Hilliard responded with a smile, âDo I look like the type to let a woman pay for everything?â
Lucinda laughed.
âI just hope you are not too tightfisted and wonât scare off my future sister-in-law.
â
Jennifer joined in, laughing.
âHilliard paid for it all.
I tried, but he snatched my wallet and wouldnât let me pay at all.
â
Hearing this, Lucinda gave Hilliard a thumbs up and praised, âWell done, Hilliard.
â
She then stood and fetched an exquisite teapot and cups from a bookshelf, planning to brew some fine tea for Jennifer and Hilliard herself.
Hilliard stepped forward and took the heavy tea set from her hands.
âLet me handle this.
You havenât yet tasted the tea I make.
â
Lucinda didnât object and allowed him to take over the tea preparation.
While Hilliard was quietly boiling water and preparing tea, Lucinda and Jennifer engaged in a light conversation.
âSince youâve finally taken some time to relax and enjoy yourself, why donât you extend your stay before heading back to Forden?â
Lucinda suggested.
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Jennifer glanced at Hilliard.
He was focused on the tea, head bowed.
Though he heard Lucindaâs suggestion, he didnât react, seemingly leaving the decision up to Jennifer.
Jennifer looked away and replied, âItâs true, Iâve never really taken a break like this before to just have fun.
I plan to travel with Hilliard for a week and then return to Forden.
â
âThat sounds like a wonderful idea,â Lucinda responded.
Grasping Lucindaâs delicate hands warmly, Jennifer smiled and made an inviting proposal.
âWhy donât you and Nathan join us? I heard you havenât had your wedding yet.
Why not take this opportunity to come with us and have a travel wedding? We could all go together.
â
Recently, Lucinda had finally resolved the issues with Valerie.
And her manic depression, which had deeply troubled Nathan, was also in the process of recovery.
Their last business trip to Aldoria hadnât been very enjoyable because of her condition.
As such, Lucinda felt she owed Nathan some leisure time.
However, Nathan was currently preoccupied with handling Ronanâs situation and investigating his parentsâ decades-old car accident.
It was a critical time, and he likely wasnât in the mood to enjoy a trip.
Lucinda politely declined, saying, âI will pass.
You two should enjoy your time together, and Nathan and I wonât intrude on your private time.
â
Hilliard chimed in, âItâs okay.
I enjoy having company during the day.
Plus, you two wonât be able to intrude on my private time with Jennifer at night once we are back in the hotel rooms.
â
His last comment made Jennifer blush and slightly embarrassed.
âHilliard is right, Lucinda.
Itâs more fun with more people.
Iâm certain Nathan would be willing to set aside his work and enjoy a break to spend time with you,â Jennifer encouraged.