Chapter 21: Moving on (2)
"What do your parents do? I didn’t get the chance to hear about where you came from," said Lucinda.
"Nothing is exciting about the town I came from. I lost my parents when I was quite young so I was taken in by a family friend who took good care of me. He spoiled me just as my father did and forbade Gabriel from taking me without promising marriage first. He is a trader," Cassandra replied, knowing Lucinda wanted to hear about money.
"It is sad to hear about your parents and it is wonderful he took you in but what title does he hold?" Lucinda asked, only interested in who this man was.
"He doesn’t hold a title and it doesn’t matter. He is well respected around the town I met Cassandra and if not for his help, we wouldn’t have gathered the extra supplies we needed. Do not ask about a title again," Gabriel said, annoyed by his mother’s behaviour.
Cassandra had enough to please him. Gabriel didn’t need a wife from a wealthy family for all the credit for his status to go to his wife’s family. He would find his riches and status by himself so he would never have to feel small again like he did with Selene.
"A well-respected man sounds good. I look forward to meeting him before the wedding. It must be the grandest wedding anyone has seen for the year. It must take the attention away from the divorce. You will not give that woman anything," Lucinda said, her mind still lingering on what Selene could want.
Lucinda trusted the court would do as it always did to send Selene away with what she came to Gabriel with. It was better to stay with the life Gabriel offered than to go back having only what money was left by Selene’s father.
"It doesn’t work like that, Cassandra. I am tired," Gabriel sighed. His talk with Xavier was already draining. "I must leave to speak to the earl and his peers. They have invited me for a small gathering."
Lucinda’s eyes lit up with excitement upon hearing the men Gabriel would now meet with. "You must wear something nice."