Awakening Love: Reborn to Be His Duchess Chapter 276: A Marriage Talk

If Sylvia had been humiliated today, and Yvonne was the kind of woman who obsessed over purity, then even if nothing truly happened, the unease would still wedge itself into her heart.

Elowen returned to Sunspire Hill with that worry gnawing at her.

Cassian went to handle the attacker, questions, interrogation, whatever needed doing. He took it on himself.

Elowen went straight to Sylvia.

Sylvia had been staying in the small courtyard next to Elowen's, but when Elowen went over, Sylvia wasn't there.

A maid said, "Miss Ashcroft is with the duchess Yvonne."

Elowen stepped inside and immediately saw Yvonne, full of concern, holding Sylvia's hand and asking, "How are you doing? Are your hands still shaking?"

Elowen paused, backed out, then stepped back in again.

Yvonne patted the back of Sylvia's hand gently. "Sweet girl. You've really been through it."

Sylvia looked overwhelmed by the kindness, cheeks red as she shook her head. "I'm much better now. Thank you, duchess."

Yvonne's eyes were soft with affection. "You sweet thing. Why are you still calling me 'duchess'?"

Elowen was speechless. That is a fast turn.

"You feel better now?"

Cassian's voice came from nearby.

Elowen's eyes curved as she nodded.

"Elowen!"

Sylvia noticed her then and called out, "Why did you come back?"

Elowen said, "I heard a man snuck into the estate. I wanted to see for myself."

Yvonne was so pleased with Sylvia that she seemed to like Elowen more too. She smiled. "You didn't need to rush back over one bold man. We could've handled it ourselves."

Then she added, "But it's good you're here. I was about to take my leave and head back to Vanelle."

Elowen made the polite offer. "Why not stay a few more days? It's rare to get a hot springs trip."

Yvonne smiled. "The hot springs are great, but I've got too much waiting. The biggest thing is, once I'm back in Vanelle, it's time to handle those two kids' marriage. Dragging it out isn't doing anyone any favors."

Sylvia blinked.

Elowen's smile widened. "I see."

Then Elowen said, "But it's late. Stay one more night. Tomorrow morning, I'll have someone escort you back."

Yvonne agreed, still smiling.

After a few more words, Elowen excused herself and left the courtyard.

Outside, she ran into Elspeth.

Elspeth went straight to it. "Ella, do you know what happened with Sylvia?"

Elowen nodded, smiling. "I heard everything."

Elspeth looked thoughtful. "This is one of those awful things that turns into a blessing. Sylvia's marriage is finally settled."

"Yeah," Elowen said. "And after today, we can relax. Even if she runs into other situations, she can handle herself."

Elspeth's eyes went a little red, and she let out a quiet sigh. "If Aldric can see this where he is, he can finally rest."

Elowen gave a small sound of agreement, then looked at Elspeth. "Next up is your situation."

Elspeth looked back.

"Lydia, and Nina too. Cassian and I will figure out a way to deal with them for you," Elowen said.

Elspeth didn't take it seriously. "You're young. And you're sweet. How do you think you're going to deal with that mother and daughter?"

She waved it off and patted Elowen's hand. "Focus on your own marriage. Have a baby soon."

At the word baby, Elowen's cheeks flushed.

Elspeth smiled. "I'm going to check on Sylvia. You go rest."

Elowen agreed.

When she got back, Cassian had already been waiting in the courtyard for a while.

Elowen went up to him. "Done questioning him already?"

Cassian nodded. "Big guy, but he folds fast. Hit him a couple times and he spilled everything."

Elowen blinked. "Can I go see him?"

Cassian took her hand. "Don't. It's messy."

He wasn't about to tell her that he'd had them smash the man's "weapon" to pulp.

On the first strike, Geoffrey had started shaking all over, sobbing and begging.

And when he was done confessing, Cassian had them finish the job.

Elowen stayed where she was and asked, "So what are you doing with him?"

Cassian's tone stayed flat. "He's a Baker servant. The Baker household will answer for it. I sent Bran to handle it."

Elowen nodded.

Cassian's thumb brushed lightly over her wrist. "Let's go to Serenity Church."

Elowen tilted her head. "It's really late. And we just got back."

Cassian looked at her. "I want to watch it with you."

Then, quieter, "If we miss this one, who knows how long it'll be before we get another chance."

Elowen frowned, confused. "Why? Serenity Church isn't that far. We can go whenever."

Cassian said, "Something came up in Vanelle. We need to get back soon."