The Duke's Masked Wife 2: The Prince's Outcast Bride - Chapter 326

326: Kindness (2) 326: Kindness (2) “I am busy looking for my son.

Noah has to work because of the money I used, and someone must be here when Warren returns.

I don’t want anyone in my home,” said Kate.

“They wouldn’t come here.

They would go to the court, where a room would be picked out for you.

Bella is present in town and is open to speaking with young ladies.

Your experiences were different, but what you have to say is important,” Mark said, hopeful.

“You will be paid for your time in court,” Mark said, hoping this was all Kate needed to hear.

“Are you offering money because I had to use plenty of my money on my son’s debt?

My family will be well without that money and does not need any offerings from anyone,” Kate said, angry that he thought so little of her.

“I wasn’t pitying you, Kate.

Everyone who works for the court will be paid, and you will be paid handsomely if you do as you promise.

You would have the money for the debt back in no time,” Mark promised.

Kate was conflicted.  With Warren not around and only Noah working, it would be helpful if she could earn money.

Kate hated herself for being useless.  The money Clark left for her would not last a lifetime.

Mark looked around the home.

“You’ve done well to keep it in order,” he said.

“It is my husband and Mary who keep the home tidy.

I should be grateful to still have it since the court wanted to rip it from my hands, and I wouldn’t have anywhere to rest years ago,” Kate said, remembering the fear she felt in the past.

Alessandra wouldn’t have taken her in, and Clark didn’t have a home.  “Like many others, I didn’t expect much from Clark, but he did fight for you.

He went to the court and pleaded for you to have a home.

I am still surprised he was heard and granted permission for you to reside here,” Mark said, proud of Clark’s efforts.

“The cost of it was losing a lot of what belonged to my parents,” Kate replied.

“There was a price to be paid for your actions.

You must be thankful to have a roof over your head.

I hoped you had thanked Clark.

I was betting on him to run off, but he took care of you.

He proved others wrong.” Kate remained silent because she couldn’t think of a time she thanked Clark.

Even though she didn’t say it out loud, she was always grateful for his presence.

“My uncle kept all the other Barretts away from what was left here.

They didn’t want to take care of me since I was useless to them.

My grandmother passed, and I only knew because of Clark.

She didn’t leave anything to us,” Kate said, but she wasn’t surprised.

She should have thanked Clark while he was alive.  “I wish you would consider speaking to the ladies to speak on all of this.

Of husbands, their fathers, and their family,” said Mark.

Kate smiled, shaking her head at Mark’s determination.

“No wonder my mother hated you.

You just wouldn’t stop.” “I am hated by many.

It comes with the job,” Mark responded.

Kate sighed.

“I will only start with a few girls to test this.

If they don’t listen and wish to spend the time asking about parts of my life I don’t wish to speak about, then I will never return.

You cannot ambush me with anyone who wishes to speak about Simon or Alessandra.” “I will make it known that they cannot be mentioned,” Mark promised, offering his hand to Kate.

“I am not finished yet.

They mustn’t ask me about my legs or what drove me to harm myself.

I don’t speak of it with my husband, so I am unwilling to speak of it with strangers.

I will decide what I speak about,” Kate said, offering her hand for Mark to shake.

“You will need to write what it is you will speak of and send it to the court to be approved.

Should anyone get upset with what you speak of, the court will defend you because we have approved it,” Mark added to their deal.

Kate thought over it a little more and then shook Mark’s hand.

Kate hoped this wasn’t going to be something she would come to regret in the future.  “I will speak with my peers about how much you are to be paid.

Since your husband works, the court can arrange for someone to collect-” “No,” Kate declined the offer.

“My husband and I will arrange how I will get there.

I don’t need anyone’s help.” “Right,” Mark said, not wanting to fight.

Kate still had an air about her like she was still the daughter of a baron.

She was going to come across many young ladies who acted like this, and despite Kate’s current predicament, she would know how to fire back at them.

“I might not be able to do this for long since my husband and I are considering leaving this home once Warren returns,” Kate said, followed by a crash close by.

Mark moved to help Mary after she dropped a tray once filled with a teapot and cups.  “Be careful,” Mark said, moving Mary’s hand before she touched the broken cup.  “I am sorry.

You do not need to help me,” Mary said, frantically trying to get all the pieces.

Kate watched the two interact.

She couldn’t let this go on.

It wasn’t because Mary was going to ruin all of her plates and cups, but because there was something concerning she suspected.  Mary panicked because of what Kate spoke of.

Why would Warren and his family need to move?

Why didn’t they like it here?

If Mary were to meet Kate’s eyes, she would cry and break down before Mark.

Mark was confused by Mary’s behaviour.  Was it so bad that she had broken a cup and spilt the tea?

“I will pay for-” Mary stood up and ran away before Mark could make the offer to pay for her mistake.

“You’ll have to excuse her behaviour.

My son’s disappearance is troubling her more than I thought it would.

Since many are waiting for his return, please find where my son is and bring him home,” Kate said, watching Mary as she ran off.  Mark continued to pick up the broken pieces of glass and placed them on the tray.  “I’ll continue to do my best to bring him home.

I have town guards circling your home in case Victor tries to speak with you again.

I’ll need a portrait of Warren to recreate and send to other towns,” Mark requested.

Kate frowned.

She no longer cared for portraits.