Bab 41: Chapter 41: Maxwell family III

After the family of four had their dinner and talked about miscellaneous topics of interest, it was time for Serena and Leonard to depart. They all proceeded to walk to the main entrance where their waiting vehicles were on standby.

As they stood to say their goodbyes, Celine looked at the skies. Since it was summer, although it was already a quarter past eight in the evening, the skies were still tinted orange. However, she knew that about an hour later, it would be sundown. Thus, she suggested, "Why don't the two of you sleep here tonight? It is late and it will be dark soon."

"Celine, you can't simply ask that of the children. Serena must go back to the Kensington house while Leonard still has office tomorrow." duke Simoun said reasonably.

Serena seeing the dejected look on her mother's face had to interject. "Actually, though I did not bring extra clothes, I don't see any problem with me staying here for the night." Though her father was right, and she still must go over the list of debutantes and other necessary matters regarding the Charlotte's ball, she can make time.

"The same is true for me. I can simply leave earlier tomorrow." Leonard seconded.

Celine eyes lit up. However, she understood that Simoun was right. Thus, she shook her head. "Though I am happy that the two of you are willing to cater to your mother's whim, I must agree with your father."

"Mother, don't listen to father, it's not inconvenient for me and I want to spend more time with you, so I insist." Serena claimed.

Celine smiled, "I also want that, but his royal highness just left the capital, and the Kensington house would not do without its mistress."

Serena had a sudden realization that her mother was right. If Geoffrey was with her or if he was in Windsor, then it would be no problem. However, since he's not there and her travel was not even official, it would be better for her to return home to prevent any unwanted attention.

"Then, mother, I will just come over to send you and father off for your travel on Wednesday." Serena relented as she moved to hug her mother.

Celine patted Serena's back then kissed both her cheeks. "I will see you then, my dear. Take care on your way home."

Meanwhile, Simoun placed his hand on Leonard's shoulder, "Son, you too should head back. Also, do look after of your sister while your mother and I are away."

Leonard nodded his head in affirmation. "Yes father. You can rest assured. Just take care of yourself and mother" he said, then, knowing the real reason for his parents' travel, he added, "we shall be waiting for your and mother's return."

Simoun squeezed Leonard's shoulder as if to thank him. "I shall hold you on to that."

After they all said their goodbyes, Leonard walked Serena to her vehicle and opened the door for her.

Serena entered but before Leonard could close the door, she suddenly called him and requested, "Brother, please come join me. The journey would be long, and it would be nice to have your company on the way back."

Leonard understanding that Serena wanted to talk nodded his head. "Alright. Please wait a moment." He said as he motioned for his valet to come over.

"Yes milord?" Jim asked.

"Inform the chauffeur that I shall be joining my sister in her vehicle till we arrive at Kensington house." He instructed before entering the vehicle to sit beside his sister.

Serena smiled as she stared at the side profile of her brother Leonard. What? She couldn't help but reminisce the time when she just transmigrated and fantasized about him. Ehem ehem. She's not doing that now in case people start to misunderstand. She just finds it funny how times have changed and now she was trying to matchmake him to another lady.

"Why are you staring at me like that?" Leonard asked.

Serena gave him a mischievous grin. "I just can't help but wonder why my brother is still single despite how handsome he is." Though she was teasing him, there was truth to her words. Leonard was still handsome as ever. When she first saw him, he was only 19, now 7 years have passed, but he still looked the same only with a touch of maturity. His blond hair, soft blue eyes, fine facial features, warm ivory skin, coupled with his tall and slightly muscular build made him look like a dashing prince from a fairytale come to life.

Leonard snickered. "It's all your fault. You raised the bar too high for any potential sister-in-law of yours."

Serena couldn't help but preen. What? she does like her ego being stroked. Anyhow, she shook her head. Joking aside, they needed to talk. "So, talking about my potential sister-in-law…" she tried to begin but had to pause. she bit her lower lip. Although it was her idea, Geoffrey was the one who called Leonard. Also, she felt awkward about the topic because she doesn't know if she should come clean or pretend that she's innocent about the matter.

Leonard understood the little quirks Serena has. Although people usually assume that he's naïve for not knowing how his sister's mind worked, that's not actually the case. Leonard knew that Serena can be scheming. He also knew how capable she was. However, no matter what, she would always be his little sister.

Perhaps it was the way he was raised, for as soon as he could comprehend anything, his parents already taught him that amongst all his responsibilities, the most important and significant was to love, care, and cherish his sister. Thus, his duty as her brother has been ingrained to him that his need to protect her was almost the same as his need for breathing. Aside from that, Serena herself was not difficult to love.

Seeing how Serena bit her lip and was being awkward, Leonard understood that though Geoffrey was the one who called him, Serena must be the one who came up with the idea. He already had the suspicion it's just that now, he was able to confirm it.

TBC

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