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“An unwed single woman living in a household with a widowed man and daughter… you can guess the rumors.” Matthew pursed his lips “I wanted to let her leave, but Mira was too attached to her and she to Mira. I was selfish” Matthew shook his head regretfully “I asked her if she wanted to marry me to clear her name. I did tell her that my heart was too small, and it could only hold my wife.” “I told her that I would give her everything that was a wife’s due except my heart.” Matthew laughed regretfully “Little did I know this foolish woman would take that seriously to this day!” “She agreed without hesitation.” Matthew smiled in self- mockery “She told me that as long as she could have Mira as her daughter, she wouldn’t ask anything more of me and she had kept her word.” “I have wronged her terribly not just in the past but also recently.” Matthew shook his head in self-blame and retold the incident around Mira’s marriage. “You and us, both.” Cyrus too felt regretful. He played the jo
Harrison left two maids to help with at the manor and sent the rest back to Southamberston to get four cottages close to the Southamberston manor and all the apartments in the manor ready. “Since you all insist on staying…. I am not sure how to organize the living arrangements.” Mira knitted her brows as she thought of all the people left behind. “Nothing to it, Your Grace.” Harrison shrugged “We will all stay in the second cottage.” “What about the guards?” Mira pursed her lips in thought. “They have their own arrangement.” Harrison began to explain as he saw that Mira’s expression didn’t loosen “Ma’am, the guards always bring their tent along. Sometimes, we camp with them as well.” “But this is not for a day or two.” Mira frowned as she turned to look at Jack for a solution. “Your Grace, it really is not a problem.” Lazarus opened his mouth in a timely manner. “We are used to it and works better for us.” “We will have to trouble Your Grace to provide us with space to raise two
“A gentleman’s honor is not joke.” Stranton declined with a serious expression and then chuckled “I am waiting for the storm… this is just a breeze.” “Alright then…” Mira laughed and didn’t insist. She handed five gold coins to the attendant who helped her. “This….” The attendant had a constipated expression as she looked between the gold coins and her boss’s face. “Don’t decline the duchess generosity on my account.” Stranton laughed lightly in good manner. “Thank you… thank you my lady.” The attendant happily received the gold coins and waved them goodbye. “Where to next?” Jack teased as he sat inside the carriage with Mira looking at all the boxes piled in front. “Aldrin’s” “Um” Aldrin was not at the shop like usual, but his shop assistant was familiar with Mira and left her to her devices. She gathered a basket full of threads, silk and metallic threads, round and marquise shaped pearls, reflective circular disc and column pieces in different shades needed for the different
“Sir, I need to give you a briefing of the current affairs of the estate.” Carl scratched the back of his head.“That is why you stayed back?” Jack raised his eyebrows.Carl rubbed his chin; he didn’t know if it was a good thing that his new master could read him like a book. Most people couldn’t read him, a skill he learned as part of his job.“Go on.” Jack sat back and crossed his arms. This chair was very comfortable especially with the fur cushions his wife made.“Shall I call your brother?” Carl asked; Since he was going to take an apprentice, it would be best to start from the beginning.“Um” Jack nodded in appreciation and called Harrison to get big brother.Oden was sitting in the front room with John and Beth telling them that Jack asked him to join as the apprentice for his man of business.“Son, do well.” John patted his back “Don’t be a burden for your cousin. Shoulder some of his burden.”“Um”Harrison knocked on the door and waited outside. He could hear voices, but they
“This current understanding is that Southamberston was annexed under the management of the king’s estate as our master died without an heir…. But that is not true.” Carl started at the beginning.“Is that not the case?” Mira raised her eyebrows.“Not in its entirety.” Carl shook his head. His eyes reflected a deep-seated regret.“Continue.” Jack waved his hand.“The Haribeorts who are the original owners of Southamberston do not follow the norms of inheritance. The father to son or closest male relative rule for inheritance does not exist for Haribeorts.”“Their legacy has always been father to the oldest offspring, whether it is a male or female.”“The only exception is when the heir passes the inheritance to the next in-line.” Carl continued “Let’s say, the eldest daughter who is the heir marries off to a distant land or another dukedom where managing both estates is more than she can handle; She can pass her birthright to her next sibling.”“That is such a fair system.” Mira nodded
Carl took a deep breath as he regained composure “We were later told by the old master in confidence that we were not to ask any questions and that the dukedom would be annexed to the Royal estate due to lack of heir. We were strictly forbidden from contracting this version of the story.”“The current king as far as I have heard is righteous.” Jack pursed his lips skeptically “If this property was annexed unlawfully, then he would have passed it to its rightful heir and never kept it, let alone gift it to another.”“Your Grace, the inheritance rights of the Haribeort family are not widely known. Only a select few are preview to this knowledge and are not allowed to reveal it to another soul. Other than the Haribeorts, the king and the chief of chamber of inheritance rights no one has the privilege to know this.”“Usually after the new king’s coronation, there is ceremony where the chief of every governing body in the country will have a meeting with the king… something like a rite of p
