The Duke's Masked Wife Chapter 542 Make It Right (3)



"Mother, did you enjoy your conversation with Alfred?" Edmund inquired upon entering the drawing room, where his mother gazed blankly out the window.

"No. He's insisting I apologize to Alessandra and spend time near your former wife. Did you know Alessandra possesses mines now?" Rose questioned, eager to learn how many she had and whether they yielded anything valuable.

"That's new to me," Edmund responded. "How did she acquire them? A present from my son?"

"Alfred mentioned her mother's relatives own mines and have been pampering her. The silly girl refuses to announce it to the town. This could prove advantageous," Rose stated, already scheming ways to leverage it for improving Alessandra's reputation.

"Mother, if she prefers not to share it with the town, honor her desire and keep it confidential. I need to discuss my birthday dinner with you. I'll be passing tomorrow evening with my son and his wife—"

"So they've agreed to the invitation. Excellent. I must circulate the news that Edgar will attend," Rose declared, rising from her seat since there was plenty to prepare now that Edgar would return.

"No, I'm heading to their residence to try entering without a weapon aimed at me. I can't think of another way to mark my birthday. Most relatives you summoned, I'm not intimate with. I have to be near my son. For once," Edmund added, Alfred's remarks burdening his thoughts. "Are you coming along?"

"You realize that woman will be present?" Rose probed, convinced Edmund had gone mad. "I gathered everyone here for your sake. Kin have journeyed from afar beyond Lockwood for you. Do you grasp the hassle of informing them you're elsewhere? All my preparations will be squandered."

"Let's drop the pretense, Mother. You never organize dinners or gatherings here in Lockwood. This was never truly about my birthday celebration. It was your attempt to isolate Alessandra. I'm deciding how to spend it myself. Consider the family gathering tomorrow night as a pleasant reunion. Convey my regards to them," Edmund stated.

"You ungrateful wretch! I was even prepared to allow that loathsome woman to join us here!" Rose shouted, yearning to approach Edmund and slap sense into him. She was ready to endure inquiries about Cassidy's presence, yet Edmund repaid her by skipping the event. He'd truly lost his senses.

"It's intriguing, Mother. You could set aside your fury to tolerate Cassidy at the dinner, but you can't move past what occurred with Alessandra. She didn't dishonor you, after all. I've remained silent for years, permitting you to torment Priscilla. I won't let you repeat it with Alessandra. If you wish to accompany me tomorrow night, be prepared by five to avoid lingering at their gates in darkness. I wish you success handling our visitors," Edmund remarked, attempting to kiss his mother's cheek but sensing a potential slap, so he departed instead.

Rose believed the men in her world were descending into insanity, exasperating her with their recent behaviors. With Alessandra holding those mines, additional discussions were essential. She couldn't permit Edmund to visit there unaccompanied tomorrow evening. She would also need to abandon the local dinner to converse with Alessandra.

Swiftly, another day descended upon Lockwood, and at the Collins estate, preparations for dinner were underway for the impending visitors.

Alessandra lingered at the dining room entrance, observing the servants arrange the table precisely as she directed. Although they'd planned this for some time, she couldn't fathom hosting a dinner coinciding with Edmund's birthday event. It reeked of spite.

Alessandra startled when someone touched her abruptly, but as their hands encircled her waist, she recognized it was Edgar. "Your mother is due shortly, and Reed requested to include Eleanor. It's unfortunate others couldn't make it. Too late for Erin, Tobias and Hazel are wary of her traveling, and Linda remains at the palace. You ought to have urged Rafael to linger longer."

"Fewer attendees suit me fine. I don't understand your constant desire for crowds of friends. They have far too many irritating habits. You should sit and ease your feet until they come. It isn't crucial who arrives for you to hover about," Edgar advised.

Alessandra ignored Edgar's suggestion. She stood there awaiting a surprise for him she refused to overlook. Priscilla had revealed she'd bring a date—a recent acquaintance, unmarried, embodying her ideal partner.

Alessandra considered inquiring if it was Mark but opted for the thrill of surprise. She instructed Caleb and Alfred to conceal any weapons from Edgar, anticipating it might be Mark. She intended to remain by Edgar's side, ensuring he wouldn't act rashly with his expectant wife nearby.

"Duchess, Duke Collins. Guests are approaching through the gates," announced Gerald, the newly appointed butler.

With Alfred retired from butler duties and Edgar firm on never resuming the role, Alfred secured Gerald to assist with the dinner. Alessandra had chuckled nonstop since his hiring, spotting Alfred peeking from corners to monitor Gerald's performance. She pondered if Gerald realized Alfred was shadowing him. Alfred couldn't flee swiftly due to his injured knee anyway.

"Join me, Edgar," Alessandra urged, clasping his hand as they headed to the entrance. "We must welcome our guests. Who do you suppose will arrive first?"

"It doesn't matter to me, provided they appear," Edgar answered.

"Would it harm you to show some enthusiasm, just once? For my sake? I relish a table brimming with loved ones and those dear to me. I spent countless days yearning for such gatherings. Don't overlook its beauty. Seeing the chairs occupy is delightful, and perhaps someday we'll require a larger table," Alessandra expressed.

"I plan for us to acquire a larger table to accommodate more at meals," Edgar replied, noting Alessandra's smile, though her interpretation differed from his intent. "We'll have numerous children, necessitating extra space. I'm thinking four or five."

Alessandra scowled and, bypassing Edgar's comment, strode forward to check the arrivals. She positioned herself by the window near the door to view the incoming carriages. "Edgar, didn't you provide the guards with the guest list so they won't seek our approval each time?" she queried.

"I did," Edgar confirmed.

"Then why does it seem a carriage waits at the gates with a guard heading our way?" Alessandra wondered.