Chapter 36
36
But, so?
“Did you call for me, Master?”
Hessen appeared shortly after the attendant had left the study.
“What happened to the thief who stole Bill Leamer’s money?”
Mathias asked in a voice still laced with a faint chuckle.
“The constables came by, but with no solid evidence or witnesses, they’re at an impasse.”
“Then what about Leila Llewellyn’s tuition?”
“Lady Norma has expressed her willingness to cover it if the thief isn’t caught first, and Lady Brandt has voiced the same intention. I understand Dr. Etman feels the same way.”
As expected, the answer was just what he had anticipated.
With a slight tilt of his chin, Mathias let out another chuckle as he set down the file folder.
Linda Etman was plotting something.
That was the conclusion Mathias had reached based on the information about the man he had encountered that morning and that foolish man. He had thought she would have accepted her son’s marriage by now, but Mrs. Etman’s determination was far more vicious and tenacious than he had imagined. Of course, whatever her feelings were, it had nothing to do with Mathias.
The amusing part was Leila Llewellyn. A woman who put on the face of knowing everything in the world despite being utterly clueless. Maybe it was time to start calling her a simpleton.
“If Your Grace’s intentions differ…”
Perhaps interpreting Mathias’s silence as opposition, Hessen ventured cautiously.
“No.”
Mathias cut him off with a voice tinged with amusement.
“I respect Grandmother and Mother’s wishes. I have no objections.”
In the moment he gave that answer, Mathias was certain. Linda Etman couldn’t have failed to account for this possibility.
The chess pieces she had bought off with money were shoddy, but her plan itself was quite systematic and bold. It meant she wasn’t foolish enough not to know that people willing to cover Leila Llewellyn’s lost tuition were everywhere. She would have realized it just by looking at her own husband.
So, what was the real goal?
Mathias lightly stroked his chin as he sank into thought.
What was the reason for causing such a fuss when hiding the tuition wouldn’t stop Leila from going to university with Kyle Etman?
It felt just like having an intriguing puzzle before him, and Mathias’s crooked smile deepened.
“Assign someone to Mrs. Etman.”
Mathias slowly crossed his legs. His face, no longer smiling, was serene, in stark contrast to the command that left his lips.
“Mrs. Etman… You mean the wife of Dr. Etman, our family physician?”
“Yes. Linda Etman. The doctor’s wife.”
Hessen was all the more flustered by the overly casual response.
“Just one thing to report on.”
As Mathias leaned back against the sofa’s armrest with a languid posture, a soft smile played on his lips.
“Whether Mrs. Etman meets Leila Llewellyn privately, and if she does, what they talk about.”
The constables returned to Arbis the next morning. Instead of heading straight to the cottage as before, they sought out the duke’s residence. Coincidentally, it was right around the time Mathias was descending the stairs from the lobby hall.
“Good day, Your Grace. Forgive our intrusion due to the theft incident.”
The silver-haired man leading the group of constables greeted him with impeccable courtesy. Mathias halted in the center of the hall. Claudine and the servants following behind stopped a few paces away.
“They’ve come to question witnesses again.”
Hessen reported quietly as he approached. Mathias nodded readily.
“Yes. Of course.”
“Thank you, Your Grace.”
As the lead constable bowed politely, the younger ones behind him hastily lowered their heads.
“Oh, Your Grace.”
The silver-haired constable, slowly raising his head, called out to Mathias just as he was passing by. Mathias turned to look at him, his gaze steady and unperturbed.
“Did you happen to notice any strangers in the territory that morning?”
After a brief hesitation, the constable asked with a serious demeanor. Mathias slowly turned his body toward him.
I did.
Instead of that succinct reply, Mathias offered an elegant smile.
He considered what he could do for Leila Llewellyn.
What if he let Mrs. Etman’s tearful efforts to block her son’s marriage—using her cousin on the brink of bankruptcy—be exposed right here?
If Linda Etman hadn’t yet revealed the true blade she aimed at Leila, this could prevent the worst. There would be a commotion, of course, but it would all be sorted out eventually. With Dr. Etman and his son’s resolve firm, the wedding would go ahead. And once it reached that point, even Mrs. Etman would have no choice but to relent.
And then.
Mathias leisurely lifted his head to gaze at the chandelier’s light.
Leila Llewellyn, having seized the opportunity of a lifetime, would live happily ever after.
Setting up a new household in Ratz would make it hard for Mrs. Etman to interfere, and the doctor’s son would become a devoted husband who cherished his wife with all his heart. In that love, Leila could indulge in the studies she enjoyed. Being clever, she might even become a fine scholar.
Mathias shifted his gaze to the crest engraved on the high ceiling beyond the light.
