The Squire on a White Horse

That’s right, I remembered. Just about two months ago, Stanley’s father, his eldest son and his wife had visited this mansion.

It was just after my illness was discovered, and I didn’t have the time to think about the reason for their visit, but thinking about it, it must have been decided at that time.

The father and the wife of the eldest son greeted me politely, but the eldest son looked unhappy the whole time and didn’t even look at me. I remember Stanley apologizing to me flatly after the three of them left.

It was not possible to judge a person’s character by that, but at least Stanley, who was highly respected by his father, the Lord of this vast territory of Chamberlain, could support a wealthy merchant even at that young age.

“But the eldest son didn’t want it to be taken away from me without a fight. As a result of the discussion, an heir was decided on the condition that the eldest son’s three sons would be appointed as executives when they came of age, and one of them would be Stanley’s next successor. In other words, Stanley doesn’t need any children in the sense of an heir.”

I was finally convinced.

He was the next president of a wealthy company. The man did not need an heir. He was just right for the youngest daughter of a lord who aws unable to bear children.

“Does… Stanley know about this already?”

“Yes, he does. He’s agreed to this engagement.”

“…Is that a done deal?”

“Yes, it is. I’ve already talked to Stanley’s parents and they’ve started working on it. The official engagement will take place after he leaves here. The ceremony will take place when it’s a little warmer.”

I fell silent, and Mother’s hand, which had been next to me the whole time, touched mine.

“Stanley… he wouldn’t make you live a life of inconvenience, you know. He will not make you unhappy.”

“We love you, Florence. This is the best we can do for you.”

I squeezed my mother’s hand as hard as I could. I kissed her on the cheek, stood up and hugged my father’s neck, then looked at them both in turn.

“I understand, Father, Mother.”

There were probably many more things I should have said or asked, but my brain was in a panic right now. We’ll talk about it later.

I bowed my head, then turned on my heel and staggered to the door.

I opened the door, which was even heavier than when I had entered. On the other side of the door, Stanley was standing with his hands folded behind his back, and as usual, he smiled at me.

He must have known why he was called here.

And yet, it was so much the same as usual that I wondered if he really knew.

“I heard that you and I are getting married.”

“Yes. Yes, that’s what I’ve heard.”

There was not the slightest hint of surprise on her face or in his reply. He really knew.

I thought that he should have told me secretly, since I had seen that he was troubled for a long time, but then I reminded myself that his father must have kept him quiet, and that his parents and I trusted him so much because he was so tight-lipped.

“Shall we have tea?”

A voice called out to my face, which had been downcast for some time. I had promised him that.

“…Let’s do that.”

“Very well, My Lady. I’ll go ask them to get ready.”

With his head bowed, Stanley left the scene. After his back was out of sight, I headed for the greenhouse with unsteady steps.