Chapter 30: Chapter 30: Leonard and Emily IV

Geoffrey was already prepared to hang up when Leonard finally answered the phone.

"That took you long enough. Been busy?" Geoffrey asked.

The underlying meaning in Geoffrey's question was not lost to Leonard but he just shrugged it off. "Why did you call?"

"Just some matter. Hey, are you seeing anyone at the moment?" Geoffrey asked. What? They were men, no need to go about matters so simple in a roundabout way.

"Not really. Why?"

"That's good to know. So… what do you think of Annalys Cross?"

Leonard furrowed his brows. "What about her?"

"Well, you're already at that age, and I think it's high time you find yourself a wife. So, I'm asking, what do you think of her?"

In all honesty? If not because of Serena mentioning Annalys' name every now and then, he won't even give her a second glance. However, Serena did, and since her meaning was clear for him to see, he did try to consider the younger lady.

He wasn't politically inept not to realize the advantages of the match, but there was something about Annalys which turned him off. He could not identify what it was, it's just his gut feeling, something instinctive that tells him she's no good. Add the fact that her family comprised of snobs, he dropped the idea and thankfully, so did Serena. Now talking about his 'instincts', it told him that Emily was good, so maybe it's not as reliable as he thought.

Reminded of Emily, he looked at the door leading to his bedroom and saw that it was slightly more ajar than he left it. She must be eavesdropping again. Well, good for her.

"To be honest, I do find her more than pleasing. She's very pretty, kind, sweet, came from an excellent family, and just… she's just perfect. However, do you think that she'll consider me? I mean, I'm not exactly the prime choice as husband for some, and knowing her family, they might even despise me." Leonard said exaggeratedly for Emily to hear.

Geoffrey furrowed his brows. What the hell was Leonard going on about? So, was this his way of sarcastically saying no?

"Is that a negative?" Geoffrey asked. If Leonard did not want to, he could think of at least 3 other gentlemen from his faction to try. Though having them attract Annalys would prove to be more difficult because all of them falls short in comparison to Leonard.

Leonard knew that he could still say no. However, though he did not fancy Annalys, there was no harm on giving it a try. Aside from the obvious political advantage, it would at least get Emily off his back. Also, for Geoffrey to call him about it, there must be a good reason behind it.

"No, I just thought that it would be difficult given how her family is." Leonard replied.

Geoffrey knew that the Cross family was snobbish and has always been proud of their blue blood. None of their main family members ever married down. Leonard as a potential husband to their daughter was not exactly marrying down, but the issue regarding his origins was still there. If not because of that, this issue would have been easier to resolve.

"I understand your cornern. However, if it's just her family, then you don't have to worry much about them. What's important is for you to gain her affections so that when I come back from my mission, Serena and I can show our support by being with you when you present your suit." Geoffrey explained.

Leonard who just saw Emily's shadow was reminded that she was still listening. Thus, he replied, "That seems to be a plausible idea. I don't want her to feel torn between her family and I, if ever she does accept my affections one day. Thanks Geoffrey, you don't know how much this means to me."

"Have you been smoking something which you should not? I did catch a whiff of nicotine from you once or twice." Geoffrey said disturbed with how Leonard was talking.

Leonard felt a bit embarrased. Admittedly, even to himself, he did sound strange. As for the smoke, it must be when Emily stayed over, though no need to tell Geoffrey about that. Anyhow, wanting to change the topic, he cleared his throat before saying, "No. By the way, how is Serena?"

"She's doing fine." Geoffrey replied, then he paused before continuing more solemnly, "Leonard, I don't know what's running in your head, but should I take your word for it that you will try with Annalys? I don't think I have to explain the situation for I know that you can already guess why I'm asking this of you."

Leonard sighed. Just as he thought, there's something more to it. He was already suspecting that the queen was pressuring Serena to get Geoffrey a second wife. Though Serena never told him, anyone could guess at least that much. Even within their faction, there have already been talks and the name Annalys Cross has been mentioned a number of times. Thus, Given the situation, even if Annalys were a troll which thankfully she was not, he would still do it.

"Yes, you have my word for it." he replied more serious and somber this time.

"That's good. Leonard, my mission might take a while, so please do look after Serena while I'm gone." Geoffrey said, the relief in his voice evident.

"You don't even have to tell me. By the way, do send her my regards and that I'll see her soon."

"Alright. Then you have my thanks."

"Serena's my sister, but you're welcome."

TBC

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