She was now moving with more ease, gracefully through the halls. She would exchange warm smiles with the staff, a sense of camaraderie building between them. As the anticipation for the family gathering grew, Phyllis couldn’t shake the feeling that, amidst all the challenges, she had found a place of belonging.
In the heart of Woldaves Estate, surrounded by the comforting embrace of familiar walls, Phyllis prepared to face the evening with newfound confidence, her connection with Alexander serving as a guiding light in the familial intricacies that awaited them.
That evening, The grand dining hall at Woldaves Estate was adorned with opulence, as a long mahogany table took center stage. The polished surface gleamed beneath the soft glow of the chandeliers overhead. Crisp white linens draped elegantly, punctuated by intricate lace runners, creating a tableau of refined sophistication.
Place settings, adorned with delicate china and silverware, awaited each guest. Crystal goblets sparkled in the candlelight, casting a warm ambience that reflected off the ornate mirrors adorning the walls. Fresh flowers graced the center of the table, their vibrant hues contrasting with the subdued tones of the room.
Phyllis’ family had arrived first and warm welcomes were extended. Shortly after, Alexander’s side of the family arrived as well, and once again, Phyllis could not help but feel the cold shoulder given to her by the dowager duchess. She tried not to pay too much attention to that, but it was difficult, as the behavior of that woman was the only thing casting shadow upon the evening’s festivities.
As the guests took their seats, a myriad of delectable aromas wafted from the adjacent kitchen. Platters of succulent roasted meats, accompanied by an array of colorful vegetables and decadent sauces, adorned the table. The room buzzed with animated conversations, laughter, and the clinking of cutlery, as everyone partook in the celebratory atmosphere.
Everyone, but Alexander’s mother. Phyllis could not omit to notice, although she had been trying her best to focus on the happy aspects of this evening. Because for Phyllis, it was indeed a celebration – a symbolic initiation into a new chapter of her life. The mingling scents, the harmonious chatter, and the tasteful extravagance of the evening signaled not just a family dinner but a gathering that marked the beginning of her journey within the folds of Woldaves Estate, with her husband by her side.
Just as she was lost in thought regarding how fortunate she was to have Alexander as her husband, he stood up, much to everyone’s surprise and raised his glass.
“Ladies and gentlemen, our dear esteemed guests, firstly I would like to thank you for coming here and gracing us with your presence,” he declared, his eyes flickering towards Phyllis with a gleam of excitement. The room hushed in anticipation.
“Taking into account everything that has happened, I have planned a little trip for Phyllis and me,” he continued, a spark of mischief in his eyes. Phyllis gasped silently, not expecting this. “A change of scenery, if you will,” he continued. She gazed at him with gratitude and curiosity. The dowager duchess however, raised a quizzical eyebrow, her stern countenance showing a hint of skepticism.
But before she had the chance to voice any reservations, Alexander continued. “We are leaving very soon, as I have already started with the preparations.”
The dowager duchess, obviously taken aback, studied the expressions of her son and his new wife. Phyllis could feel the woman’s gaze on her, introspective and judgmental. But she didn’t care one bit about her. She refused to allow anyone to spoil her happiness. After all, Alexander loved her and she loved him back with all her heart. Nothing else mattered.
As if reading the room, Alexander continued. “I believe a change of scenery will do us good, don’t you agree, Mother?”
The dowager duchess gazed at him deeply, without saying a word. Her expression was stern at first, but as Phyllis watched her, she could notice a slow and gradual softening of the woman’s features, almost a physical transformation.
“A trip is always a good idea,” the dowager duchess finally spoke.
Alexander raised his glass, and everyone followed suit. Then, Alexander took Phyllis’ hand and brought it to his lips. Their eyes locked. Phyllis could see so much love and tenderness in them, and she knew then that he would love her for the rest of their days, just as she knew that she would do the same. No one would ever stand in the way of their happiness.
“If I may say something,” the dowager suddenly said, interrupting the tender moment between her son and his wife.
Phyllis looked in her direction. Now, the woman was standing, but Phyllis doubted that she would be raising a toast. In her opinion, there was nothing to celebrate here, but she was still here because she loved her son. Phyllis was apprehensive as to what she would say. Still, she didn’t dare interrupt the woman. Instead, she listened with dread.
“I have seen many marriages that have started as nothing but mutually beneficial convenience for both parties involved,” her voice echoed with determination to reach a point. “They ended up leading separate lives, married only on a piece of paper. As most of you know, such a union is marred with unhappiness, despair and in some cases, even tragedy. This marriage, between my son and this young lady here…” She paused, and everyone held their breath. “… is not one of those.”
Phyllis’ eyes widened with shock and disbelief at what she was hearing. Her heart was beating inside her throat, making it difficult to breathe. All she could do was listen, frozen in place.
“I have misjudged you, Phyllis,” the dowager turned to her this time. “For which I apologize. All I ever wanted was for Alexander to be happy. And I see that with you… he is.”
Phyllis felt an onslaught of tears come on, and she didn’t even try to suppress it. She couldn’t believe that she was hearing this.
“That is all I ever wanted, too,” she admitted.
The dowager duchess smiled at her. “I am happy to hear that.”
“Here, here!” Leonard suddenly broke the magic of the moment as he was always wont to do, and everyone raised their glasses yet again, chuckling and drinking to the couple.
“You’ve finally come around, Mother,” Leonard teased once everyone had taken a seat. “I kept telling you that Phyllis is the one for Alexander, but you were too stubborn to see it.”
“Do not be so quick to gloat, my boy,” the dowager replied, with an unexpected tone of playfulness in her voice. “For it is your turn to fall in love and get married now.”
“Me?” Leonard gasped, almost dropping the glass from his hand. “No! No! A million times no!”
Everyone started laughing again, and a feeling of joy filled the room more than ever before. The conversation continued to flow, when suddenly, Phyllis felt Charlotte tugging at her hand, she had been sitting on her right side. She looked at her sister questioningly.
“Is everything all right, Charlotte?” Phyllis wondered.
