Red String : A Collection Of Memories

Chapter 6

It was a pleasant morning. Dylan and Barker were back at the manor from their morning stroll around the farms.

"Did you find the girl, Keith?" Dylan asked.

"I might have if I had any proper description about her, but Sir Dylan Ashford failed to give me any," replied Barker in a mocking tone.

This made a frown appear on Dylan's face. "Stop complaining, Barker. Just find her."

"I did try to inquire, but 'a beautiful girl' is not a description enough."

Dylan sighed at the comment. "I will be at the library in case you need me," he said.

Barker nodded in acknowledgment.

Inside the grand library of the manor, filled with rows of ancient books and large windows overlooking the tea plantations.

Dylan retreated to the manor's library, seeking solace among the rows of ancient books. The weight of his family's turmoil and his uncertain future pressed heavily on his mind. He was browsing through a shelf of history books when he heard a soft humming coming from the corner of the room.

Curious, Dylan walked towards the sound and found a girl standing on a ladder, reaching for a book on a high shelf. Her back was to him, but the gentle melody she hummed was soothing. He immediately recognised her. She was the girl he met at the farm.

"Need a hand?" Dylan offered.

The girl turned, startled, nearly losing her balance. Dylan instinctively reached out and steadied the ladder. "I didn't mean to scare you," he said.

"No harm done," she replied with a grateful smile. She seem to have recognised him as well.

"I am surprised to see you here.",he said.

"I'm Lara, the housekeeper's daughter. I come here to help with the books sometimes."

"I'm Dylan Ashford," he said, extending his hand. " Let me apologise for I couldn't introduce myself properly the last time we met.",he added sincerely.

"I know who you are," Lara replied, shaking his hand. "You're quite the topic of conversation around here."

Dylan chuckled dryly. "I can imagine."

Lara descended the ladder and placed the book on a nearby table. "This library is my favorite place in the manor. It's so peaceful and full of stories."

Dylan nodded, looking around. "I've always found comfort in books. They offer an escape."

Lara tilted her head, studying him. "You look like someone who needs an escape."

Dylan sighed, running a hand through his hair.

"Since you are Mrs. Smith's daughter, I assume I will have the pleasure of your presence often."

She nodded her head shyly.

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It's been over a week since Dylan's departure to Verdantia. With each passing day, Lady Matilda's impatience grew more and more. All her efforts to convince the duke had failed relentlessly.

Yet, despite the constant denial of her requests, she wouldn't give up.

The duke's favor towards Edward was making it even more difficult.

By this time, she understood one thing — the duke wouldn’t change his decision through simple manipulation tricks using sweet words.

The duke's favor towards Edward scared her. It was an unsettling threat to her son's future. She had to make a bold move.

"We are there madam. ," the servant's voice made her snap back to reality.

"There's no turning back.", said Lady Matilda as she got out of her carriage. Accompanied her was Silas Harrington, God son of Duke Ashford; son of his late friend.

Silas was a very young yet sensible man. His slender figure made it evident that he was no warrior, yet in the war of minds, his skills were formidable.

It was raining that night, and the sky was cloaked in darkness. Lady Matilda’s hair waved with the rhythm of the stormy wind as she dragged her gown through the mud, staining the glamorous fabric.

Silas followed her, his eyes scanning the surroundings and taking in every detail as he contemplated their next move.

They walked into an old manor made of stone. There stood a man shrouded in darkness. His face was expressionless, his long red hair tied back neatly. A long scar traveled through his left eye.

"Greetings, Madam. Oh... Forgive me for my abruptness; you are a duchess now. I am an old man, and my memory plays tricks on me," said the man with a mocking smirk, causing Lady Matilda's face to tighten into a frown. Silas, however, remained stoic and unaffected, his eyes betraying no emotion as he watched the exchange unfold.

"I have no time for your mind games Earl. Let's get to the deal," Lady Matilda said, her voice edged with impatience.

"Sure, my lady. How many I help you?"

"I want Dylan Ashford back to his position as the Naval head. "

"Certainly my lady, but let me remind you, everything in this world comes with a price."

"Name your price. Earl Victor Grimwald"