Chapter 216: Catching Up Over Tea

Often, Leonor wondered how her life would have turned out if her mother were still alive. Would she have made the same decisions? Would her father ever have raised his hand against her in the first place?

The love she experienced with Desmond bloomed out of her desire to hide from her father. It grew underneath the pressure of a noble daughter sneaking out to see someone supposedly so far below her station she never should have looked at him in the first place.

If fate was real, she would have certainly crossed paths with him eventually, but what would their story have looked like?

The logical side of her knew that if her mother were there, she wouldn’t have done everything she could to escape Burien. However, if her mother was there, she would have likely allowed Leonor to love whoever she wanted to freely since she wasn’t able to. She would have fought for her daughter to remain the heiress yet bring in someone at her side who suited her rather than benefitted her family.

Countess Jara von Burien was unlike many in her station. She believed that a happy leader could produce better results than someone who had their hand forced.

Leonor only realized later in life that was because she was forced into the life she had and she felt like all productivity in her life had stopped. All her passions ceased to exist by the end of her life.

Ultimately, if Leonor’s mother were still there, things would look very different, but she wasn’t entirely sure if she would have risen to such heights if it weren’t for the need to fight her way to the top and escape her father’s grasp.

As she reflected on her goings on with Lady Alma, Leonor was satisfied with having someone there she could talk to; someone her husband chose for her considering she had little influence from other maternal figures in her life.

"As you’ve advised me, I’m starting small in Piedmont and participating in actions that will benefit the common people rather than my interests in raising my power," she explained. "I’ve taken to charitable endeavors regarding the orphanage. Considering his grace put out the groundwork for the orphanage to be something special, I have continued on the same path."

The old woman sipped her tea quietly, absorbing the words of the younger woman. She placed the porcelain cup down devoid of any noise and gave a pleased smile.

"This will certainly further the image of a unified body just the way you wanted it to, your grace," Alma complimented. "Wonderful job."

"Thank you," Leonor responded quietly, unable to reveal the true reason for her interest in the orphanage but happy that Alma was pleased with her decisions. "After the war, I believe my interests are best put towards issues that are the result of the bloodshed that took place. There are many children misplaced because of all that happened."

Alma continued with her pleased expression.

The war had hit everyone but the duchess likely experienced it the most. After all, her husband was someone who would never be the same because of the past king’s greed. Leonor was wise to put her focus on something of this sort.

However, there was something Alma knew was the most difficult for Leonor.

"And how are you getting along in the social circles in Piedmont?" she asked slyly, wondering if that would put Leonor in a bit of a harder position.

"It has been..." Leonor knew she was caught. "Not easy but not difficult. I know I should put in more effort. However, I have made a few connections on the way around the duchy. Marchioness Letizia Martin has a lot of influence and information."

Lady Alma raised a cloth napkin to her lips and laughed politely.

"And all the willingness to spill the secrets of nobility, I’m certain," Alma responded lightly, carefully. She knew that Letizia had secrets about everyone and no desire to hold anything back. "Does she still drink as much as she used to?"

Leonor’s eyebrows rose. She hadn’t heard Alma gossip much before. She didn’t know whether to feel honored or suspicious. However, she trusted the lady. After visiting Piedmont, Leonor heard nothing else of Alma’s visit.

There were a few maids with well-connected families in Piedmont and her first order of business was forming a beneficial relationship that gave her information about what was being said in the local circles.

Alma keeping her mouth shut about the business of the duke and duchess was likely a move to keep the duchess’ trust. She was a decent political ally to have considering her closeness to the king. Even in her old age, she was interested in elevating her house considering her son wasn’t forming political marriages– at least he wasn’t yet.

"Her and her husband both enjoy their wine at all hours of the day," Leonor admitted. "Although I imagine if I lived in a vineyard I might fall into the same habits for the sake of convenience."

This scored a laugh from Alma and Leonor was pleased.

"Has the countryside been treating you well?" Leonor asked. "You seem well-rested. I’m happy to visit you in your domain rather than forcing you to travel to the West."

"I do nearly the same thing every day," Alma admitted. "As the seasons change, my activities change. However, with winter looming, I imagine Christopher will force me to live in his home so that this old woman doesn’t have to be cooped up alone. I won’t make the maids stay where the roads are dangerous and weather unpredictable."

"That’s understandable," Leonor admitted. "If my mother was going to be alone, I would put her under my roof as well. The Marquette’s home is very beautiful, as you know. I’m happy to hear that’s where you’ll be able to remain."

"The library is small, but Christopher keeps it well stocked," she said. "There are a few new books I haven’t read."

Leonor’s smile was authentic as she leaned into the table slightly, seeking more tea with another perfect pour.

"You have always stressed the importance of an educated noblewoman," Leonor realized. "I admire this aspect of you very much, my lady." She stared into her freshly poured tea for a moment, being caught up on a thought. "I have to ask for your advice regarding a certain matter, however. I need you to keep it between us."

"Don’t hesitate to pick my brain if you need help, your grace," Alma responded.

"His Majesty and his most trusted mage have sought my help to educate young mages through Montclair considering the King is set on underlining the importance of solving conflicts through magic," she explained. "I am inclined to say yes. How will this appear as someone in my position? I have requested all business take place in Piedmont except for quarterly meetings with His Majesty that are unavoidable."

Alma leaned into her chair and she tapped her chin. Her old eyes narrowed as she became thoughtful. Noblewomen in the past hadn’t been magicians but they hadn’t been educated either and that was something she pushed for the moment it was more widely accepted for women to receive the same schooling as men.

To moisten her mouth, the old woman took a sip of tea and her answer came out of her lips before the cup could reach the porcelain saucer.

"You’re not pregnant yet, I assume," Alma said. "You’re not a mother yet. Your focus being on your surroundings and elevating yourself will not be seen as selfish the first few years of your marriage. Once things settle, you can always delegate work as your circumstances change."

Leonor nodded slowly with each word said to her. Her gaze remained on the former countess. She was a mother and had a rich history of volunteering her time to various educational establishments throughout Montclair. If she juggled it, Leonor believed she might be able to if it happened one day.

It wouldn’t be easy but it would be fulfilling. Alma was an old woman who never seemed bitter but satisfied with her full life. That was all Leonor wanted out of her life.

Before another word could leave Leonor’s lips, her eyebrows lowered as she saw horses on the trail leading up to the tea house. They weren’t coming from the town center in the north but from the east.

As they got closer, she saw Desmond leading the charge but all of the soldiers on horses had tapestries and carried flags signifying the Royal Family.

Even closer still, she saw Desmond wearing an expression of worry and her heart dropped. Had something happened?

Lady Alma witnessed Leonor’s change in posture and her eyes followed Leonor’s. She had chosen to be angled away from the window while Leonor faced it.

"What is this?" Alma asked.

"I have no idea, my lady," Leonor responded. "Don’t they seem serious? I wonder if something happened."

All they could do was wait for the duke to come inside and explain why he was there in the first place.

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by Aunomay Read