The Baroness Misbehaves
Chapter 128: Surprise Visit (2)

Chapter 128: Surprise Visit (2)

After their long debate, Madeline and Elaine ate to stupor as they didn’t care about the arguments carried out between Frederick and Inna, as long as they benefited from it in some way which was enjoying their tasty meal. Madeline had to admit that she missed Frederick’s cooking and his friendly chattering nature, and the happiness they made her feel with their presence was one she would treasure to the depths of her heart.

After having their meals, Madeline and Elaine took a walk through the garden. Elaine’s gaze scrutinized the peaceful environment, admiring the riots of colors on display. The sun was high above the cloudless sky, casting a warm glow over the quaint surrounding. The more they looked, Madeline and Elaine couldn’t help but feel a sense of peace wash over them as they ambled down the stoned path, the sound of crunching gravel beneath their feet.

"Isn’t it beautiful, mother?" Madeline asked, taking in the full splendor of the garden. "I heard that you enjoy taking walks in the garden which is why I chose to take a little stroll here."

Elaine smiled, her cheeks crinkling up in delight. "It truly is lovely." She agreed. "The garden is my place of relaxation, and I must say that it feels good to be around nature."

As they walked further into the garden, Elaine paused to admire the small pond, which was surrounded by water lilies and cattails. "This pond reminds me of the dream world right in the hearts of Carmarthen, "she said. "By that I mean, it’s very enchanting."

Madeline nodded in agreement as she stopped to stare. "It’s got a peaceful energy about it, doesn’t it?" she said. "I could sit by that pond for hours just listening to the lapping water."

Elaine grinned. "I know exactly what you mean, my dear. Speaking of which, we should find a spot to rest our legs and take in the scenery," she said, gesturing to the wooden bench further down the path.

The two women made their way towards the bench, taking in the sights and sounds of the garden as they walked. When they finally arrived at the bench, they sat down, sinking into the plush, green cushions.

"This is the perfect spot," Elaine said, her voice a little bit breathless. "Thank you for bringing me here."

"Madeline smiled, her heart filled with gratitude. "At least I have to look for something that draws your interest so you can visit more often." She joked, and Elaine continued to admire the garden with a smile.

"Cassian really outdid himself with this house." She finally commented, and Madeline nodded in full agreement.

"You must be proud."

"I have always been proud." Elaine corrected. "I’m aware of his capabilities but sometimes, one needs to be harsh in order to make the other realize it. I knew he had a job that he secretly did which is why I didn’t panic, else I would have questioned him regarding how he got the money to buy such a lovely house."

Madeline smiled. "His Highness sent for him this morning, and I’m hoping all will be well."

"You and Cassian make such a good couple together. His Highness must already be aware of his marriage which is why he sent for him." She said, and Madeline felt lost.

"You mean our marriage?"

"Yes." Elaine nodded with a sigh. "Sometimes I wonder why the heavens blessed me with a child so handsome, cause it’s more of a curse now since Cassian has many admirers, most he barely knows cause I get rid of the love letters and chase all the unmannered ladies away."

"You mean his Highness must have called him for a marriage with his daughter?"

"I am not worried about that, it is clear my son loves only you and I am happy about that. You’re lucky, there was a time when I got worried that Cassian would never get married since he doesn’t have time for women, but as angry as I was that day when he brought you for the first time, I was also relieved."

Elaine admitted with a smile. "I want you to promise me that you will keep your marriage healthy. I don’t want either of my children to go through what I did, and I wish to see your marriage with my son blossom like the flowers here." She gestured at the brilliant blooming flowers.

"Promise me that you will protect your marriage with Cassian." Elaine requested. Madeline could feel her heart speed up as she looked at Elaine’s stretched-out palm.

It took a moment of silence before Madeline placed her palm on Elaine’s with an assuring smile. "I promise."

Elaine looked relieved knowing she could trust her daughter-in-law. "Thank you." She said, patting Madeline’s hand affectionately.

After sharing a little bit of conversation, Elaine stayed with them for a couple more hours before finally taking her leave with Frederick waving his goodbyes to both Madeline and Inna.

Night time approached a little faster than Madeline had planned it would. She sat at the dressing mirror, staring at her own reflection and wondering if she looked pretty enough to entice the young man who might step in any minute from now.

"Does he like me having my hair down or up?" Madeline packed her hair to the center, wondering which would fit her better, but when she couldn’t come up with any decision, she chose to leave her hair down as it flowed down to her back.

Her dark orbs glimmered against the candle-lit room and she was only to realize that she does look younger than her age.

"Does he like it when I look younger?" She thought out loud, "he teases me a lot and refers to me as a little wife because of it."

Before she could come up with her decision on what to do, the door suddenly opened, making Madeline’s breath hitch as she watched the young lad step into the room, closing the door behind him.

He met her gaze through the mirror, holding it as though he was sighting a beauty for the first time. Madeline rose to her feet in an attempt to break the gaze, and only then did Cassian avert his gaze elsewhere, clearing his throat.

"You’re back." She walked up to meet him where he stood, surprisingly helping him out of his coat.

"How did it go?" She asked, and Cassian tried not to get too distracted as he responded coolly. "Wasn’t urgent, as predicted."

"Are you hungry? Mother and Frederick came over during the afternoon, and she told me that you gave her the location of our home because I wanted to see her."

"You asked for her." He answered before moving away from their close proximity, heading to the bed as he took his seat at the edge. "Did Frederick flaunt his cooking?" Cassian asked, to Madeline’s surprise.

"Yes, how do you know?"

"He always does that." Was his blatant retort before Madeline snickered. "You missed a lot, he started a cooking competition with Inna while Mother and I ate our fill."

"It’s a good thing I wasn’t here, I tend to crush people’s courage, not boost it." A wicked smile reached his lips, and Madeline could feel her heart race when he looked at her in that manner again.

Suddenly, she gasped, catching Cassian’s attention as his brows knitted. "What happened?"

She shook her head, and he lifted his brow at her. "Maddie."

"I...I just remembered something." She said with a long face.

"What?"

"Jeremy’s touch." She said, "he kissed me in places I can’t seem to forget." Looking at Cassian, she watched his eyes glint sharply at her words.

"Where did he kiss you?"

She shook her head, refusing to say. "Nevermind it."

"Come here." He said, beckoning her over."

"Why?"

"You have to come if you wish to know."

Madeline eyed him suspiciously, but since she was curious, she moved closer to hear what he had to say to her.

"Yes?"

"I’ve been trying to keep him alive, but if you say such things to me, I told you already, I might not keep to my promise." His tone was serious, and she noticed the way he stared as though he hated the idea of sharing her with another man.

"Straddle me, and tell me where he touched you."