The Archduke's Songbird-Chapter 74: Jerrick’s Plan

Jessamyn rubbed Isadora’s back to soothe her but she started shaking. She helped Isadora sit and offered her a glass of water. Amidst the stormy trouble, Jerrick sat with an air of regal composure, commanding the space from his throne-like chair.

Isadora’s eyes watered non-stop even after she stopped crying. "I do not want to go there..."

Jessamyn got the letter from Isadora’s hands and read it. With every word, her brows got raised.

"What is this?" she questioned Jerrick. "The Grand Duke wants Isadora in his home and you act as a messenger carrying his indecent letter... What kind of..." She had to bite her lips to stop herself from saying something uncouth.

She still hadn’t finished reading the letter and she continued. "Lies!" She tossed the letter onto the table where Jerrick was seated. "Sisterly love? Who would believe him having sisterly love toward anyone?"

Jerrick said nothing to Jessamyn and picked up the letter to read it. Jessamyn walked to Isadora. "It’s not happening, Isadora. I will not allow it."

Jerrick let out a sigh and read the letter. He rubbed his face with his palms. Couldn’t you have phrased it better, William? He sighed again.

He placed the letter on the table and looked at the couple of women seated on the sofa in front of him. Jessamyn was almost kneeling in front of Isadora, and whispering something in her ears. His lips curved up unconsciously.

How lucky Isadora is!

"William wants to adopt Isadora as his sister," Jerrick said.

His words did cause a shock among the two women and they looked at him wide-eyed. Isadora was too stunned to even close her mouth. Jessamyn still had a deep frown line between her eyebrows.

He focused on Isadora. "What are your future plans? How long shall you persist in enjoying my hospitality without contributing?"

"Enjoying hospitality without contribution?" The nerves on Jessamyn’s forehead popped out of anger. "We are held against our will. What should we contribute?"

Jessamyn was so mad she wanted to throw something at his face. How could he say that with a straight face?

Jerrick didn’t even bother to look at Jessamyn. "You’re not Jessamyn’s maid. You’re...What? Why should I keep you and feed you?"

Isadora blinked. For some reason, the bothersome words didn’t hurt her pride or cause her anger. She thought there was a meaning behind those words.

"You will not listen to him, Isadora!" Jessamyn covered Isadora’s ears with her hands. The archduke, possessed of boundless wealth, spoke of sustaining a petite woman as though she might deplete his riches entirely. How petty!

"You can stay in the Beaumont Castle, Isadora. I’ll write to Ethan. You don’t have to listen to this petty man’s drivel!" Jessamyn said holding Isadora’s hands. "Getting rich has narrowed his heart to a thin needle. All he can do is prick others. We can feed one petite woman..." Jessamyn mumbled under her breath while staring at Jerrick.

"Milady, let me hear what he says," Isadora whispered to Jessamyn.

"But..." Jessamyn sighed as Isadora walked closer to Jerrick.

"What do you suggest, Your Grace?" Isadora tilted her head and raised her brows.

Whatever her lady’s thoughts were of the archduke, she held some trust toward him. If he suggested something, she believed it would benefit her lady.

For her lady, she would do anything!

"Accept William’s offer. You’ll be swiftly elevated to high society, effortlessly obtaining all your desires, with servants and maids ready to assist you at every turn. You’ll garner respect as..." Jerrick sighed.

Isadora was unimpressed as he observed. Jessamyn was glaring at him and whispering something in Isadora’s ears.

This won’t do, huh! I’ll have to up my game! 𝙧𝙚𝙚𝔀𝒆𝓫𝓷𝙤𝓿𝒆𝙡.𝒄𝙤𝓶

Jerrick’s lips curved as he knew the surefire way to get Isadora’s consent. "You can be your lady’s lady-in-waiting. As the archduchess, she will have to appoint one. Isadora Freemont cannot be the archduchess’ lady-in-waiting. But the Grand Duke’s sister can..." Jerrick leaned back knowing he had gotten Isadora—hook, line, and sinker.

"Isadora need not enter the high society," Jessamyn held her hand. "Isadora, do not listen to him..."

Isadora blinked with a little pout as she thought about it. Her lady was distressed as she had to return to the high society she left.

Won’t I be of help to Milady if I can walk in the same circles as her?

"I am not relieving Bernard of his duties any times soon. Montrose is closer to Roche than Ravensworth..." Jerrick added.

*Ding* *Ding* *Ding*

Bells rang in Isadora’s head. There was nothing more left to think.

"I agree... I agree wholeheartedly. I always wanted a big brother. To have the Grand Duke as my big brother is like a dream come true!" Isadora did a deep curtsey.

Jessamyn let out a deep breath. Isadora had made her decision. She felt sad that Isadora had made that decision on her behalf; The accompanying benefits didn’t waver Isadora. Being able to stay near Bernard was a big part of her decision too.

She looked at the smile on Isadora’s face. Those reasons were valid but there was one other important reason.

Isadora wanted a family. Now she has a chance at one. She has someone to walk her down the aisle. She didn’t want to deny her that happiness.

It did make her wary of William. It was odd of him to offer such an offer when he knew so little of Isadora. Why would he do such a thing?

Her eyes ended on Jerric. Did he influence William to do this on my behalf?

He has gotten tricky to understand, Jessamyn thought.

His actions conveyed one sentiment, while his words inflicted pain upon her. Or maybe his actions meant nothing. She was the one putting meaning to his actions. She probably was still that little Jessamyn who misconstrued every little act as a great act of love.

She needed to stop thinking that way. Jerrick never loved her. He never would love her. So, his actions were not out of love for her. He might have other intentions.

Jerrick saw Jessamyn accepting Isadora’s decision. His face bloomed with a smile. Those two possessed a knack for watching out for one another.

It was beautiful.

"I have something to say to Isadora. You can leave," Jerrick told Jessamyn.

Jessamyn nodded and walked out without asking anything. But she was curious.

What does he have to say to Isadora?