Chapter 199
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 199
The restoration and refurbishment of Listerwell Manor were finally completed by the end of July.
Despite the frantic pace to prepare for the mid-August wedding, the work was finished only days before the start of the month. In the interim, Harriet had split her time between the Fellon Estate and Kailas Mansion.
This was thanks to Roxana, who had kindly told Trisha, "With the wedding so close, and since she’ll be living at the Ducal House eventually anyway, it’s better for her to move in early. She can decorate her rooms and get acquainted with the staff."
It had been a whirlwind of activity, yet at the same time, the days had felt strangely slow.
"So, this day finally arrived."
On a midsummer morning, with the sun’s warmth reaching into every corner, Harriet stepped into Listerwell Manor. Every trace of the fire and her uncle’s family had been scrubbed away.
"It seems to have been decorated exactly as you wished."
"Yes..."
Cedric followed her inside, looking around the manor that Harriet had poured her heart and soul into for nearly two months.
Although she had tried to revive as many memories of the house where she had lived with her parents as a child, it wasn't an exact replica. Still, the portrait hanging on the wall of the staircase leading to the second floor was a clear testament to how the house had changed.
The painting, depicting Arthur and Lillian Listerwell and their small, adorable daughter in a scene of perfect harmony, was the very one Harriet had found in the storage room and wept over for hours.
Harriet and Cedric stood before the painting for a long time.
"You resemble your father greatly."
"Yes, that’s what people say. Honestly, if it weren't for this painting, I wouldn't have remembered him so clearly, but seeing it now, I understand."
"Why on earth did your uncle go to such lengths to destroy all the mementos?"
"Ah, I heard something about that, actually," Harriet said with a bitter smile. "Apparently, some cultist sorcerer told him that his brother and sister-in-law might become vengeful spirits and cling to their possessions, so he should destroy every last one."
"Did John Listerwell confess to that himself?"
"No, my aunt did. When she was begging for a reduction in the damages for Bella’s arson, we did a bit of negotiating. In exchange for not filing a civil claim, she agreed to answer all my questions."
Cedric let out a small laugh. "You must have seemed like the villains in their story."
"Where else would they find such generous villains?"
They had learned quite a bit from that negotiation—from why John had destroyed his brother’s belongings to the sheer scale of the wealth he had squandered as the Family Head, where he had invested, and with whom he had associated. And, finally, why Bella had hated her so much.
"Even as a child, Bella envied you. You had everything she dreamed of. She was jealous of your toys and pretty clothes, but she also said many times that you were like a princess, always the center of attention among your friends."
"So, that makes it okay for her to torment me?"
"Bella wanted to be you. I always told her there couldn't be two of the same thing in this world, and I suppose that was the root of it."
It was absurd, but for now, Harriet had no choice but to believe Miriam’s words. There was no way to hear the truth from Bella herself.
"Lady Bella was transferred to Dover Castle, wasn't she?"
"Yes. At first, she was treated like any other prisoner, but it seems an anonymous benefactor bribed the guards. They say she’s staying in a fairly comfortable cell now."
"Who is it?"
"I don't know. I don't particularly care. Even if her situation has improved slightly, the stigma attached to her name won't be erased, and I'm satisfied with that."
Bella’s life had plummeted into ruin the moment she refused to repent. Whether she realized she had essentially thrown her life away, Harriet couldn't say. Even if that unknown backer spent the money to get her released on parole, the possibility of Bella returning to High Society was zero.
"The status she once held is impossible to reclaim without money, a title, and beauty. Those are the fundamentals."
"That’s certainly true."
"In Bella’s current situation, her only hope is to become the second wife of some wealthy noble, but parole won't be possible for at least five years. Will her beauty even remain by then?"
"Five years in a cell will feel like ten given the life she’s used to."
"Without cosmetics or the diligent care of maids, that’s probably true. So, the best future Bella can hope for is to become the wife of some fool devoted to her."
Even if she were to find such fortune, she would likely spend her days resenting others, suffering over the reality of what she lacked, and eventually dying a lonely death. Harriet could easily imagine such a future.
"What do you plan to do about the branch family?" Cedric asked, changing the subject. Having experienced betrayal from his own relatives, he was still bothered by those who had testified against her in court.
"As a matter of fact, they contacted me right after the trial results were announced."
"What did they say?"