“I don’t think I heard anything confidential that warrants his fear.” Oden knitted his brows as he opened his mouth for the first time since he entered the room.Jack nodded to agree but Mira pursed her lips and knitted his brows.“What is it love?” Jack noted that she didn’t agree.“Maybe… maybe not…” Mira’s expression didn’t loosen as she continued “Think about it…. this is knowledge that only a few share…. Knowledge that could if used by those with malicious intent, incriminate the king of a treacherous act. One if instigated in the right amount could even start a rebellion.”“But what puzzles me is why the old master decided to take it sitting down.” Mira twirled her finger around a loose hair strand “The Haribeort’s must have had some clout to be able to write their own law of inheritance that didn’t conform to the normal laws of the land.”Mira kept twirling her hand as she spoke “He must have been betting on his grandson… something must have reassured him that there was no need
“What case?” Martin turned around curiously before realizing that he was the butt of the joke and sitting back crossing his arms resentfully.“Hur…hur…hur….” Oden and Jack burst out laughing along with Mira “Puchi….”In the evening, everyone started arriving as planned. First Matthew and Harry arrived with Ursula and Agnes.“Your mothers didn’t want to stay at home on their own.” Matthew shrugged when Mira raised her eyebrows quizzically.“We came to keep Beth company.” Agnes walked forward ignoring the skeptical gazes of the boys and Mira.“Yes… yes… we came to give Beth company.” Ursula nodded with a guilty smile.“And not to spy on us.” Mira raised her eyebrows in a playfully taunting manner crossing her arms.“Would we?” Agnes blinked innocently as she whispered to Mirah “Even if your fathers have that intention, do you think we would betray our dear girl?”“Old woman, are you digging my grave?” Harry put on a pitiful expression which led to a bout of laughter.Mira quirked her eye
“Good heavens” Beth, Ursula and Agnes shrieked at the same time as they saw their jewelry sets. They had opened theirs in curiosity as they saw Anne-Marie’s set but never in their wildest dream did any of them expect this.“Do you like it?” Mira raised her eyebrows playfully feeling pleased inside as she saw their joy.“This…. this … this is more expensive than anything I have ever touched.” Beth’s eyes were wide in shock “My dear girl…. This… this I can’t …. You keep it.” She anxiously tried to push the set back to Mira.“Aunt, this is what we bought for you.” Mira pouted feigning a wronged expression “You can’t despise us.”“Despise??? Good lord….” Beth shook her head frantically “This is like the stars in heavens… how can I despise it?” She stuttered “It’s…. it’s just …. Just that I am not worthy.”“Not worthy?” Mira made a furious expression “Says who?” She looked at Oden, Martin and Anne-Marie with a menacing eye daring them to speak.None of the had recovered from the shock of t
Jack and Mira set off early in the morning along with Lazarus and two of men. She made Almera promise that she wouldn’t look at the dress before it was time for her to wear it tomorrow and handed the basket that was tightly wrapped.She collected the completed suits for the men before settling into gossip. Jack sat by without interrupting as Thomas couldn’t make it to give him company. With just one day to the coronation and being sworn brothers with the crown prince, Thomas would be lucky if he had time to relieve himself.Almera told Mira all about Lotta’s fate. Mira couldn’t help but sigh with sympathy although she would never forgive her for putting Jack in such a miserable state. Along with all the gossip, she also told Mira how well-behaved Danielle had been since the competition.Hats for men were bought from men’s fashion emporium that Almera had recommended. They were the latest in-fashion for court wear; Navy blue felt in cavalier style with embroidery in golden threads and
Oden never knew that a man of business’s life was so busy. The pace at Slegh’s that he was used to, was relaxed and leisurely in a polite language…. if one was perfectly honest, then they would call it sloppy. His admiration for Carl grew as he watched and learned. Even though he was swept off his feet, Oden didn’t slack even for a second. He knew his cousin was destined for bigger things and he couldn’t drag him down. Even with the limited resources he had, his cousin and wife managed to build what they had today, what would happen in future now that they had the resources of dukedom? He was their big cousin; he had to shield them in his own way… and the only way was to grow stronger.Martin was busy with winding up all his tasks at the smithery and also his new hobby that he hadn’t disclosed to anyone…. this was his little secret. Luckily, everyone was run of their feet, and no one noticed. Beth wasn’t idle either. She was busy supervising the maids with the meals for everyone. It w
