Sacrificial Bride to the Feared Lord Hastings-Chapter 228: Unwanted visitor (2)

"What do you need from me? If the water is for the visitors, I can serve it," Ophelia offered.

Mary wiped her tears. "Others would think I have gone mad for allowing you to serve water. You are Lady Hastings."

"That position doesn’t mean I cannot help a friend. If I were in your position, I would like a shoulder to lean on. I imagine the guests have not been pleasant to you. Where are the boys?" Ophelia inquired, searching for Mary’s sons.

"I sent them to their bedchambers so they won’t be questioned by the guests. They were to be at a friend’s home today and do not understand why the visitors are here. I will talk with them tonight to explain their father’s absence," Mary explained.

"That is best. Let the explanation come from you before one of the relatives does it. I’m sure they will try to turn the boys against you. It sounds as though they are fighting for what belonged to your husband," Ophelia said, still hearing the arguing in the distance. "Couldn’t they pretend to mourn?"

"They cannot. They have all been waiting for him to die so they can claim his belongings. The very ones who pushed me to have sons are now upset that I have two. William has heirs, so his family cannot take what they want," Mary softly spoke.

"You must keep your boys protected. My offer to welcome you to the castle any day still stands, though we might be on the brink of war. Perhaps it is best you stay protected here, and I send some guards to help you," Ophelia suggested.

"If you are on the brink of war, you will need all your men. I will be fine once I get his family out of my home. I dread the day my brother arrives. I know that bastard will plot to have me marry someone else. I won’t do it," Mary said, determined to stay a widow.

"Your brother doesn’t have a say about what you should do from now on. You can turn him away if you wish. Now, tell me how I can help you," said Ophelia.

Mary looked at Dante, who was being surrounded and being asked questions about inheritance. "Will Lord Hastings be against me?"

"Don’t worry about him. I will keep him distracted," Ophelia replied.

Mary chuckled. "I’m almost tempted to ask how. You have helped me by showing up. When I sent out all the notices, you were the only one I could think of who would truly comfort me. I thank you for coming while in the midst of your troubles."

"That is what friends do. As a friend, I will say it is wrong of your guests to expect you to serve them water. Leave it," Ophelia said, fixing the tray. "If they want water, tell them that it is here. You are a mourning wife. No one should burden you with such tasks."

"It is his sister who gives me these tasks. She is now speaking to Lord Hastings. As soon as she arrived, she mentioned taking my sons to her home so she could be the one to raise them. Provide them with tutoring and all they need, as though she thinks I am a fool," Mary said, staring at the woman she wanted to kill next.

"She wants to push you out. The ones who raise your son will have their hands on the inheritance money. No matter what they make you feel, you must leave them alone," Ophelia advised Mary. "If there are two incidents, even I cannot save you. Let this be the only one."

Should William’s family die after visiting Mary, all fingers would point to Mary.

"I know. I know that I must leave them be. I am giving them some time to mourn and to say their pieces, then I will forbid them from returning. William will be buried today, and then we shall all move on. Regardless of how I appear now, I can still offer some help to you," Mary offered.

"That is kind of you, but your boys will need you most now. I don’t want to take you away from them now. When everything settles, I will come to visit you. You have my word," Ophelia promised.

"Thank you. Once the war is over, I will accept your offer to go away for a while to get away from our troubles. I would like to officially meet your brother. What is it?" Mary asked, noticing Ophelia’s change in mood. "I- What is that man doing here?"

Ophelia turned around to see who had arrived, and to her surprise, Duke Vale showed up with flowers in his hand. "Did you not send him a notice? How else would he know?"

"I didn’t send him any notice since he wasn’t a friend of my husband. I sent it to the family and to you. What trouble has he started now?" Mary wondered, leaving Ophelia’s side to approach Kaden. "Your grace," Mary greeted Kaden with a curtsy.

"News of your loss reached my ears, so I thought of paying a visit. The gesture proved to be right since I am now in the presence of Lady and Lord Hastings. Flowers for you," Kaden said, offering Mary the flowers he collected on the way.

"What a colourful bunch that doesn’t suit the occasion. You shouldn’t have, Your Grace," Mary said, but she still accepted the flowers. "You truly shouldn’t have. I will put them in water."

"Don’t say that and then toss them. Freedom looks good on your dear friend. Wouldn’t you agree, Lady Hastings? Oh, what have I done now?" Kaden inquired. He smiled whilst Ophelia glared at him.

"I don’t know why you showed up when I knowyou weren’t fond of her husband, but please, do not cause any disturbances here. If you do, so help me-"

Ophelia’s threat was silenced by Dante covering her mouth.

"I will kill you if you cause a disturbance," Dante finished the threat. "We are here for Mrs Sterling."

"So am I. I wouldn’t have come with flowers if I wanted to cause trouble. I personally got off my horse and picked those flowers. Imagine my surprise when I learned her home was near where I am staying, and then heard that her husband is dead. My heart goes out to her," Kaden said, placing his right hand on his chest.

Ophelia moved Dante’s hand from her mouth and said, "No. You heard that we arrived and came here to speak to us. Do not lie to us."

Kaden smiled, once again surprised by Ophelia. "Well, Dante. It seems you found a smart wife."