Chapter 68 Some Intrigues
When the abbot had escorted Talulla and The Duchess of Hanshire away, Daisy glided forward and offered Charlie a graceful curtsey. “Thank you, Mr. Campbell, for speaking on my sister’s behalf, she said, Her eyes shining like still water, hinting at emotions she dared not voice.
Charlie cleared her throat. “Think nothing of it.”
“You have come a long way from Hanshire and may not yet know Mercycloud Monastery,” Daisy murmured. “I visit often to light candles for my father and brothers and can vouch that the food here are the finest. May I show you the refectory?”
Eager to avoid being alone with her, Charlie turned to the others. “Why don’t we all go together?”
They crossed the tranquil compound, Daisy never leaving Charlie’s side. Whatever Charlie whispered drew soft, tinkling laughter behind Daisy’s raised hand.
Sadie followed a few steps behind, watching their retreating figures and feeling a second–hand embarrassment on Charlie’s behalf.
Had Daisy shown the slightest interest in the brutal chessboard of court politics, she would already know that Charlie was, beneath all the heirly trappings, a woman. She would not be groveling quite so eagerly
now.
Sadie’s brows knitted, a faint crease that Zephyr caught at once.
Zephyr let out a quiet laugh. “Jealous, are you?”
Startled, Sadie flashed him a wide–eyed look.
Even if Charlie were truly a man, I could not fall in love after a single meeting. What on earth would I be jealous of?
Zephyr’s smile lingered. “Does it surprise you that I can read your thoughts?”
Sadie said nothing.
If you understand so little about a woman’s heart, kindly stop pretending you can analyze it.
Zephyr plucked a blossom from an overhanging branch and idly crushed the petals between his fingers as they walked.
“The Duke of Hanshire keeps more concubines than he can name and fathers eighteen sons,” he said. “For Charlie to fight his way to heir shows real skill. Yet, the entire Campbell family kneels to that puppet–master. in the capital. Father and son share the same weak knees. The Gates family will never call such men allies, so any wedding between you and Charlie will never happen.”
Again, Sadie held her tongue.
For the record, Charlie and I have not even discussed marriage. We are nowhere near that stage.
Unwilling to argue, she lengthened her stride and moved ahead
Zephyr watched the graceful sway of her figure, his gaze turning frosty.
She’s deprived of the chance to wed her chosen love–no wonder she’s heartbroken.
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Chapter 68 Some Intrigues
After their simple meal, the group began the walk back to the retreat and came upon a small colony of cath
Daisy laughed and told Charlie, “You may not know this, but Mercycloud Monastery shelters a tribe of Cat The worshippers and visitors feed them all year.”
She broke apart the bread she had saved from the refectory, scattering soft pieces for the animals. As she knelt with perfect posture, the silk of her skirt traced an elegant curve around her legs.
Her clear laughter mingled with soft purrs, leaving Charlie with an image of gentle beauty and unspoiled kindness.
Sadie watched the entire performance and finally understood why Daisy had insisted on joining the meal The bread was a prop, an excuse to display her kindness and charm before Charlie.
Zephyr leaned close to Sadie’s car, his voice low and amused. “Looks like your beloved is about to be lured away.”
Sadie remained silent.
There was simply no way to explain matters to him.
Daisy suddenly pointed toward a shadowed corner. “Look, Mr. Campbell, a kitten!” She hurried over and scooped the tiny creature into her arms. “Barely a month old. Its mother must have abandoned it. Poor thing. It cannot even fight the bigger cats for crumbs. Mr. Campbell, shall we take it home?”
Charlie shifted awkwardly. “Miss Daisy, if you wish to keep it, do so. You hardly need my permission.”
Her eyes curved into bright crescents. “But we found it together,” she said. “If you do not mind, I would love for us to raise it as a pair. A kitten brought up in love will be very happy.”
Charlie possessed a quiet, almost effortless grace that turned even the smallest gesture into a lesson in poise.
She was wondering how to gently turn down Daisy’s enthusiasm when Sadie rescued her with a bright suggestion. “Maybe the mother’s only out hunting. If we touch the kitten, our scent might cling, and she could truly abandon it.”
Daisy’s smile froze, yet she clung to the tiny bundle. “You dislike animals, so you know nothing about them,” she insisted. “The poor thing is helpless. I’m taking it home, whether anyone likes it or not.”
Before she could argue further, a calico slipped from the bushes and brushed a paw across Daisy’s embroidered shoe, eyes fixed on the kitten nestled against her chest. It mewed urgently, the unmistakable call of a mother who had just returned.
Startled by the kitten’s sudden wriggle, Daisy lost her grip and dropped it.
Luckily, the little creature landed unharmed. The calico seized it by the scruff and hurried away, tail whipping with relief.
Daisy forced a thin smile. “It seems the kitten and Mr. Campbell are not meant to be part of my story after all.”
No one replied. Meanwhile, Lillian rolled her eyes so hard.
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