𝐃𝐈𝐕𝐈𝐍𝐄 || 𝐒𝐞𝐛𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐚𝐧 𝐒𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐨𝐰

Chapter Nineteen

The Carter stagecoach set off straight to the Austen Manor with Edward telling the stagecoach driver to go faster than usual. He was practically giddy with excitement as he became closer and closer to their home. Meanwhile, Rolf could barely pull it together as the guilt he felt was immeasurable.

He was panicking, attempting to find any way to salvage any bit of hope or his plan, but there was simply no way; it was far too late.

Edward was unaware of Vienne's plan to run away with Sebastian that night, but Vienne was also unaware that Edward was on his way to her home right now to tell every single secret she had or knew about Sebastian to Claudine, and he knew that they stood no chance after that one. Vienne was secretly packing her things upstairs while Edward came closer and closer.

Vienne didn't even notice as the Carter family stagecoach pulled up to the home, as she was too busy in her closet grabbing some clothes, too far away from the window to see it come into view or to hear the sound of the Thestrals hooves.

The moment that it came to a stop, Edward quickly stepped out of the stagecoach, the ten-year-old newspaper clutched in his hand. He still wondered out of curiosity just how his mother had come into possession of this, but he didn't care as long as he could use it to his advantage. He walked up to the door, giving three firm knocks as he waited with a smug smile on his face.

Moments later, the door was opened by Ceci, who looked less than excited to see him. "Ah, Mr. Carter, what brings you here?" She asked, looking at him up and down. His smug smile immediately filled her with skepticism—clearly he was up to no good.

"I wish to speak with Mrs. Austen; it's urgent." He replied quickly. He took a step forward as if to invite himself in without actually being invited in, but Ceci blocked his way, not allowing him to move forward any more.

"I'll fetch her." She said before subsequently shutting the door in his face, shocking him.

Edward scoffed. "Rude." He said, his face full of disgust.

It was pretty obvious that Ceci did not want him there in the slightest. Everything about him was off-putting to the older woman, and she could practically read him like an open book. Nothing about him gave her any comfort in the fact that he was the man Claudine had chosen to marry her daughter. A stupid choice, if you asked her.

Eventually, Ceci came back with Claudine, who was shocked to see Edward at the door and that Ceci hadn't let him in. "Oh, Mr. Carter! Terribly sorry that you've been left standing out here!" She exclaimed once she got to the door and saw who it was. "I'm not sure why Ceci didn't invite you in, but please, come in!"

Edward stepped in, shooting an annoyed look at Ceci, who happily returned it. She might've been helpless against what was happening, but she was going to make it known that she did not like Edward, and she was not in any way respecting him.

Claudine took it upon herself to take Edward to the parlor since she knew Ceci wouldn't do it. "My greatest apologies, Mr. Carter. I'm unsure of what has gotten into that woman." Claudine said, shaking her head. "What brings you here? Your visit is certainly unexpected but welcomed, of course!"

Edward cleared his throat. "Well, Mrs. Austen, I've come bearing some worrying news." He declared.

On the outside, he was able to keep a neutral demeanor, but he was absolutely giddy on the inside that he was about to break the news about Sebastian and Vienne to her mother. The sick part of him took pleasure in knowing that he was going to be the thing that ruined their relationship and drove Sebastian out of town.

Claudine furrowed her brows, a worried expression crossing her face. "Oh, Merlin. What about? What has Vienne done now?" The words rushed out of her mouth with no second thought; she knew this had something to do with Vienne. But she was incorrect to assume that Vienne was the one in the wrong.