Chapter 6 Chapter 6 Always be determined, always be optimistic.
Lowson County welcomed a rare sunny day. The lawn was green and lush, and the entire Norman manor was bathed in sunshine, but the mild climate did not make people happy.
Four strong white horses pulled a carriage and galloped over, followed by a long line of cars.
Inside the first car, Herman White, leaning on his cane, listened attentively to Charles's report with his eyes closed. His lawyer had laid out the day's plan in detail, prescribing every possible scenario and countermeasure.
After finishing his report, Charles felt that he would be praised, but he only received a cold response.
"Um."
Charles shrugged, not too disappointed. He knew his employer, Mr. Herman White, a businessman through and through.
From the lower classes of the Elmer Federation, he single-handedly built his own business empire, and now even reached the class-divided Principality of Ceylon, sitting at the negotiating table with the aristocracy. All these miraculous phenomena stemmed from the ruthless methods and ambition of this silver-haired gentleman.
So cruel...that he used marriage as a bargaining chip, a stepping stone to climb a ladder that did not belong to him.
Charles' thoughts drifted away, he looked towards the manor not far away, and prayed silently in his heart: I hope the Norman family will not be stubborn, otherwise he will mourn the fate of this family.
"Sir, we're here." Charles reminded.
The coachman stopped the carriage and Hermann slowly opened his eyes. His dark grey pupils reflected the scene of the manor.
A metal cane, studded with precious gems, a symbol of wealth, rested casually on the ground, making a crisp sound. A gentle breeze ruffled his silver-gray hair, but it had no effect on his meticulously crafted linen shirt and jacket. His ambivalent blend of handsomeness and solemnity drew the attention of the new servants busy in the garden.
"Who is that?"
"Go and inform the Master and Madam!"
While the girls were reporting the news, they couldn't help but look back.
The silver-haired gentleman was accustomed to these gazes and walked towards the manor step by step, just like the day before.
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"He's here!" Anna rushed into the room after receiving the news from the new maids.
In the bedroom on the second floor, the ladies were looking at Audrey in the mirror - her light golden curls were neatly arranged into a flower shape, and the pearl crown was perfectly embellished in her hair, making her a very beautiful girl.
Jenny put white pearl earrings on Audrey, kissed her forehead, and couldn't help crying: "Oh, dear..."
Audrey kissed her mother back and smiled, "Mom, I'm ready for anything. Don't worry about me."
Mary hugged Audrey and said, "I believe that Ms. Norman, who has the blood of the Cavan family, has the determination to overcome all difficulties."
Audrey: "I will, Aunt Mary."
She stood up and kissed everyone in turn. When it was Isabelle's turn, Audrey's aquamarine eyes misted over. "Goodbye, dear sister."
Isabel stroked her curls as usual, but only felt the cold crown of hair.
Her ice-blue eyes were filled with a smile as she suddenly handed a velvet box to Audrey. "Your wedding present."
Audrey was stunned, as if she had not yet associated herself with the word "marriage".
But her sister's calm tone swept away the heavy atmosphere, as if telling her that this was just an ordinary marriage and there was nothing to be afraid of.
Mary, Anna, and Jane all laughed.
Yes, it's just marriage. They've all been through marriage, some lucky, some unlucky. So what? As I said before, no matter what the situation, these women have the confidence to overcome it all.
Only at this moment did Audrey finally come out of her forced calmness.
From downstairs came the servants' greetings, and the familiar cold voice of Mr. Hermann.
"Sir Norman, greetings."
Audrey curled her fingers unconsciously, took a deep breath, and walked out the door holding up the hem of her skirt.
On the first floor, Sir Edward Norman, who did not know about the exchange plan until the morning, finally digested the shock, but had to face the arriving robbers immediately.
"Good morning, Mr. White." Edward looked pale, but still behaved like a gentleman.
Herman didn't waste time on hypocritical pleasantries. He got straight to the point: "I hope you've made a wise choice. Now, tell me the answer."
Edward took a deep breath and suppressed his pain: "I promise... to marry Miss Isabel Norman to you. But..."
"Very good." Herman interrupted without interest in hearing the rest. "Charles, give it to him."
Charles breathed a sigh of relief, glad that he didn't have to take out the debt contract in his other hand and destroy the family himself.
He bowed with a smile, handed over the thick paper, and introduced each item one by one: "I am delighted to witness a happy marriage. The Norman family's debts will be written off. At the same time, your family will receive mining rights in Kent County, a 2,000-acre manor, and jewelry and porcelain that will be shipped in three days, with a total value of 100,000 Ceylon rupees. Please accept them."
One hundred thousand Ceylon rupees? !
The whole place was silent, everyone stared with wide eyes, shocked by this number! The new maid was so surprised that she slipped and broke the teacup, but no one blamed her.
Because even Sir Edward was stunned by this!
I knew Hermann was rich, but I didn't expect him to be this rich! What does a hundred thousand mean? The Prime Minister of Ceylon only makes five thousand a year! Norman Manor's annual rental income is only three thousand!
It wasn't unheard of for merchants to marry minor nobles, but for a baronial family, a dowry of 20,000 Ceylon rupees was the upper limit. Even an earl's family would struggle to reach 100,000.
Faced with the impact of huge wealth, no one can remain calm, except the provider of the betrothal gift.
Impatience flashed across his dark grey eyes as Herman said coldly, "If you're satisfied with the price, sign the document. Charles will publish the engagement in the newspaper tomorrow."
"Wait! Tomorrow?!" Edward was incredulous. "Sir, isn't my daughter getting married in the church in Losen County?"
