perfect ceremony meant happiness.

It's just that he was too lazy to refute his mother's naive idea. It was just a matter of having a few more people at the wedding, so it wouldn't be difficult for him to agree.

Although he looked down on the Norman family, since he had acquiesced to his mother's invitation, he would not do anything to kick out the guests.

In the living room, Audrey was still immersed in joy and had no idea that White and his mother had different ideas.

While she was happy, she suddenly remembered something and lowered her voice to her mother's ear: "Didn't the Duke's Mansion invite you?"

The sisters' wedding was unusual, and the Normans were mentally prepared from the beginning that they might not be qualified to attend.

However, as the months passed, Winston Manor softened its stance and became willing to invite the bride's parents.

With the example before her, Audrey guessed that the Spencer family should have changed as well.

She had great trust in her sister's skills. Could it be that even with Isabel's wisdom, she couldn't make the Duke's Mansion give in?

Thinking of this, Audrey couldn't help but worry about her sister's situation.

Jenny noticed her daughter's expression, held her hand, and whispered, "I received a letter from your sister the day before yesterday. The Spencer family's wedding is going to be very grand. It will be held at St. Westford Church in Mellenwick. The guests are very important and the social circle is complicated. I'm afraid we'll cause her trouble if we go there."

Audrey frowned and remained silent.

"Good girl, relax." Jenny lowered her voice and put it close to her ear. "Bella said in the letter that it's more suitable for us to come here than to the Spencer family."

After saying this, Jenny immediately lowered her eyes and used a smile to hide the disappointment in her eyes.

She knew her eldest daughter too well.

Bella is independent and clear-headed. When she says she doesn't need it, she really doesn't need it. She doesn't deliberately give in for her sister just to show her generosity.

But as a mother, I don't know how to express the guilt I feel for missing one of my daughters' wedding. The saddest thing about being a parent is not being able to help your children, or even holding them back.

In this situation, Jenny rejected Edward's suggestion that they go to different places. It would be better for them to follow Bella's arrangements and rush to Kent.

If you are unable to offer assistance, then let your daughter make her own decisions and cooperate to the best of her ability, rather than expressing concern on your own initiative.

Although Bella didn't say it explicitly, Jenny understood that in a place like Mellenwick, their words and actions could easily become a handle for others to attack Bella.

Audrey also figured this out. She took a deep breath and held back her tears.

"But, there is no one around my sister."

Jenny smiled and stroked her daughter's curly hair: "There will be someone suitable to replace us."

Audrey was stunned, looking into her mother's blue eyes.

She smiled gently and always looked at the two children equally, like the warm sun.

-

Charlevis Manor.

On the day of departure for Mellenvik, Isabelle changed into her new dress with Emily's help.

The main veil will not be unveiled until the wedding day, but this light white dress is also gorgeous enough for travel.

Unlike Audrey's curly hair, Isabelle's hair is smooth and straight, draped over her shoulders like precious and shiny silk. When tied into a bun and embellished with diamond hair accessories, it presents another kind of beauty.

"It's time to go, Miss." Emily looked at the beauty in the mirror and suddenly sighed, "It's a pity that the master and the lady can't see you in your wedding dress."

"Mr. Tilov will leave a portrait of me, and they will be able to see it as well." Isabel said in a flat tone, holding her skirt and walking out without any sense of romance.

In the stairwell, Emily shook her head helplessly.

Anyone would feel lost at a wedding without their loved ones present. But Ms. Norman before him clearly showed no trace of melancholy.

Receiving Emily's gaze, Isabel chuckled.

For her, the wedding itself was not a symbol of happiness, so there was nothing to be sad about.

Outside the door, the Spencer family's convoy had been waiting for a long time.

Isabel went downstairs absentmindedly, thinking about what would happen after arriving in Mellenvik.

Melenvik gathers many dignitaries, even heads of state from various countries will be in attendance, and the person behind Edmund has not appeared yet... She has too many things to consider and really can't spare the mind to be sad.

Thinking of this, she walked forward holding up the hem of her skirt, and her floor-length white gauze skirt slid across the clean and shiny stairs. When she raised her eyes, she was suddenly stunned.

In the hall, someone was standing with his back to her. The familiar figure made Isabel stop involuntarily.

The next moment, the lady in a dark green crinoline dress and a wide hat with feathers of the same color turned around gracefully.

Meeting Isabel's gaze, she smiled, "I hope this is a surprise for you, dear."

Isabel was stunned for several seconds. This was a rare occurrence for her.

"Aunt Mary?"

Mary smiled gently, stepped forward and kissed her cheek, then lowered her voice and said, "Bella, your mother wrote to me, hoping that Mr. Clauren and I could come to your wedding. In fact, I would do it without her telling me."

Isabel was stunned and forgot how to answer for a moment.

Mary's blue eyes, inherited from the Cavan family, were as clear as the sky. She looked at Isabel carefully, tears in her eyes. "So beautiful! A beautiful bride can't walk down the aisle alone."

Isabel unconsciously clenched her fingers for a long moment before she chuckled and said, "Oh, this is undoubtedly a surprise, Aunt Mary."

Mary looked at her niece kindly.

Even though she was far away in the Earl's Palace, she had heard about Isabel's deeds in Mellenwick.

What a dazzling child.

She took out a jewelry box from her bosom and looked at Isabel: "This is a wedding gift from your mother. Open it and take a look."

Isabel opened the box and her eyes paused - a dazzling sapphire necklace lay quietly on the velvet cloth, exactly the same as the one she gave to Audrey.

Before coming to Chalves, she left Jenny some living expenses, but she was afraid that Edward would be cheated again, so the amount was not much.

