~Chapter 24~
At Trisha’s words, Harriet’s expression changed slightly.
“If you’re talking about life at my uncle’s house, yes, I did go through some hardship.”
There was almost a boldness in Harrietās response, and Trisha let out a small chuckle. As expected, her grandniece was not an ordinary person.
āShe seemed quite smart, even as a child.ā
Trisha still remembered the time 13 years ago when Arthur’s family came to visit her sick husband.
Back then, Arthur and Lillian had sincerely offered their condolences and support, and Harriet, who was nine years old, had been polite yet charming.
“Great-Aunt, this is a lucky stone. I found it two years ago, and ever since I picked it up, only good things have happened to me.”
“Really? It’s a pretty stone.”
“Iāll give it to you, Grandma.”
“Hm? It must be precious to you, so why are you giving it to me?”
At that moment, Harriet had glanced at Trisha’s husband, Oster, who was holding Arthur and Lillianās hands. Then she turned back to Trisha and said, “I’ll give you all my luck. I really hope Great-Uncle gets better.”
For a moment, Trisha hadnāt known what to say. But then that little girl, as if she understood something, placed the stone in Trishaās hand and added, “Even if my luck canāt save Great-Uncle, at least something good will happen to you. It really is a lucky stone, Iām not lying.”
Perhaps thatās why.
Despite everyone believing Trisha would be left powerless after her husband’s death, she ended up becoming the head of the Pellon family, following his will.
After that, while she was busy managing both the family and its affairs, the news of Arthur and Lillianās deaths reached her.
For years, she lost touch with Harriet, who was said to be living with Johnās family. It wasnāt until three or four years ago that Harrietās name resurfaced, and it wasnāt under honorable circumstances.
āWerenāt they calling her a shameless scandal maker?ā
Trisha saw the nine-year-old Harriet in the grown woman sitting before her, who looked her straight in the eye. The intelligence that had been in those olive and brown eyes was still there.
But even after exchanging several letters, Harriet had never offered any explanation about the rumors surrounding her. Roxana, who had spent five months with her, also hadnāt heard anything about it. All she had said was this:
“She doesnāt seem to think she has done anything wrong. Whether thatās because she truly hasnāt, or because sheās just shameless, Iām not sure.”
Though Trisha felt she understood the situation, she still asked, just to see.
“Why donāt you tell me a bit about those hardships? All Iāve heard about you is that you āyou pretended to be your cousin Bella to lure men.āā
As expected, Harrietās expression darkened. But it didnāt look like she was hiding anything.
“Thereās a lot Iād like to say. None of it is true. I didnāt do any of those things.”
“Really?”
“But right now, no matter what I say, it will sound like a one-sided excuse. So…”
A sharp glint flickered in her eyes.
“Please watch what I do from now on. When you decide you can trust me, ask me again. Then, Iāll tell you everything.”
Trisha was sure she hadnāt imagined it.
Harriet was as sharp and perceptive as ever, able to read the thoughts and feelings of others.
There had to be a reason such a clever girl had been driven to the point of public ridicule.
“You’re bold.”
“If that came off as disrespectful, I apologize.”
“No, I meant you’re smart. If you keep handling things this way, I might not have much to worry about… but…”
Trishaās tone trailed off, suggesting she had something to criticize. Harriet tensed up as Trisha frowned and looked her over.
Trisha raised her index finger and motioned up and down at Harrietās outfit.
“But we need to do something about your appearance.”
“Huh? Oh…”
Harriet glanced down at herself and felt her ears burn with embarrassment. She had thought her clothes were simple yet neat enough, but now that she saw them through Trishaās eyes, she realized she looked like a fallen noble just up from the countryside.
āSheās not wrong.ā
She knew she would need new clothes eventually. But since she didnāt have much money, she would have to choose carefully.
Harriet began to explain her plan.
“For now, I thought Iād observe the trends in society for a bit and then have my clothes tailored accordinglyā”
“What a funny thing to say.”
But despite her words, Trishaās expression showed no amusement. Harriet swallowed nervously.
