Chapter 687
Given the circumstances, Henry was willing to cooperate. Their son would bear the Kingsley surname, and he would undoubtedly stand united with the Marquis of Grovehill's family in the future. "I'll talk to them when I get back," Henry promised.
"The Emberfest Festival is approaching. Have you invited Reverend Zane?" Eleanor asked.
"I have. This time, we've invited eight high priests, including Reverend Zane. I'll go personally to escort them early on the day."
Eleanor nodded and was extra gracious as she said, "Then, have your mother come as well, but you must tell her that it's an all-nighter. If she can't handle it, she shouldn't come."NôvelDrama.Org copyrighted © content.
"She can handle it. She's been a devout believer for many years and has always wanted to participate," Henry quickly assured.
Among the ladies attending the festival were Natalie, Mildred, and Hannah-all prominent matriarchs of distinguished families whose husbands or sons held significant positions at court.
Also, these women were known for being compassionate and generous. Since Gemma was familiar with them, her association with them could greatly benefit the sons of the Marquis of Grovehill's family in the future. It would also reduce their reliance on Eleanor's influence.
Eleanor didn't consider her mother-in-law a truly devout believer. Yet, what mattered more than belief was what one could obtain.
These ladies, except for Natalie, had relinquished their household management roles over the years. Still, whenever they stomped their feet, their sons and grandsons remained noticeably attentive and concerned. Their words carried the weight of a fortune. Thanks to the rituals performed during the Emberfest Festival, these matriarchs had developed a deep respect for Eleanor. That is, with the exception of Natalie, who had criticized the grand princess regarding the incident involving Carissa.
The other ladies might have heard rumors, but their compassionate nature kept them from malicious speculation about others. They trusted only their own observations and dismissed outside gossip.
Such compassion was useful to Eleanor when it suited her, but she would dismiss it as foolishness when it didn't. This year, she planned to let Molly and Fiona attend the festival celebrations, hoping the kind-hearted matriarchs would see that Yuvan's wife and concubine shared the same compassionate spirit.
As for Heather, she was clueless and timid. She was also a member of the Sullivan family, which was potential trouble down the line. It would be best if she didn't make an appearance at all.
After sending Henry away, Eleanor
summoned the captain of her guards, Kurt, and commanded,
"Keep a close eye on Daniel tomorrow. As soon as he leaves the city, abduct him and take him to the carriage. Have the coachman and his servant settled at the estate outside the city, then bring Daniel back."
Outside the door, Florence listened intently, feeling a slight heaviness in her heart. She let out a nearly inaudible sigh, realizing that Eleanor had ultimately chosen this path. Hector had truly ruined Eleanor's life.
But who could she blame? Marriage required the consent of both parties, and even Augustus had not allowed their union back then.
Florence didn't believe Eleanor truly wanted to bear a son. She just saw how much Daniel looked like Hector. Since she had never had Hector, she was just trying to deceive herself.
Ever since the Duke of Northwatch's
family had been exterminated and Melanie Sullivan died, Eleanor had been unsettled. Perhaps it was because the people she loved and hated the most were gone, so everything suddenly felt so bland
and meaningless.
Once Kurt left, Florence stepped inside and gently asked, "Your Highness, are you truly going to do this? You know as well as I do that no matter how much he resembles General Sinclair, he is not him."
"Of course he isn't," Eleanor said, wrapping herself tightly in her cloak, her eyes devoid of light. "Sometimes, I wonder what the point of all this is. Even if succeed, my dad won't see it, nor will my brother. And Hector certainly won't."
Florence dared not pry into those matters or offer her opinions.
Eleanor let out a cold laugh. "So, I thought, why not bear a son? A son of the Sinclair family, just to spite him. Wouldn't that be delightful?"
"Your Highness, this is merely an impulsive decision," Florence said softly.
Eleanor's gaze turned icy. "Perhaps. But I can't think of any other way to find happiness. What I truly want to do now is this. Everything else I do will just be for someone else's benefit."