This necklace is very valuable. It is not difficult to guess that the old couple spent the money here, and even contributed some of their own money.

Isabel touched the sapphire and it felt slightly cool. Only when she held it tightly in her palm for a long time could it transmit some warmth.

Just like who she is.

I don’t know how to describe how I feel at this moment.

Isabel is not good at understanding family affection. After two lifetimes combined, it is hard to say how profound her understanding of it is.

She only likes to comment on humans from an outsider's perspective, even when it comes to little Otti. At first, her mental evaluation was just "a little follower who can eat and sleep, a little bit stupid." Later, it became "a little follower who can eat and sleep, a little stupid, very obedient, a little cute, and occasionally smart."

Initially, Jenny was just an NPC who acted as a "mother" to her.

She has a gentle temperament and is the least temperamental of the three Calvin sisters.

The expression of emotions is as invisible as water.

In fact, compared to Edward's strong fatherly love, Isabel was more accustomed to Jenny's calm behavior, which made her feel relaxed.

At this moment, she suddenly realized that perhaps Jenny understood her better than anyone else.

She liked to be alone and Jenny never disturbed her. There was always a quiet study room belonging to her in Norman Manor, and no one else was allowed to enter, including little Otti.

She didn't like close contact, and Jenny would never cross the line, even ordering Edward to do the same.

Even regarding Otti's studies, Jenny followed her arrangements. From small matters such as food, clothing, housing and transportation to big matters such as the decision of exchanging marriages, Jenny always supported her unconditionally.

Isabel thought that maybe Otti was not the only one who knew her specialness.

There is no other explanation for this subtle understanding and respect except that it comes from "maternal love".

In the past, she didn't think there was anything special about the identity of "mother".

But now I think that the person called "mother" is like the sun in the sky. From the moment you were born, that gaze has followed you. You bask in the warm sunshine, but you never notice her.

But she sees your differences, your personality, your needs, all of which are in her eyes. But you fail to see the elephant in the room, thinking it is hanging in the sky, unchanging, and part of this world.

Thinking about it now, how could there be any comfort without a reason? It was because she was watching you, understanding you, because she knew she couldn't help her daughter, so she quietly followed the arrangements; even though she couldn't come in person, she still wanted her daughter not to be lonely and to have a wedding full of blessings.

Isabel was silent for a long time, then slowly put on the sapphire necklace.

Mary fastened the chain for her, and the cool gems hung on her collarbone, gradually warming up.

Some people's love is strong and passionate, while others are as gentle as water, colorless and tasteless, but moistening everything silently.

By the time you realize it, it has already gently wrapped around your heart, continuously delivering warmth.

Mary took out the boxes and introduced the gifts from her family one by one. There were gifts from Audrey, Anna, and her and Count Clauren...

Isabel listened attentively and smiled. "Thank you, Aunt Mary. Thank you so much, Aunt Mary. Please convey my gratitude to my family."

Mary met her gaze, stunned for two seconds, and then her gaze softened: "Oh, dear, to be honest, before you said that, I thought... our arrival was a little inopportune."

"Before this, I really didn't think the absence of my family would be a pity, and I still think so now. There are so many difficult things in the world, and I don't have time to worry about such trivial matters." Isabel raised her eyes, her gaze was calm, but there was a smile on her lips.

"Yes, you are not little Otti. You won't cry because of your parents' absence." Mary chuckled.

"No, Otti won't either." Isabel chuckled. "She cries normally, but if the day ever comes when she needs to face difficulties, she will be strong and brave."

Mary put away her joking expression and looked at her niece seriously, her eyes sparkling with satisfaction: "Our girls are great."

Isabel hugged her aunt gently: "Yes, but if you suddenly give me a surprise like today, I think... no one can say no to sincere blessings."

Mary was stunned.

"Your arrival makes me feel that a wedding with family by my side..." She paused and smiled, "will give rise to a longing for happiness. It sounds a bit romantic, not something I would say, right?"

Mary laughed and quickly wiped her eyes. "Oh! But Auntie is glad that little Bella has had a vision of happiness, if only for one day. I'm sure Jane feels the same way."

Mary clearly realized that the child who had always been independent of others was finally willing to truly embrace her family and bend down to receive the rain and dew of family affection.

The middle-aged man who had been watching them silently with a smile blinked and whispered, "Oh, although I don't want to interrupt your conversation, can you allow me to say hello, dear Mary?"

Mary quickly let go of Isabel and introduced her with a smile: "I almost forgot about your uncle."

The middle-aged man, Earl Clauren, took off his hat and nodded: "Long time no see, Bella."

Isabel nodded: "Uncle."

Earl Clarens was a stern gentleman who only showed a good face in front of his family. He rarely joined his wife in a joke. "I was so happy to know that I could escort the bride to the palace in Edward's place that I couldn't sleep all night. After all, it will be many years before Catherine grows up and gets married. It's great to have a pre-rehearsal."

Catherine, the ten-year-old only daughter of Mary and the Earl of Clauren.

Hearing this, the three of them laughed.

Isabel smiled. "My pleasure."

Lord Clauren offered his arm, and Isabelle took it.

At the right moment, Heinrich appeared outside the door. "Can we go now?"

Mary stepped forward with a smile: "Okay."

Heinrich's eyes fell on Isabel, and after a long pause, he nodded to Marie, extended his arm, and led the lady out of the castle.

The carriage went farther and farther away, its destination being Mellenvik.

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The author has something to say: The wedding is a two-part story, so there will be a chapter later about the two of them together.

Ah, I still haven’t written about the wedding ceremony. I have to write about this in detail, so babies, can you wait for me to simmer it on low heat?