"It isn’t safe for us to linger at the side of the road," Alessandra said after Kate’s carriage got far away. "We should get moving." Edgar offered his hand to help Alessandra get into the carriage. He shared the same shock as Alessandra did. Edgar entered the carriage behind Alessandra and waited for her to speak first. "I know that you all overheard," Alessandra said, directing her words to her nosy children. "As I promised Kate, none of us will approach her family, and no one is thinking of buying the mansion." "We have always listened to the rule that we mustn’t go near Aunt Kate and her son. Oh, should we still refer to her as Kate Kennedy rather than aunt?" Lily asked, curious what the talk would now change. "I do not know," Alessandra said, rubbing her temple. "I think this is the closest that we would ever be. It was surprising to receive an apology from her. Though I long moved on, there is a moment of relief that came from what she said." Alessandra was happy that Kate was changing for herself and perhaps her marriage. It was also useful for a lady like Kate to help other young ladies. "Don’t disturb her. Don’t be curious about anything more. Let her have her peace just as I have mine. I will forgive her," Alessandra said, placing her hand on Edgar’s. "I haven’t forgotten, but rather, I can go forward knowing she isn’t that person anymore." Kate needed this change. She was off to a bad start because of her parents, but she managed to find her way. It wasn’t too late in Alessandra’s eyes. "What do you think about it?" Alessandra questioned, curious about Edgar’s thoughts. "You don’t forgive her, do you?" "No, but I won’t live my life thinking of her. I didn’t think of her until her spawn stood before us. For once, I agree with Kate that you shouldn’t help others. Take that advice and place it with your mother," Edgar suggested. "I am already thinking of how to end the problem with the mines. I don’t want it that even when I am gone, they try to fight our children for the mines. I will write to the court that Elijah is the only one who shall oversee the mines after me, and he will share it with his siblings," said Alessandra. Alessandra continued to say, "Then your children and grandchildren will continue to share out what the mines receive. Should you not have children, I will place Penelope and Lily to share the duty. I will make sure no one can fight you for what belongs to you." "Like how the other relatives are trying to fight father for our great-grandmother’s home? Father, have you decided what you will do with Rose’s home?" Lily asked. "I let travellers make use of it for the right price, and it will stay that way," Edgar answered. "You can have it when you are old enough." "Me? I don’t want to argue with Grandfather Edmund about it. Speaking of which, we must address the letters he sends. I don’t want to feel like I am betraying Priscilla," said Lily. Alessandra sighed. "When are you going to refer to Priscilla as grandmother?" "Never. She spoils us the more we do not refer to her as grandmother. I must visit her soon," Lily said, missing her time with Priscilla. "We will not see her once we leave Lockwood. We should invite her to come along." "That sounds like a wonderful idea," Alessandra agreed. Edgar closed his eyes, trying to get rest. Hours later at the Callahan home, Rue was impatient and got off her horse quickly to run inside. Since Elijah spoke of gifts, Rue wanted to return to see what they were. What had he thought of for her? Would Elijah prepare gifts suited for the ladies in Lockwood? "What has become of our daughter? I fear she is too far gone and will end up staying here. Rafael, the horse," Annalise said, handing her reins over to Rafael. "I want to see what he gave her." Rafael stood with two horses he needed to put away. Why didn’t anyone think he wanted to see the gifts as well? Inside, Rue searched for where the guards would have placed the gifts. "Rue," Annalise said, pointing to the pile. "You are losing touch. I’m disappointed." Rue smiled. "Sorry, mother. I am a bit excited. I see armour!" "Wonderful," Annalise said, sitting down on a chair. "The last time a man gifted me armour, I married him." "It fits," Rue said after trying on the helmet. "How did he know? I never got my armour made here, so no one knows my size. Look, mother." "It suits you. If he ever held you, he might have measured you," Annalise said, admiring the helmet. Rue picked up a dagger embroidered with fine jewels. It was the most expensive dagger Rue ever held. How was she to kill someone with it? "No one deserves an expensive death," Rue muttered. Along with the armour and weapons, there were dresses, necklaces, shoes, and all that a lady needed for the season. What Rue liked most about the gifts was the pants, which were just as beautiful as the dresses and came with shirts to match. Rue found an envelope and opened it to find a small piece of green string along with a note. She started to laugh, amazed by how far ahead Elijah had thought. "He sent a bow for my spider. No one has ever sent such a gift," Rue said, struggling to hold back her laughter. "Well, a girl’s pet must be dressed well. You won’t need any dresses or pants for a while. There are plenty of earrings and necklaces. How much money did he spend?" Annalise wondered. Chapters fırst released on 𝘯𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘭•𝘧𝘪𝘳𝘦•𝘯𝘦𝘵 Rue shared her mother’s curiosity. "I like that he did not only spoil you with armour and weapons. I adore seeing you wear dresses, and now you have the jewels to match. He is winning in my books," Annalise said, happy for Rue. "This is not what I expected when I sent you here, but it is far better. We must let what he did be known." "Why?" Rue asked, seeing no need. "Because that is what the ladies here do, and most would not expect it from my daughter. You have the future duke spoiling you, and I have a feeling this will not be the end. Let me see a necklace around your neck," Annalise said, standing up. "When did he have time for this?" Rue wondered, still surprised by the gifts. "I didn’t think he would send me dresses. I don’t normally care for them," Rue said as she lifted a green dress that caught her eye. "Yet I want to wear them." "Every lady has her moment of falling in love with a dress. He gave you a bit of your world and a bit of his. You should write a letter to thank him, or better yet, attend a gathering wearing what he has gifted you. We have much to do before we leave," said Annalise.