Cloaked Heart

.·:*¨༺ Nine ༻¨*:·.

Win was standing by the fire still wearing a silk pajama when the door of the room opened. He had been musing at the necessity of calling Mr. Sing of the Pigeon Press as soon as it was possible. Too many days had passed since he had communicated with Gulf and in receiving the 10,000 pounds from the bank. If he intends to stop the publication, he must act with utmost urgency.

When he turned towards the door, it was Lady Vanderveer who was followed closely by a maid who seemed devoted to her mistress.

"You look so much better this morning!" the marchioness declared as she came across the room. "There is color in your cheeks again, which is a good sign. That paleness doesn't suit you."

"Any improvements in my health were mainly due to your benevolence, and excellent nursing, my lady, and oh-New's beef soup," he added hastily.

New, also came inside the room carrying a number of garments, telling maids to bring the others. He placed them carefully on the bed and gave Win a smile.

"You may want to change clothes when you're feeling better," Lady Vanderveer pointed out, "and I have brought you a selection of suits and everyday clothing which I believe will suit you until further arrangements can be made."

Upon inspecting, Win could tell that these were all made in a luxe fabric, high-quality materials such as silk, wool, cashmere, and fine cotton. Win checked every tag of the clothing and these were from well-known brands that only sourced their fabrics from the best mills and factories around the world and chosen for their softness, durability, and unique textures. Another thing that set the luxe fabric apart from other materials was the attention to detail and craftsmanship. From the way the fabric was woven to the finishing touches like fringes and embroidery, every aspect of it was carefully considered and executed to create a luxurious finished product.

"These are far too good," he gasped. "And they look very new."

"They are new," the marchioness confirmed and Win immediately removed his hand from inspecting the clothes, making Davika laugh. "And why shouldn't you enjoy modish apparel? You're now an heir with considerable wealth."

The mention of it caused Win's cheeks to grow pink. "Lady Vanderveer, allow me to protest once more. I have no wish to return to the J. Adams Academy now since there is no place for me there anymore. I harbor even more reluctance in returning to my aunt's house, but I could stay by your side and serve you. It will be an honor and pleasure to do so. I assure you."

New clucked his tongue and frowned while the marchioness laughed once again. "Stop, I'm not the least bit vaporish that I need someone to fetch my medicine for me. Nor am I the kind of person who would employ a relative so that I don't have to pay them a salary. You will take your rightful place in the society you were born with. This is your legacy now, Win, and you must embrace it. New will assist you and he also expressed his desire to be your personal assistant, which you should consider an honor."

The teasing tone made New chuckled as well and Win couldn't help but smile a little despite the embarrassing situation. "I cannot thank you enough for your kindness."

"Nonsense," Davika remarked. "I shall enjoy myself hugely as we prepare for your introduction to the court, and it's all thanks to you. I'll be more than delighted to even find you a suitable mate in the future. I'm the most unhappy when Bright won so much from your late father, rest his soul. But you must understand, and I mean this by fair means, your father was a rakehell in those days and no one could reason with him. In all truth, by the time I heard of the affair, the deed was already done," the marchioness glanced around the room. "I see that you have started unpacking your boxes and luggage. You have so many books, I cannot credit it! It seems we have intervened at the right time before you became a scholar."