Herman was silent for a few seconds, then sneered, the mockery in his eyes obvious.
Edward's eyes widened, and the anger caused by the insult to his dignity was about to explode.
"No, no, no, Sir Norman, I understand your love for your daughter. Don't worry, Mr. White is just anxious to get married!" Charles hurriedly tried to smooth things over with a warm smile. "You should understand that a young and wealthy bachelor is always eager to marry a beautiful and intelligent wife. We will prepare a grand wedding for Miss Norman in Kent! We guarantee that she will be inlaid with sparkling gems from head to toe! She won't suffer any grievances!"
Charles spoke rapidly, doing his best to make the scene more like a harmonious engagement ceremony, and even whistled playfully at Herman. "Don't you agree, Mr. White? I'm so happy for you. Miss Norman is so famous!"
"Famous?" Hermann curled his lips and mocked Charles calmly, "Her looks are not important to me. Even if she is outstanding enough to be on par with you..."
Suddenly, a soft voice came from the second floor.
"Mr. White."
Hermann looked up.
The girl walked down the stairs, holding the hem of her gorgeous skirt. The pearl crown on her head shone in the sunlight, but it was no match for her pair of bright aqua-blue eyes.
She approached slowly until she was one step away from Hermann, then stopped and performed a dignified lady's greeting.
"Nice to meet you. Thank you for your generosity in saving Norman Manor from disaster. In return, I am willing to go back to Kent with you today."
"Very good... Miss Isabel." Hermann stared at those blue eyes for a moment, then looked away indifferently.
Audrey's heart tightened when she heard him call out the name, but she quickly relaxed and pretended nothing had happened.
"Oh! My dear employer," Charles said, finding an opportunity to show his humor, and his exaggerated tone made his eyebrows fly up. "Admit it! Miss Norman is very beautiful, and she is not ugly enough to compete with me!"
Herman glanced at Charles and said, "A qualified lawyer should learn to keep his mouth shut at the right time."
After saying that, he turned around without looking back.
The metal cane knocked against the marble floor with a regular sound, accompanied by cold words.
"Get in the car."
This sentence was said to Audrey.
Even though she was prepared for the current situation, she couldn't help feeling lost when it actually happened.
Audrey lowered her head, her blue eyes dim.
Most innocent girls have fantasized about a fairytale wedding and a gentle and affectionate Prince Charming. However, the reality is a cold, cold transaction and the sadness of being separated from their families.
Edward couldn't hold back any longer and burst into tears: "Dear, it's Daddy who's sorry for you!"
Jenny rushed downstairs and hugged Audrey, crying uncontrollably.
The two aunts also had red eyes.
Isabel lowered her eyes and said nothing to comfort him.
It's necessary to vent your sadness for a moment, but you have to move forward.
Audrey smiled brightly and comforted her family, "Don't be sad, everyone! I'm fine! Although you can't attend my wedding, Mr. White promised that it will be luxurious, even the wedding dress will be inlaid with diamonds. Just thinking about it makes me happy!"
Anna burst into laughter: "Oh! Little Ao... Little Bella is born to be a happy angel!"
"Of course! Give me your blessing! Remember to tell Miss Lucas next door that I have the best wedding! She must be so envious!" Audrey raised her chin proudly.
Infected by Audrey's smile, everyone's sadness was swept away.
"Yes, I will! As long as money can settle everything, Mr. White can satisfy it!" Charles said in a light tone, "It's getting late, please set off, Miss Norman!"
Everyone escorted Audrey to the lawn, where the carriage stopped not far away.
Facing the cold gaze from inside the car, Audrey took a deep breath and slowly got in.
After she sat down, Herman ordered without looking up: "Let's go."
"Wait!" Audrey suddenly said, clutching the hem of her clothes. "Wait a minute, please, Mr. White. I want to say goodbye to my family."
"So you stayed so long just to listen to Charles' jokes?" Herman said expressionlessly.
Audrey lowered her eyes.
Charles said, "Don't be so mean to the ladies, sir."
Hermann looked away and said nothing.
Audrey realized this was supposed to be tacit consent.
She looked out the car window, Isabel's figure reflected in her pupils.
Isabel kept her eyes on her sister.
The young child always hides her sadness with a smile, and only those ice-blue eyes can see through her emotions.
Audrey pursed her lips, tears welling up in her eyes. Suddenly, she opened the car door and threw herself into her sister's arms. Others only saw her hug goodbye, but couldn't hear the sobs she was suppressing.
Isabel stroked her sister's back again and again, just like when she was a child comforting her when she was bullied by her neighbor Miss Lucas.
Feeling the warm tears spreading, Isabel sighed and whispered, "Write to me, anytime."
Hearing her sister's calm voice, Audrey gradually calmed down. She took a deep breath and finally raised her head.
Although her eyes were as red as a rabbit's, she forced a smile: "I will. As you said, always be determined and always optimistic."
"Always be determined, always be optimistic," Isabel repeated, releasing her arms from the embrace and watching Audrey walk towards the carriage.
The sky is clear and the sun shines on the earth.
The gorgeous motorcade carried Audrey to an unknown distance.
Isabel watched for a long time until the wheels were out of sight.
The author has something to say:
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The Ceylon coin is equivalent to the British pound in the setting. I forgot to change it in the previous article ~ Update. Don't be picky, friends, I just made it up ~
Audrey's comments——
Jenny: An optimistic angel.
Mary: An angel of optimism.
Anna: An optimistic angel.
Isabel: Crybaby.
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