The Duke's Masked Wife Chapter 543 Ruin The Moment (1)



"An uninvited visitor has arrived. What's unusual about that?" Edgar remarked, since it was commonplace for unauthorized guests to appear unexpectedly.

"Perhaps a friend of ours chose to join us," Alessandra suggested, wishing it was someone amicable rather than a source of conflict for the evening. She anticipated relaxing at the table to dine with the group. 

Alessandra remained near the window, allowing Edgar to manage the situation. She observed as he stepped out the main entrance to converse with the guard.

"Alessandra, there's news I must share," Alfred stated while approaching to stand beside her. He suspected the identity of the person at the entrance.

"Go on?" Alessandra responded, a touch of worry creeping in because Alfred appeared ready to announce unfortunate tidings.

"Edmund inquired whether he might celebrate his birthday alongside you and Edgar. He desires a fresh beginning and quality time together. To atone for the difficulties he inflicted on Edgar. I encouraged him to visit and attempt reconciliation," Alfred explained.

Alessandra had no objection, as she refused to interfere with Edmund and Edgar mending their bond. Although she yearned to question when Alfred had encountered Edmund, she avoided seeming like she was monitoring his movements. 

"I'm fine with it, though you ought to have informed Edgar beforehand. Fortunately, he's the only one outside discussing matters with the guard. Regarding his choice about his father, we must stay quiet and respect it," Alessandra stated. Forcing him to admit Edmund was impossible.

"Got it," Alfred acknowledged. He wished Edmund would clearly convey his intent to rebuild without mishandling it. Additionally, he hoped Rose had heeded his advice and arrived to resolve issues with Alessandra.

"Edgar's returning," Alessandra noted, moving from the window to learn his verdict on his father.

"Who among you arranged this?" Edgar demanded, realizing it must be either his wife or Alfred seeking harmony. He glanced at Alessandra initially, but lacking her typical guileless grin that surfaced after her schemes, he pinpointed Alfred. "You did this, Alfred."

"Indeed. He wished to bond with you and repair your connection. I didn't permit entry; I left that decision entirely to you," Alfred responded. 

"He's not alone in seeking admission. His grandmother accompanies him. Insisting she's here for an apology. That must be your handiwork too. Couldn't resist meddling, right?" 

Alessandra thought it strange that despite Edgar's evident displeasure, the carriage was entering via the partially ajar door, trailed by another vehicle. Though unfamiliar with Edmund and Rose's carriage, she recognized the white one Priscilla occasionally employed.

'Poor timing indeed,' Alessandra fretted inwardly. They hadn't assessed whether Rose and Edmund were poised for harmony ahead or if strains lingered. Moreover, Priscilla was escorting a guest this evening. 

Alessandra hadn't anticipated Edmund's arrival as a caution to Priscilla. She disliked the idea of Priscilla sensing an ambush involving Edmund and Rose. 

"Edgar, I need to inform you of something," Alessandra said, tugging lightly on his shirt sleeve.

Edgar exhaled deeply, sensing Alessandra's involvement in yet another surprise. "Out with it?"

"Priscilla mentioned bringing along an acquaintance. With your father and grandmother now present, we ought to alert her before she exits her carriage. Allow her to choose entry or departure," Alessandra urged, her anxiety heightening as the carriages approached the entrance steps.

"Who's accompanying her, and why delay sharing this? Is it Mark?" Edgar interrogated, his voice laced with fury at the notion of that idiot near his mother.

"No idea," Alessandra admitted truthfully. She was relieved not to have probed Priscilla about her companion and doubly thankful that Alfred and Caleb had concealed Edgar's arms.

"Absolutely brilliant," Edgar grumbled under his breath, departing from Alessandra and Alfred to address his mother. Disaster loomed inevitable. The sole consolation lay in his amusement at poaching key figures from his father's gathering. His other kin must be seething after journeying so far, only to find father and grandmother absent. 

"Edgar— or perhaps not," Edmund interjected as Edgar bypassed his carriage for the trailing one. He'd swung open his door upon spotting Edgar emerge, yet received no acknowledgment. The evening soured immediately, and though anticipated, couldn't Edgar offer minimal courtesy on his father's birthday? 

Edmund alighted and eyed the subsequent carriage. He identified it as Priscilla's—a fine parting token from their dissolved union. He observed Edgar positioned by the vehicle, conversing with his mother through the window.

Edmund pondered if Priscilla delayed exiting due to his unanticipated presence. He now comprehended his oversight: including his mother complicated matters for Priscilla. Preoccupied with her atonement to Alessandra, he'd overlooked this complication.

"What's keeping you, Edmund? Shall I linger here all evening?" Rose inquired, as Edmund merely loitered, gazing elsewhere instead of assisting her descent. 

"Of course," Edmund replied, averting his eyes from Edgar to aid Rose.

"That lad didn't emerge to welcome us. What a dreadful beginning. We ought to have remained at home savoring the meal I crafted for you. Just one additional carriage to ours. What manner of affair is this? No supplementary lanterns illuminating the path to their residence," Rose lamented, surveying the surroundings while shaking her head. "Unchanged since my prior visit."

"Mother," Edmund groaned, increasingly rueful of her accompaniment. He couldn't afford her sabotaging his fresh start with Edgar and Alessandra. Already nitpicking trifles before fully disembarking. In Edmund's view, the estate appeared adequate, with ample illumination from entrance to dwelling. "Refrain from critiquing every detail, lest you're sent away—and I shan't accompany you."

Rose descended the carriage aided by Edmund. For the moment, she'd withhold comments, yet she'd persuade Alessandra to infuse occasional updates to the decor. It sorely lacked feminine influence. 

Rose clung to Edmund's arm for support ascending the steps. She glanced toward Edgar's position and scowled upon seeing him assist Priscilla. "Heavens, now I must endure her company. Wisely, she'd depart upon learning of our arrival. Come now— who might that be?" Rose queried as a gentleman emerged from the carriage post-Priscilla. 

"Unsure," Edmund answered, straining for a clear view of the fellow whose arm Priscilla now linked with.