"Their excuses were predictable. They claimed they didn't know, or that they feared the consequences of crossing my uncle—things like that."
But Harriet hadn't gone easy on them.
"So I replied to them just as they deserved: I told them to be just as careful not to fall out of favor with the new Viscountess Listerwell as they were with the old one."
At her words, Cedric chuckled.
Harriet, for once, had no excuse to refute his assessment of her being "like a villain," when someone called to her from behind.
"Viscountess, pardon the interruption, but the staff have all gathered."
At the polite announcement from the newly hired Butler, Harriet elbowed Cedric, who was still grinning, and descended to the lobby.
As the new owner of the manor, she had replaced most of the staff. This was a precaution in case John or Bella had left behind informants. However, she had rehired a few loyal and diligent individuals who had served the family for years, one of whom was Terry Hayman, the coachman Bella had fired.
Seeing the elderly man standing politely with his hat in his hand in a corner of the lobby, Harriet greeted him warmly.
"Mr. Terry!"
"It’s been a long time, Young Miss."
Harriet ran to him and gave him a hug.
"Oh, dear! You’ll get your clothes dirty!"
"Thank you so much for coming back. I should have brought you back much sooner..."
"Not at all, My Lady. Thanks to the funds you sent, I’ve been quite comfortable. My wife and children have lived better than they ever have."
"I want that to continue. For now, please take charge of the Listerwell stables."
"Thank you for granting my request."
Terry, who was just past sixty, had refused Harriet’s other offers. He only asked to continue working as the Listerwell coachman, claiming he wasn't ready to be put out to pasture and wanted to work until all his children were married. Harriet gave him a position managing the horses and carriages rather than driving them. He would be able to work comfortably and receive a generous salary for the rest of his life.
After Terry, she shook hands and greeted everyone individually, including the Butler and the Head Maid.
"From now on, I’ll be splitting my time between the Kailas Ducal House and here. The manor will often be empty, but I trust you all to manage it well."
The staff readily promised to do so.
Until one of Harriet’s future children eventually inherited the Listerwell title, this manor would serve as a secondary residence. Still, she intended to fill it with precious memories, just as her parents once had.
Harriet turned her gaze toward the window. In the middle of the garden, which radiated a green life so vibrant it almost hurt the eyes, she thought she caught a glimpse of her parents' silhouettes.
‘Mother, Father. I’m home.’
It had taken a long time, but she had finally reclaimed her rightful place.
She was the daughter of Arthur and Lillian Listerwell; the great-niece of Trisha Fellon; a sister of the Saint Clarissa Convent and the businesswoman who founded <Clarissa> to be a beacon of hope for girls and nuns; the one and only love of Duke Cedric Kailas; and an undeniable pillar of High Society. She was Harriet Listerwell, a woman who no longer leaned on or was swayed by anyone.
She had spent her life navigating the fallout of scandals; now, she would live as the very heart of the ton’s fascination.
* * *
"Phew, it’s sweltering outside, but so cool in here. Our seats are at the front, Director."
Emma, wiping her forehead with a handkerchief, led Catherine and Agnes through the crowd.
St. Paolo’s Cathedral, the chosen venue for the wedding, was overflowing with guests. In an ordinary building, the heat would have been unbearable, but this ancient, massive stone edifice maintained a pleasant chill even in the height of midsummer.
However, cold sweat trickled down Emma’s forehead as she struggled to find their assigned seats.
"I-is it not this way...?"
As she nervously bit her lip, a young man noticed their attire and approached them with a welcoming smile.
"You’re from the Saint Clarissa Convent, aren't you? Please, allow me to escort you."
Curly black hair, sharp features, sky-blue eyes, and a poised gait. Emma had never seen such a handsome man in her life.
'Wow, the capital really is something else. I can’t believe men this handsome actually exist.'
Of course, Duke Kailas was technically more attractive, but to her, the Duke wasn't even in the same category as a normal human being. He was out of the question.
As she followed the man blankly, Emma unconsciously let out a silly smile every time he turned around. Each time she caught herself, her face flushed with embarrassment.
The man, having guided them to their seats, spoke kindly.
"You can sit here. Viscountess Listerwell gave strict orders to ensure your absolute comfort. I’ll be nearby, so please, just raise your hand if you need anything."
"Th-that...!"
As Emma hastily raised her hand, the man waited for her request with an expression that seemed to say he would do anything she asked.