Chapter 51
Rive
Eliza raised her hand and pointed at Sophie, her expression icy. “Your sister is standing right there, not me. As far as I am concerned, Mother g birth to only one daughter, and that was me. If you recognize Sophie as your sister, then you and I are nothing to each other.”
y, his voice turning colder. “Must you be so unwilling to accept Sophie?”
“Eliza,” Matthew said sharply, I
es, Eliza said without hesitation. “Between her and me, you can only choose one.”
Exen Sophie had not expected Eliza to be so blunt, speaking without the slightest hint of restraint
Elira threw out her final wonks. “I have made my conditions clear. If you can accept them, bring all of Mother’s dowry here tomorrow. If you camot, then let Dylan stay in prison a while longer”
With that, Matthew and Sophie both left with dark expressions.
the Duke’s estate, Benedict stared at Matthew and Sophie in astonishment. “Did Eliza actually say that?”
Matthew nodded, his face filled with displeasure. “I heard it with my own cars. Do you think 1 would lie to you?”
“No, that is not what I meant. Benedict simply found it harder and harder to understand Eliza, “Why does she hate Sophie so much? She did not even hesitate to say something like that.
He took a deep breath, then turned to Gabriel. “Father, why do I not go speak with Eliza again? She is obviously still upset
with us.
“There is no need, Gabriel said coldly. “You have all tried to persuade her countless times, yet she remains as stubborn as ever. Since she insists o making a seche, there is no reason to waste any more words on her.”
ן
Gabriel would not give Eliza another chance. She was rebellious, unreasonable, and completely lacking in understanding. Gabriel would rather not have a daughter like her.
Benedict could hear the sheer disappointment in his father’s voice, and suddenly, a wave of unease washed over him.
Ts Father really going in abandon Eliza Benedict wondered.
“Then, Father, what about Eliza’s two conditions?” Matthew frowned. “Are we really going to hand over all of Mother’s dowry to her?”
“If she wants them, give them to her, Gabriel said, his tone devoid of warmth. “But make it clear; once she takes everything that belonged to her mother, she will have no further Urs to the Stonor family.
Gabriel was t
was throwing the choice back at Eliza, leaving it up to her.
Benedict strongly disagreed.
Eliza was already acting out of anger. If they left the decision to her, she would undoubtedly choose to sever ties completely. And when happened, there would be no turning back.
they could not easily change his mind.
that
But there was nothing Benedict could do. . Once Gabriel made a decision, even as lussons, il As Matthew and Sophie prepared to leave for Saint Grace Nunnery once more, Benedict gave Sophie one last piece of advice. “Sophie, you must do your best to persuade Eliza. Tell her to stop being so reckless. This time, Father is serious”
as foolish as Dylan.
Sophie felt an impatient irritation rise within her. Before, she had not minded much. But now, she realized Benedict was just as f He actually thinks I should go and talk Eliza into staying? How ridiculous. Why would I do that! Right now, I could not be more eager for E
pletely nut tir ich the Stonor family, Sophie wondered
Elto
ourse, Benedict. Do not worry I will definitely try to talk some sense into her, Sophie said, brushing him off before quickly cl
climbing into the
Marten followed
Use carriage set of
set off, Sophie “Sophie, do not pay any attention to what Benedict mul”
still considering how best to feign contem in front of Matthew to persuade Eliza when he suddenly spoke.