Chapter 10: Persuading Charlton IV

"You don't even have to ask Christopher. If it's within my capacity, then I would gladly offer my assistance. So, what's this predicament about, and how could I be of service?" Charlton asked. He doubted that there's no hidden agenda regarding what Christopher might be asking of him. However, he understood too well that friendships, such as theirs, needed a give and take relationship. Given that Christopher was the vice minister of justice, and his family was known to be politically neutral, he would be needing his help all too soon.

"Thank you, Charlton. That's a relief to hear." Christopher replied as he released the deep breath that he has been holding. Then he continued, "As you may know, my sister has just turned 22 this year, and we could no longer put off her marriage…"

"Wait wait, hold up. What's that gotta do with Charlton? don't tell me this is some elaborate scheme to have him marry your sister?" Hugo interjected. What? Although he was not that bright, he spent enough time with his mother and sisters to know that when words like that were spoken, you should know what comes next.

Christopher coughed. Hugo, this buffoon, most of the time, he couldn't even comprehend the issue even when the answer was being laid in front of him, but now when he needed to maintain that ineptitude of his, he actually hit the nail on the head.

Charlton looked at Hugo, his eyes widening as if telling him to shut his trap and apologize.

Hugo felt incredulous with Charlton giving him that look because he knew he was right. However, he has spent enough time with the guy and had a certain level of respect for him. He trusted that Charlton wouldn't fall for such a simple scheme that even he, despite his usual denseness, can see through.

Thus, Hugo awkwardly laughed before saying, "Sorry for that Christopher. I was just teasing you as usual. Hehe… please continue…"

Christopher cleared his throat. Well, truth was, if the situation was the other way around, he would also come to the same conclusion. Anyhow, that should be the least of his concerns. The issue he will present has some validity so that will clear everything up, hopefully.

"As I was saying, my sister has reached the age where, on average, a lady should have already been married so our family has finally decided to get her a match this season. Although it's not difficult considering that there's always a line of suitors vying for her hand, the growing interest, and though minimal, still unwelcomed interloping of the crown princess on my sister's marriage prospects has led us to a certain predicament. Currently, we already have indisputable reasons to believe that she wants to match my sister Annalys, to her brother Lord Leonard Maxwell."

Hugo snorted, then he guffawed. "What the hell? And I thought it was something vile. Really? Lord Leonard Maxwell as your predicament? My sister would be willing to die just for the opportunity. But man… are you for real? If lord Leonard, a marquis, the heir of one of the richest dukedom, the vice minister of finance, and the brother of our future, wait, the next certain queen of Windsor, is not even qualified as your sister's potential spouse, then who or what the heck is? I mean, I can't even imagine how high the bars of your expectations are. Lord Leonard, really? Perhaps if he looked ugly, or if he has some disability, or perhaps a number of mistresses I don't know of, then maybe I can understand your or maybe your sister's discontent, but no!!! He is single, able, has no track record of broken hearts behind him, and to top it off, even to me, and I'm a man, I can say with conviction just how attractive he is. I get that your sister is undeniably pretty and is one of the most eligible bachelorettes of her age, but I'm sorry to say, she's not all that. Hey, does she or maybe even you and your family have the delusions that she's some kind of a goddess incarnate or something?"

If the involvement of Serena did not catch the rapt attention of Charlton first, he would have, try as he might stop himself for politeness' sake, also have a good laugh with Hugo. But since he was more focused and curious on why Serena was trying to make that match, he did not. Instead, he contemplated on her possible motivations because although he has only been in a relationship with her for 3 years, he would like to assume that he knew her well.

Serena was selfish and self-centered, but he knew that she loved her family. Even when they were on the heights of passion in their sordid love affair and were talking about hypothetical situations where they accidentally get caught one day, she would still reason and find ways where her family could get out of their predicament unscathed.

Was it possible that Leonard fell in love with Annalys and was now trying to marry her? Very unlikely. He knew Leonard since they were seven and it would be out of his character to ask for Serena's help in matters such as marriage. So, the one behind this must be Serena.

Why was Serena getting involved, or maybe the words should be, trying to control her brother's lifelong event? Did she change? Or was it that he did not know her well enough? No. He does not think so. Perhaps this was the case because she was getting desperate. But why? Was there trouble in paradise? If that were the case, then it would only be advantageous for him and would make it easier for him to exact his revenge. However, based on the picture he just saw in the newspaper, it was improbable. Serena could not even fake it even if she tried. Then again, she did make a fool out of him, so maybe he could be wrong.

He shook his head. There he goes again letting her consume his thoughts. He closed his eyes and took a deep breath before focusing his attention on Christopher.

Christopher who could only flush in embarrassment with Hugo's words (since there was truth to it) finally recovered seeing how Charlton did not laugh along and was even looking at him seriously, as if asking him to continue.

--

TBC