Jason regretted letting go of Mira. The moment he saw her receiving the title of duchess, he realized how foolish he was to listen to Alina and cast the diamond in his hands away for trash. The moment he heard Mira ask in open court for the title to be bestowed equally on her and Jack, he felt that someone had forcefully snatched something that belonged to him. Regret played somersaults inside his head as his mind relayed the scenes of Mira shining like a star during the awards ceremony.Soon his mind started devising plans to reclaim what was originally his. He didn’t believe that he couldn’t snatch Mira away from that poor simpleton. He didn’t put Jack in his eyes at all…. He forgot that Jack’s identity was no longer that of a simpleton.He was after all her first love, and she had even tried to take her own life to be with him… He conveniently forgot how she had scorned him on the last few encounters. Even if he remembered, his ego would have put it down to her being angry and woul
After returning from the city, Mira got busy with completing her embroideries. First, she completed the work on Matthew’s coat and breeches. The breeches were simple with an inch wide embroidery on the knee bands. She did the same pattern for John and Harry using the same thread combination- silver and royal blue metallic threads to embroider a floral vine pattern along the front line, vents, collar, cuffs pockets and flaps of the navy-blue material and knee bands for the breeches. The same pattern was done for the three cravats on the portion of the cravat that would adorn the front of the knot.The silver blue material for the three waist coats was entirely covered by a small pattern called droguet using royal blue and aqua blue metallic threads.The only twist between the three sets were the flowers; this was the same as their female counterparts- Harry’s had magnolia flowers while Matthew’s were Fuchsia flowers; John’s were tulips.The pattern for Oden and Martin was the replica of
Martha and Sierra were next to enter, brightening Mira’s mood. She forgot all about the unpleasant lady. She started the conversation with the normal pleasantries while Jack sat back to give her space.“Can I ask if you know a Mr Baldos?” Mira asked feigning anxiety before hurriedly apologizing “I apologize if I offended you… but I can’t help asking since your name is Martha.”“You….. you….” Martha stuttered as she looked suspiciously with fear.“I mean no harm” Mira feigned regret “Baldos is a friend and I promised him to take care of his lady friend, but all I know of her is that her name is Martha.”“I have been asking this question to every Martha I meet since Baldos passed away.” Mira sighed.“No…. no… I … I didn’t…” Martha shook her head. She didn’t know what to say. She didn’t want to offend anyone, especially if it was Baldos friend.“It’s okay.” Mira sighed regretfully “I will keep searching.”“No… no… I … I mean I am …” Martha explained looking uncomfortable. She didn’t know
“Since she like serving men poisoned with potions of seduction and lust, I think she should experience it at least once.” Mira pursed her lips and clenched her fists.“We will do as you say.” Jack agreed with a doting smile.“I think she should do it for a lifetime since she likes it so much.” Almera rolled her eyes.Thomas’s lips curled in an admiring arc. This was exactly what he wanted to do. They discussed what to do next before splitting up.Mira and Jack followed their original plan and went to the apartment area. Carl and Oden were waiting dutifully after the purchase was completed. They got on the carriage as they rode on to the apartment. Carl informed Jack of the owner’s interest in selling the remaining apartments. He also provided his view of business prospects and waited for Jack’s decision.“Cost?” Jack pursed his lips as he deliberated.“The current apartment was bought for 50 nuggets. The surrounding 4 apartments are also priced at the same value however if we are able
Mira entered space after everyone left for their day’s work. Today she had to finish the work for her mother and godmother. She didn’t have to think long for her mom and godmother’s pattern. For her mom’s cloth the pattern was the floral pattern of fuchsia flowers that were bright red with shades of a dark red and a shade of pink darker than the rosewood color for the inside bulb with hovering hummingbirds, the Fiery-throated hummingbird and the Crowned Woodnymph variety which were her mom’s favorite among all the hummingbirds.Mira finished the work on her mother’s cloth and stretched before leaving space. She didn’t want to worry Jack. She had learned her lesson yesterday. Harrison was dutifully waiting for her in the dining room wondering whether he should call her. A smile appeared on his face as she appeared as if his dilemma was resolved.Mira had a quick lunch after Harrison informed her that both her aunt and uncle had asked her not to wait for them at dinner as they would stop
“She must be working.” Jack shook his head helplessly and explained as he saw that the worry written all over Harrison’s face was genuine “She tends to forget time when she concentrates.”“Wife...” Jack called out as he knocked on the door.Mira had just completed Aunt Beth’s pattern when she heard Jack’s voice. She came out of space and opened the door happily only to see Jack frowning and Harrison’s anxious face. Seeing the light outside had faded, Mira blinked with a silly mischievous grin as realization hit her…. An entire day had passed!Jack really wanted to scold Mira, but he couldn’t say a word of reprimand as he saw her silly grin.“You are not allowed to do this.” Jack shook his head helplessly and spoke in a gentle tone as he pulled her into his embrace.“Um” Mira readily nodded.“Next time...” Jack tilted his head to look at Mira with a serious gaze; Mira didn’t let him continue. She jumped to cover his mouth and shook her head hurriedly “No next time….”“I … I will get the