Chapter 21

Thank you for all the feedback! I really appreciate it! However, I'm feeling a bit overwhelmed and I'm also worried that my replies might inadvertently spoil future developments, so I think I'll focus on writing for a while. m(_ _)m I've read all the feedback you've given, and I truly appreciate it.

Also, thank you for pointing out the typos. I've made the corrections.

Edith had just finished clearing the lunch dishes when Lionel, who was being wheeled in his wheelchair, turned to look at her.

"What's the matter, Edith? You seem quieter than usual..."

Surprised by Lionel's sharp observation, Edith smiled back.

"I was just lost in thought. ...I'm impressed that you noticed."

"Perhaps because I spend more time with you than anyone else these days. Is something on your mind?"

Edith looked back at Lionel, who was gazing at her with a concerned expression.

"I don't think it's something I need to hide from you, so I'll tell you. I just met with Lord Craig, and he gave me a letter from Lady Eugenie. She invited me for tea."

"..."

Lionel's face took on a thoughtful expression, and Edith asked hesitantly,

"I don't know if it's appropriate for me to ask, but Lady Eugenie is an old friend of yours, isn't she?"

"Yes, that's right. We have a summer house that we use for vacations, and the Spencer family's summer house is nearby. Until my mother fell ill, we used to go there every summer. Craig and I often played with Eugenie, who was close to our age. At that time, Arche was still too young to understand much."

Lionel's eyes seemed to drift off into the past as he continued.

"Since we were from the same noble families and our ages were close, and because our families' businesses could benefit each other, our parents had planned to have us betrothed when we were old enough. So, Eugenie, the only daughter of the Spencer family, and I, the eldest son of this house, were supposed to be betrothed. ...I hope you're not upset that I'm telling you this?"

Edith smiled, touched by Lionel's consideration for her feelings.

"No, it's fine. Besides, as you mentioned before, I would have eventually heard the details since I'm part of the Granville family. It's better to hear it directly from you."

"Thank you, Edith. As you know, after I fell ill, it was decided that Craig would be betrothed to Eugenie instead of me, and I became engaged to you. ...That's about it."

Edith hesitated for a moment before looking at Lionel. She sensed that there was something he wasn't telling her, and she also noticed that Lionel, who was usually gentle, seemed a bit more formal with Eugenie.

"What do you think of Lady Eugenie? I apologize for prying, but is there something that's been bothering you?"

Lionel smiled wryly and looked back at Edith.

"...You're perceptive. You get straight to the heart of the matter. Eugenie is a kind-hearted woman, though she can be a bit sensitive. ...But there is something that has been on my mind."

He continued, looking at Edith intently.

"You met her parents the other day, didn't you? They are quite ambitious. While that's not uncommon among noble families, they seem to have a strong desire for Eugenie to marry the heir of this house. And Eugenie seems to be somewhat influenced by her parents."

Lionel paused for a moment before speaking again.

"Originally, Eugenie was supposed to be betrothed to me, the eldest son. But when my health took a sudden turn for the worse, it was decided that she would be betrothed to Craig instead. That, in itself, wasn't surprising. As I told you before, there were few women who would want to be betrothed to someone with a serious illness. ...But at that time, she told me that she had always had feelings for Craig."

"..."

If Lionel had harbored any feelings for Eugenie, Edith's heart ached to think how cruel those words must have been for him, given his condition.

As if sensing her thoughts, Lionel smiled gently.

"Eugenie was like a sister to me, so her words surprised me, but they didn't really affect me. You don't need to look so worried. Besides, it was the first time I learned that Craig had feelings for her, so I was a bit out of the loop."

Lionel sighed softly, recalling the past.

"For the Granville family, it didn't matter that Eugenie was betrothed to Craig, the second son. They weren't officially betrothed to me at the time, and their marriage would still benefit both families. If I had known their feelings before I fell ill, I would have just wished them well. However, I felt that her declaration at that point reflected her parents' wishes. They must have decided that Craig would inherit the family, and that's why Eugenie said what she did."

"I see... So there was that context..."

Lionel looked into Edith's eyes.

"If my health improves, it might actually be inconvenient for Eugenie's parents. ...Edith, you are the most important and beloved person in my life. I don't want you to be drawn into any unnecessary drama."

Edith smiled and shook her head.

"Thank you for your concern, but please don't worry about me. I just want you to focus on your health and recovery."

"That's exactly why I'm worried. ...Besides, if Eugenie truly loves Craig, there's no problem. But I'm concerned that she might be using his feelings. It might be none of my business, but I'm worried about Craig."

"I see..."

"If Eugenie could have waited a bit longer until I passed away, she and Craig could have been betrothed and married without any issues. But because her and her parents' impatience, I met you and found salvation, and I'm on the path to recovery. ...Fate can be ironic, can't it?"

There was a moment of silence. Lionel smiled wryly and looked at Edith.

"Perhaps I've said too much. But remember, this is just my perspective. Everyone sees things through their own filter. There are as many interpretations as there are people. ...Despite what I've said, if you have tea with Eugenie, I hope you can talk to her with an open mind. I trust your judgment."

"I understand, Lionel."

Edith was worried that she might have made Lionel talk too much and tire him, but she felt a heavy weight in her chest as she thought about his feelings. She couldn't help but think that if someone in his position, who was ill and in a difficult situation, was suddenly told by a childhood friend who was supposed to be betrothed to him that she loved his brother, it would be hurtful.

She wondered if Eugenie's gaze, when she looked at Lionel, contained a hint of regret. Despite this, Edith still wanted to talk to her.

(There are things you can't understand just by imagining. ...Besides, I'm curious why Lady Eugenie invited me for tea.)

Edith, recalling Eugenie's beautifully written letter, pushed Lionel's wheelchair with renewed strength.