The Duke's Masked Wife 2: The Prince's Outcast Bride - Chapter 475

Chapter 475: Settling conflict (1)
Back in Lockwood, Elijah watched from a distance as the servants cleared out what had once been his father’s study. With his family having departed in the morning, Elijah was left in the estate, which he could now turn to his liking.

It felt strange to see most of Edgar’s belongings no longer present in the study. Elijah remembered all the times he had searched for his father and found him here. Then they would have a long talk before Edgar would take Elijah along to do business.

Fortunately, his family could not move all their belongings in one trip, so many remained, and Elijah wanted to keep it that way. He didn’t want his family to take everything as though they wouldn’t one day return.

“Gerald,” Elijah stopped the butler. “What is there to be done now?”

“The servants are clearing out the master chamber and moving your things there. Or, is there something else you speak of?” Gerald asked, overseeing the maids’ work as he walked to Elijah.

“You don’t need to rush moving around my parents’ things, and keep it so that my sisters’ rooms remain the same. I have no reason to change their rooms. I meant what is there for me to do now,” Elijah explained.

Gerald was puzzled. “I don’t know what there is for you to do. The servants are removing what needs to be moved and placing what you picked out. Should I stop them?”

Elijah rubbed his temple. “No,” he answered. “I did not think it would happen this fast. The estate is a bit quiet. For a home this large, it should always be quiet, yet it was loud in my memories.”

“I believe it is your sister’s laughter that is missing, as well as the many pets they have. Now that you have mentioned it, it is a bit quiet. Would you consider a ball?” Gerald suggested.

“No, no. That would be too loud. I am so used to my mother being home at the very least. Now, it is only me. I must do something about this and fast. The estate needs a lady in due time. Wouldn’t you agree?”

“Well, yes,” Gerald answered. “There were a few invitations sent for you. Should I bring them? They might not have been tossed yet.”

Elijah placed his hand behind his back as he walked forward. “I have already decided who the lady will be. I only need to be patient and keep courting her when she returns, but I am bored.”

“The duchess instructed me to remind you that you can always visit the palace when you are lonely or send for your Aunt Melody. I believe the Chambers are still in town, so you may visit them. I can send a guard to get them,” Gerald offered.

“No, that won’t be necessary. I need to get used to how quiet the estate has become. What I need now is either my mother or the woman who has caused me to worry as of late. I wouldn’t mind my sisters’ presence as well. I am going to have a drink,” Elijah decided.

Gerald followed Elijah so he could pour the drink.

“If I may speak, young master,” Gerald requested.

“You may.”

“This feeling shall soon pass. I have seen this many times when the young master misses his family. If you know what will make the estate feel full again, I suggest you get it before you lose it,” Gerald suggested.

Elijah smiled. “I will be sure not to lose it. I am following the saying that distance makes the heart grow fonder. I hope that when she returns, her feelings have grown. Besides, I think it’s too soon to ask that she live here.”

“It is common for the duke to invite the Callahans to stay here.”

Elijah turned to Gerald. “How do you know who I was speaking about? Is it my mother?”

“Miss Lily has asked that I not let you sit around the estate sulking about Miss Rue. I have plenty of tasks from your family,” Gerald revealed. He planned to fulfil each request.

“And what of my father? What has he told you to do?” Elijah asked, unable to fight a smile.

Of course, his family would leave Gerald with a list of duties.

“Your father only had two requests. I keep a close eye on you and ensure that the estate doesn’t catch on fire. I do not think he shall ever forget the incident with your sisters,” Gerald said, looking down at the floor to hide his smile.

“The one who started the fire is with him, but I am scolded for it because I am the oldest. I will need you more than ever now that it’s just me in the estate. I won’t get in the way of your work,” Elijah promised.

“I will keep the same rules as my father, since they have kept the estate in order. If there is a matter with the servants that is out of your control, inform me right away. I also want to be introduced to any new hires,” Elijah listed his rules.

“As you wish, young master,” Gerald responded and bowed his head. “Is there anything more I can do for you? Pour your drink?”

“You may. I must enjoy a good drink while I can. When you are done, prepare a carriage for me to go to the palace. I must see how the new king is faring. I have a letter which needs to be sent off to the border. Please send it when you are done,” Elijah instructed Gerald.

“Should I place any letters from the border right in your chamber? I will inform the maids not to disturb them,” Gerald said, noticing how pleased the young man appeared.

“You and I will get along quite well, Gerald. We always have. When I return from the palace, I want you to gather the servants so I may formally address them. Since their employer has changed, it is only right that I address them.”

“I will do so,” Gerald answered. “The duchess set aside a bottle of wine from the family storage for you to take to the palace as a gift for the king and a necklace for the queen. I shall have a maid place them in the carriage.”

“What hasn’t my mother prepared for me? Are there any more surprises?” Elijah inquired.

Elijah wouldn’t be surprised if his mother had thought ahead and planned a surprise for each day she would be away.

“I cannot say at the moment,” Gerald answered.

“You and my mother are up to something, but I don’t mind the surprises. Send the drink to my room,” Elijah said, sending Gerald off to do his duties.

In the meantime, Elijah had to change his attire now that he was going to the palace.