Phyllis smiled at this comment, but she knew well what it meant. Her father was just a lowly earl, while Alexander was a duke, and that meant a world of a difference in the dowager duchess’ eyes. It was evident that this was a woman who was a master of the art of subtle insults, employing sophisticated and veiled remarks to convey her obvious disapproval of the woman her son had married.
Worst of all, Phyllis could not say anything, because there was nothing to say. She didn’t want to appear rude. She had been taught good manners, despite her upbringing which lacked a mother figure. At that moment, it seemed that the dowager didn’t need any comments in order to continue.
“I hope that your background has prepared you for managing such a large estate, an endeavor which can be quite overwhelming. I do hope your endeavors to make changes won’t prove too taxing,” she continued. “Different households have their own, unique ways. It’s just that some customs are deeply ingrained. Altering them might be… well, challenging.”
Phyllis decided not to let this woman affect her. “I’ve read a long time ago, Your Grace, that the only constant thing in life is change.” Upon hearing these words, the dowager’s eyes widened. She was obviously not expecting any sort of a comeback, especially not such a mild, but effective one. “New things, new experiences embolden us, they make us better and more resilient.”
Leonard seemed to like that most of all, as his grin proved. “Yes, Mother, haven’t you always believed in the importance of experience, especially when it came to matters of the estate?”
“Why, yes, I…” the dowager was caught off guard, which her slightly flushed cheeks continued to prove. Phyllis exchanged a grateful glance with Leonard, once again content to know that he was on her side.
“I sort of like the place,” Leonard nodded, leaning back in his chair, looking around. “It was high time this old place was renewed, and Lord knows that we didn’t have the means for it. Now, when it is actually possible to do so, you—”
“Leonard!” the dowager frowned at her son. But before she could continue, Alexander spoke up, surprising everyone with his words.
“No, Leonard is right, Mother,” Alexander’s brows furrowed in displeasure. “Your politeness with an edge does not hide your disapproval.”
Phyllis’ heart danced at this chivalric act, which came completely unexpected. She thought she would have to fight her own battles here, that it would be her against everyone else. But it seemed that she was wrong, and this realization brought her more joy than she ever thought would be possible.
* * *
Alexander had been sitting silently, watching Phyllis navigate the treacherous waters with grace and composure, her responses all carefully measured, at which he was in awe. Yet, it was evident to everyone that with each veiled insult, the atmosphere grew more and more taut, like the strings of an unstrung violin. He was typically immersed in the decorum of his family, but even he could not deny the biting comments delivered with a genteel smile. All of a sudden, as this realization dawned upon him like a sudden storm, a protective instinct rose within him, an unexpected need to protect his wife from the displeased bite of his mother.
“May I remind you that you are speaking to my wife,” he spoke, with his voice cutting through the strained air. “I must insist on a more amiable tone at the dinner table.”
His mother, momentarily taken aback by her son’s uncharacteristic intervention, masked her surprise with practiced poise. “Of course, my dear.” She turned to Phyllis. “I assure you that I meant no offense. I was merely pointing out certain things, without any hidden intention to offend anyone.”
“It is quite all right, Your Grace,” Phyllis replied with that same grace she had shown them all since the very beginning, for which he had nothing but admiration.
He cleared his throat, deciding that this would be the perfect moment to steer the conversation to a different direction. “Well, now that that is settled, I have very good news to share with you all. Our fortunes are on the verge of being fully restored.”
Leonard raised an eyebrow in curiosity. “Why, that is splendid news, Alex! Pray, do tell us more about it!”
Alexander, a glint of accomplishment in his eyes, began to unveil the tale of the financial resurgence. “Phyllis’ father and I ventured into a business endeavor, an investment that has proven to be remarkably lucrative. Our coffers will be replenished very soon, and I’m overjoyed to say that the Woldaves legacy is on the path to prosperity once more.”
Leonard’s eyes flickered with genuine satisfaction. “A very wise investment, it seems. Well done!”
Alexander nodded, acknowledging the impact of a strategic decision. “And, as you all know, Phyllis’ dowry played a crucial role in our salvation. It injected a much-needed capital into our endeavors, hastening the pace of our financial recovery.” He turned to his mother, who had been silent up until that moment. “So, you see, Mother, I would not be able to share this good news with you without Phyllis’ presence in my life… inourlives.”
He hoped that his mother could read between the lines, which meant that Phyllis’ very presence here was the sole reason for their newfound success. Without her dowry and her father’s aid, they would still be struggling. Alexander had been most grateful for it all, but he couldn’t stop thinking about the price someone else had to pay for it. Namely, Phyllis herself.
As the visit neared its end, his mother and brother went ahead towards their carriage, Alexander was surprised to feel Phyllis tugging at his arm, in an effort to have him stay behind with her for a few moments.
“Phyllis, are you all right?” he asked tenderly. He couldn’t fail to notice the mask of genuine concern etched on her face.
“Alexander,” she began tentatively, her eyes searching for an unspoken truth, “are you truly happy?”
Alexander, his features a blend of stoicism and composure, responded in a measured tone. “Phyllis, I assure you, I am content. Our fortunes are on the mend, and the future of my family looks promising. That is all I wanted.”
She looked at him as if she were able to see beyond the veneer of his aristocratic grace. But she couldn’t. She also couldn’t know the nuances of his expressions, the subtle shifts that betrayed his true emotions. He had made sure to bury those deep down, where no one would ever find them. But… why did her gaze hurt him so? Despite his attempt to reassure her, his eyes reflected a complexity of emotions, a mixture of duty, responsibility and perhaps, a lingering shadow of the past.
“If that is all you wanted… I am glad,” she managed to smile, but it was a weak effort. She released him from her grip and together, they walked outside to bid his family farewell.
He embraced his mother and shook his brother’s hand. Phyllis curtsied respectfully before them both. His mother’s behavior was still a pain that lingered in the space between them, but now was neither the time nor the place for such clarifications. He hoped that they would get another chance to explain themselves.
He waved at the ongoing carriage, as Phyllis stood by his side. He felt her suddenly shudder as the landscape around them was now completely swallowed in darkness.
“Are you cold?” he asked, turning to her.