Of course, if he endured just a bit of hassle, he could find an even better solution. He could meet Linda Etman before she reached Leila. If she knew all her plans had been discovered by him, she would choose to quietly resolve it to save at least a shred of face.
Yes. That would minimize Leila’s wounds.
Mathias faced the constable again. Misinterpreting his silence as a rebuke for rudeness, the man looked quite tense.
He knew exactly what Leila’s happiness was. And what he could do for Leila Llewellyn was nothing more than a flick of his finger for Mathias.
But, so?
A smile returned to Mathias’s lips.
So, what the hell does your happiness have to do with me?
Thus, all that would remain for me is a season where roses bloom without you. A crack in my otherwise perfect world.
“No.”
Mathias’s response, delivered while staring straight at the constable, was low and dry. He—and the watching servants—finally relaxed with visible relief.
“Ah, yes. Thank you for your understanding, Your Grace. I apologize for the great discourtesy on the off chance.”
Mathias graciously nodded at the constable’s apology. Emboldened by his cooperative attitude, the man turned to Claudine standing behind Mathias and posed the same question.
“Did you happen to see any strangers, miss?”
“No.”
Claudine replied without a moment’s hesitation.
“Unfortunately, I have no helpful information either.”
After glancing briefly at Mathias, Claudine faced the constable with a bright smile.
As Mathias resumed his steps where he had paused, the suffocating tension lifted like a curtain falling. The constable left to question the servants, and Mathias boarded the car waiting outside the entrance.
“You haven’t forgotten our promise, have you?”
Claudine gently reminded him of their afternoon appointment. They were to have tea together before joining Riet for dinner.
“Of course I remember, my lady.”
Claudine’s lips curved into a satisfied smile at Mathias’s reply.
The car carrying Mathias soon departed the estate. As it passed the road leading to the family physician’s house after exiting the territory’s entrance, Mathias cast a quiet glance out the window.
He hoped Linda Etman would provide more amusement than expected. It seemed only fair to enjoy that much in return for his minor assistance and observation.
Linda Etman wore a demure light purple dress. She applied light makeup and chose a dignified yet simple hat.
It couldn’t be too flashy, but it couldn’t look shabby either. After scrutinizing her reflection in the mirror once more, Mrs. Etman left the bedroom with calm steps. Today, she opted to walk instead of taking a carriage.
It was a place where no eyes should be watching. Considering that, she had visited the cottage in person to meet Leila and chosen the meeting spot carefully.
Waiting for the stagecoach at the stop, Mrs. Etman fell into brief contemplation. But the matter was already underway. There was no turning back now; she could only press forward.
It was for Kyle.
As she steeled her resolve, the stagecoach arrived. Mrs. Etman let out a silent sigh and boarded.
For Kyle, she could do anything. Even if it meant turning herself into a villain.
The tea room Mrs. Etman had suggested was located a bit away from the bustling streets. Arriving earlier than the appointed time, Leila sat by the sunlit display window and waited for Mrs. Etman.
Across the narrow street—barely wide enough for a single carriage—stood brick buildings overgrown with ivy. The shops with their signs there had a modestly worn and humble appearance.
This tea room was the same. Faded and tattered awnings and display windows, tablecloths still bearing stubborn tea stains. It hardly seemed to match Mrs. Etman’s taste.
Why choose this place?
Though puzzled, Leila decided not to speculate recklessly. The more she thought, the more her anxiety and impatience would grow. With her mind already weary from the thief, she didn’t want to add unnecessary worries.
It must be her intention to talk privately in a quiet spot. There would be much to discuss, and besides…
Leila’s trailing thoughts were interrupted by the clear, tinkling chime of the bell. Assuming it was Mrs. Etman, she sprang to her feet, but the person entering the tea room was a young gentleman in a neat suit and derby hat. He took a seat at a diagonally placed table and unfolded his newspaper.
Leila sat back down and stared blankly at the tea stain on the tablecloth.
She had visited the police station again today, but nothing had changed. With no witnesses or evidence left, it might be hard to catch the thief, one sympathetic constable had hinted to her out of pity. Rather than clinging to false hope, it would be better to quickly find someone to lend her the tuition.
Should she?
Dr. Etman, Lady Norma of the duke’s household, and even Claudine had all offered to cover her tuition. That very morning, Madam Mona had stopped by. If the thief wasn’t caught, the Arbis estate servants had decided to pool their money for her tuition, so not to worry, she had comforted Leila and Bill kindly.
She was grateful to everyone, and that only made her heart feel heavier.
As her profound worry escaped as a sigh, the chime rang once more. Leila reflexively stood and turned around.
“Hello, Mrs. Etman.”
Leila dipped her head with a faint smile. This time, Mrs. Etman truly stood at the open door.
