Welcome to the Rose Mansion - Chapter 77
Speculation
The next day, Margaret and Robert returned to Lynton.
Although they urged Richelle to go with them until the last moment, she had no choice but to firmly refuse. There was much to do, including sorting through her mother’s belongings.
Most importantly, there was a place she had to return to once everything was settled.
As soon as the two left, a tomb-like silence descended on Richelle’s small house. She already missed the Chester couple, who had deliberately made a fuss to keep her from sinking into gloomy thoughts.
‘Let’s get to work.’
To avoid being lost in useless thoughts, she had to keep herself busy. Fortunately, there was plenty to do. And for the most important task, Richelle called Anna to sit down.
“I’m thinking of sorting through all of my mother’s belongings.”
At Richelle’s declaration, Anna’s eyes widened.
“You’re not keeping them?”
“Most of the things in the living room are items my mother probably doesn’t even remember. She was solely focused on accumulating them. So, except for a few special keepsakes, it would be best to sort through everything. Is there anything you’d like? If there is, I’ll give it to you.”
“Oh, miss, really. All of Madam’s belongings are far too extravagant for me.”
“Haha. They are all quite overwhelming…”
Looking around at the ornate display cabinet, Richelle smiled bitterly. She wondered if her mother’s lavish life was as empty as those now useless items.
Since many of the ornaments were made of gold and jewels, selling them would bring a considerable sum. Richelle swallowed the rising sadness and took Anna’s hand.
“After that, I’m thinking of selling the house as well. Once it’s sold, the money from the house and the sale of my mother’s belongings will be combined to find a place for you and Joan. With that amount, you should be able to get a house in the city center.”
“What? Miss! What are you saying!”
Anna jumped up in surprise. Richelle spoke calmly but firmly.
“Please don’t refuse. Consider it a severance payment for all the gratitude I owe you and Joan. I’m actually sorry I can’t give you more.”
When Thomas Trollope burdened Richelle with enormous debt, all the Howard family servants left the mansion.
It was understandable. At that time, Richelle was struggling just to repay the debt. There was no way she could afford to employ them and pay their wages.
However, even in that situation, only nanny Joanne and Anna stayed by Richelle’s side. They said it might be presumptuous, but they were like family, and they didn’t need a salary.
Without Joanne and Anna, Richelle wouldn’t have been able to live properly even for a day. She was embarrassingly ignorant of even the most basic household chores.
They were precious family. Lifelong benefactors. She wanted to repay their kindness in any way she could.
“Thank you so much for everything, Anna.”
“Wait a minute. Are you firing me? I plan to stay by your side forever!”
Anna flailed her fists in the air, throwing a fit. Richelle playfully glared at her.
“That’s not allowed. You need to get married, don’t you?”
“I have no intention of getting married!”
“Then what about the young man from the vegetable shop?”
“Ehhh?”
Anna’s face turned as red as Richelle’s hair, and a dumbfounded sound escaped her lips. The voice that squeezed through the fingers covering her face was timid.
“Y-You knew, Miss…?”
“I went grocery shopping with you several times. How could I not know? So please accept it, Anna. This is not only a severance pay but also a dowry from an older sister for her younger sister.”
“Miss…”
Anna’s voice was choked with emotion. The hand that Richelle didn’t hold repeatedly grasped and released her skirt.
“Even if we’re apart, I will still be your maid, right?”
“You’re not a maid, Anna. You and Joan have been my family for a very long time.”
In the end, Anna burst into tears.
Richelle hugged Anna tightly. Her shoulders, soaked with tears, were warm.
***
Postponing further discussions about the move and marriage, Richelle went up to the second floor.
All of her mother’s cherished personal items were gathered in her mother’s bedroom. Those were her mother’s true mementos.
“Robert and Mrs. Allison have agreed to help with sorting the luxury items and selling the house. Once I finish organizing my mother’s room…”
I must return to Bertrand.
Her steps slowed. To be honest, she didn’t want to go back.
She was afraid of Bertrand. Previously, she had gathered strength with the thought of saving the Otis siblings, but now she didn’t know what to do.
“I’m tired.”
How long must I continue to walk this tightrope, struggling and fighting?
I miss Father. I wanted to close my eyes and sleep for a very long time.
If I fall asleep now, will I have a sweet dream? Reality was always so bitter…
She grasped her mother’s bedroom doorknob. It was a place she hadn’t visited in a very long time.
As she pulled the doorknob, a familiar scent wafted through the gap.