“I told you very clearly, didnāt I? I wonāt tolerate anything that tarnishes my name.”
“Yes.”
“Once it becomes known that Iām your guardian, itās only a matter of time before people take notice. If you walk around looking like this for even a day, it will reflect poorly on my reputation.”
Sweat began to form on Harrietās hands. She had only just found a guardian, but if Trisha realized she barely had enough money to buy proper clothes, would she be thrown out immediately?
Harriet wanted to ask for more time to prepare, but Trishaās stern gaze was so intimidating that she couldnāt bring herself to speak.
“Sorry, I… I apologize…”
“So, weāll start moving from tomorrow. Iām sure you’re tired from the trip, but you’re not here to relax, so brace yourself.”
“Excuse me? Iām really sorry, but… what exactly do you mean by ‘moving’?”
Harriet couldnāt help but ask, even though she feared sheād get scolded for it. Trisha responded as if she couldnāt believe Harriet didnāt understand.
“I already told you! We need to do something about the way you look. When did you even get those clothes tailored? Did you inherit that hat from your mother? And those shoes… goodness!”
Harriet suddenly felt embarrassed about her worn-out shoes and pulled her feet in. Although the damage wasnāt visible from the outside, she still felt self-conscious.
“Everything about your appearance is failing! Youāll need to visit the dressmaker and the shoemaker and get everything newly made. Donāt even think about walking around looking like this!”
Harriet’s mouth went dry. There was no way the places Trisha was referring to would be cheap, so Harriet knew she couldnāt hide it any longer. She had to admit her financial situation.
“Great-Aunt… Iām really sorry, but… I donāt have enough money right now to get new clothes and shoes. But I promise Iāll find a way to get the money and make sure I have clothes that wonāt embarrass you. Could you please give me a little more time?”
“What? Did I just hear that right?”
“I donāt mean I have no money at all. If I sell my necklace and bracelet, Iāll be able to afford a couple of dresses and some shoes, so…”
“Good grief!”
Trisha shook her head in disbelief. Harriet tightly closed her eyes, unable to face the possibility that her good fortune might slip away.
“Harriet Listerwell.”
“Yes, Great-Aunt.”
“What do you think a guardian is?”
“Um…?”
Trisha scoffed.
“Is there anyone in Genoa who doesnāt know that you have nothing left? Do you think I called you here to ask for money?”
“No, thatās not it…”
“Or do you think John made you pay every time you got new clothes?”
“Well… no, he didnāt…”
“So, youāre implying I seem stingier than John?”
“No! Absolutely not, Great-Aunt!”
Harriet waved her hands in panic, but Trisha clicked her tongue, clearly displeased.
“Being your guardian means that, until this relationship ends, Iāll be responsible for everything you wear, eat, and live in. During that time, youāll be preparing yourself to become fully independent, just like you promised. Got it?”
Harriet hesitated for a moment. She felt like there was something she didnāt fully understand, and before she could stop herself, a question she had meant to ask later slipped out.
“Then… what do you get out of this, Great-Aunt? I mean, why did you accept my request to become my guardian…?”
Her voice trailed off. It felt like such a ridiculous question to be asking now.
Trisha stared at Harriet with an expression of disbelief.
“Do I seem so poor that I need to get something out of you? Iām simply well-off and decided to take in my poor grandniece, thatās all.”
Then, as if she had just remembered something, she added, “Or maybe Iām repaying a debt to you.”
“Huh? To me?”
Harriet looked confused, wondering if she had heard correctly. A slight smile formed on one side of Trishaās lips.
Could Harriet still remember that lucky stone, which was still resting in her jewelry box?
“Letās just say thereās something. Anyway, you must be hungry, so go eat dinner. Iāll be heading upstairs.”
“Th… thank you.”
“Esther!”
At her call, a maid with a calm demeanor quietly appeared and bowed.
“Show Harriet to the room weāve prepared for her. Oh, and sheās my grandniece, so make sure everyone treats her with the proper respect.”
With that, Trisha left the parlor. As Harriet bowed her head to show her gratitude, the maid named Esther approached her.
