With the wedding fast approaching, the Hawksley family had specially sent someone over to consult the Sumners about the arrangements.
“This is the guest list the Hawksleys intend to invite to the wedding.”
Edith took the list, recognizing it as a gesture of respect from the Hawksleys toward her family.
She passed it to Jayne, who flipped through the pages and nodded with
satisfaction.
“The Hawksleys have put real thought into this.”
It wasn’t until Edith looked through the list herself that she understood what Jayne meant. There weren’t any random acquaintances or unnecessary guests–almost everyone was a relative from the Hawksley side.
Given that Kearney’s case was still making headlines, if word got out right now that the Sumners and the Hawksleys were joining families, there was no telling what kind of rumors people might start. The Hawksleys had clearly gone out of their way to protect the Sumners‘ reputation, making the arrangements as discreet and careful as possible.
Still, Edith felt a pang of guilt. She turned to the Hawksley family’s butler and asked quietly, “Won’t this be a bit unfair to the Hawksleys?”
After all, this was Justin’s wedding. The Hawksleys were a powerful family; if they held the ceremony in such a low–key manner, people on the outside would surely start talking.
The butler gave her a gentle, grandfatherly smile. “Both Mr. and Mrs. Hawksley and the young master prefer things simple. As long as you, Miss Sumner, are comfortable, that’s all that matters.”
Edith waved her hand, reassuring him. “Of course I don’t mind. Honestly, I
think this is for the best.”
With Kearney’s situation still unsettled, the last thing she wanted was to
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be thrust into the spotlight.
On this matter, the Sumners and the Hawksleys were perfectly in sync.
Once Edith had given her answer, the butler still looked a little worried. He glanced kindly at Jayne. “Is there anything we can do to make you more comfortable? If you have any concerns at all, please know the Hawksleys are happy to accommodate your wishes.”
Jayne was a little taken aback by the courtesy. She couldn’t help but remember the first time Edith got married–back then, the Sumners hadn’t even been able to choose the color of the bridal bouquet.
Everything was dictated by the Vance family.
She remembered telling Edith at the time, “Well, at least the Vances know their own mind.” She’d tried to make it sound positive.
But looking back, it hadn’t been confidence–it was just control. The Vances had insisted on their authority over every little detail.
Jayne hurriedly shook her head now. “No, I have no objections at all. I’m very pleased. We’re happy to follow the Hawksleys‘ arrangements.”
The butler smiled again. “This is the list of wedding gifts from the Hawksleys. If both you and Miss Sumner have no objections, I’ll arrange to have everything delivered to your home.”
Edith frowned in surprise. “Wedding gifts? I didn’t realize there would be any.”
Jayne looked flustered as well. “We haven’t really prepared anything on our side, not even a proper trousseau.”
The butler’s kind smile never faltered. “The Hawksleys are a traditional family. Here in Northcrest, it wouldn’t do to skip the wedding gifts. As for the bride’s contribution, that’s always up to her family. Whether you have a trousseau or not, it’s perfectly fine.”
He added gently, “I’m simply here to convey the Hawksleys‘ intentions, nothing more.”
Jayne’s surprise deepened. Bad memories came flooding
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back–memories she could see reflected in Edith’s eyes as well.
When Edith married into the Vance family, Kearney’s troubles hadn’t yet begun, but the Sumners had never been a wealthy family. They only rubbed shoulders with Northcrest’s elite because of Kearney’s work.
Perhaps that was why the Vances had expected a lavish trousseau from the Sumners. When they saw what the Sumners could actually provide, their disappointment was all too obvious.
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Sara Lili is a daring romance writer who turns icy landscapes into scenes of fiery passion. She loves crafting hot love stories while embracing the chill of Iceland’s breathtaking cold.