Chapter 27 Time To Marry
Finished
After pondering for a while, Oliver slowly said, “You know, when a girl grows up, she yearns for more. It seems to me she’s got a wild heart now.”
Daisy asked tentatively, “What do you mean by that, Oliver?”
Oliver poured a cup of tea with a smirk. “She’s at the age for marriage, so she’s become a bit restless. Why don’t we find her a suitable husband and encourage her to get married and have children as soon as possible? After all, a woman is only content when she’s settled down in her husband’s home. That way, she’ll be distracted and won’t feel the need to compete with Daisy.”
“What kind of man are you hoping to find for Sadie, Oliver?”
Oliver glanced toward the corner. Isn’t there a perfect one right there?”
Daisy and Neville glanced over.
Huddled in the corner was a chubby man in his twenties. He was their cousin, Kendrick Bradforde, and had been born intellectually challenged.
Neville said cautiously, “Aunt Lyndal has always held Kendrick in high regard. Why would she agree to let him marry Sadie?”
“Sadie is now the adopted daughter of the Gates family, so her dowry won’t be small,” Oliver gently reminded. “Do you think Aunt Lyndal would agree?”
Meanwhile, Sadie was completely oblivious that her brothers and sister were busy arranging her marriage.
She stepped into the study and respectfully greeted her father.
Quincy was the magistrate of Jifgas County. Back in the day, he had come in last for the exam to become an imperial scholar. He had a particular fondness for wearing robes tailored from brocade and a small round cap made from green satin. His mustache added a touch of smugness to his demeanor.
When Sadie entered, he was standing behind his desk, practicing his calligraphy.
Without even lifting his head, he commanded authoritatively, “Kneel.”
Sadie calmly looked at him. “What exactly did I do wrong?”
“What did you do wrong?” Quincy slammed down his brush, his face stern. “Tell me, what did I say to you the night before you went to the Gates Estate?”
“You suggested that I should mention you more often in front of The Duke, emphasizing your political achievements. You believed it would help you get promoted and boost your career,” she said.
“And did you manage to do it?”
Sadie remained silent.
Firstly, she didn’t think Quincy had any noteworthy achievements.
Secondly, she also didn’t want to contribute to Quincy’s career progression.
The bond between them as father and daughter had been utterly shattered in their past lives, when her
Chapter 27 Time To Marry
father had taken her life.
In the past, she always felt it was terribly sad that he had been abandoned by her mother.
However, it wasn’t until her previous life when she went to Jamore that she discovered the truth after Quincy drunkenly revealed his feelings. It turned out that it wasn’t her mother who abandoned her family for wealth and status. Rather, it was Quincy who, for the sake of his own future, had ruthlessly drugged Eleanor and delivered her to Nicolas‘ bed.
Deep down, Quincy was selfish and despicable.
He was unworthy of being a husband, unworthy of being a father. He was nothing more than a complete opportunist, always seeking immediate gain.
Sadie hid the disdain in her eyes, replying softly, “Father, you may not be aware, but I’ve only just managed to secure my position in the Gates Estate. If I were to mention you to The Duke rashly, I fear it would only provoke his displeasure. Wouldn’t that jeopardize your future instead?”
She sounded utterly sincere.
Quincy furrowed his brows, twirling his mustache thoughtfully. “You do have a point… he conceded.
“Let’s take it slow,” Sadie said in a gentle, soothing tone. “Once I’ve firmly established myself in the Gates Estate, I assure you, I’ll secure a promising future for you. You’ll get to taste what it’s like to be a high- ranking official. Your talent is immense, and your political achievements are remarkable. It’s only due to a lack of opportunity that you’ve been confined to the minor position of a county magistrate. But remember, a golden fish doesn’t belong in a small pond. You were always meant to soar high and hold sway over the world.”
Her words were sweet like honey.
Touched, Quincy finally gave a satisfied smile, saying, “You are quite dutiful.”
Sadie emerged from the study, casting a fleeting glance back at the faint silhouette of her father behind the window.
Go ahead and wait all you want.
Even till you’re old and on your deathbed, I’ll never bring you up in front of The Duke.
During lunch, Oliver raised his wine glass. “Sadie, at the end of the day, we are siblings, bound by blood. I declare that the past is the past, and we should let bygones be bygones. This glass of wine, I toast to you. To your bright future ahead!”
Sadie’s expression remained unchanged.
Among the three brothers, Oliver was the youngest and the most prideful.
She refused to believe that he would reconcile with her.
From the corner of her eye, she spotted Daisy, who was gently smiling with her lips pursed, as if she was anticipating something.
Neville winked at Daisy and mockingly raised his two thumbs. He pointed one at Kendrick and the other at Sadie. Then, with a teasing smirk, he brought his two thumbs together in a significant gesture.
20:05 Wed, 13 Aug
Chapter 27 Time To Marry
A suspicion began to form in Sadie’s heart.
Finished
Oliver finished his glass of wine, his gaze thoughtful as he went on, “You know the saying, men should marry when they come of age, and women should do the same. You’re no longer a little girl. With you coming of age next year, we should start actively considering your marriage prospects.”
In the Zestrax Empire, girls typically came of age at sixteen. Most families would start considering marriage prospects a year or two in advance. However, if the girl belonged to a noble family, she was often pampered and adored by the elders, who would usually allow her to stay at home for an additional couple of years.
Faced with Oliver’s insistence on marriage, Sadie responded, “Marriage is a matter that should be decided by the parents and arranged by the matchmakers. I wouldn’t dare to comment recklessly.”
“We’re all family here, so what’s there to be shy about?” Oliver placed a piece of meat onto her plate. “In my opinion, our cousin Kendrick is a great catch. Sure, he might not be the brightest, but he’s honest and Aunt Lyndal’s only son. If you were to marry him, our families would become even closer! Once you’re part of their family, I’m sure Aunt Lyndal will dote on you. You wouldn’t have to worry about any mother–in–law, daughter–in–law conflicts.”
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