At dinner, Lady Reynolds positioned Vanessa and Phoebe to her sides, with Theodore sitting next to Phoebe. The arrangement was rather interesting. Whether intentional or not, Lady Reynolds placed Theodore and Vanessa far apart, resulting in no opportunity for interaction throughout the meal. After dinner, everyone moved to the card room.
Despite her pious nature, Lady Reynolds was quite the card shark-often gathering the family for a game.
In her words, playing cards was not only a way to bond with kin but also a means to stave off dementia a win-win situation.
Lady Reynolds took her seat in the east, and Phoebe went to fetch a pillow to place behind her, ensuring she was comfortable.
Seeing Phoebe’s silent gesture of care, Lady Reynolds remarked, “Phoebe is so thoughtful. Her kindness is gentle and unassuming. Theodore, you should appreciate such blessings.” Catching a glimpse of Phoebe with the corner of his eye, Theodore settled next to Lady Reynolds, ready to help her with her hand and keep her spirits high.
Madison stood beside Vanessa, snorting with disdain, “Real cunning, just knows how to charm grandma to get her on her side.”
Though Vanessa heard her, she only managed a gentle smile, yet her heart was far from calm.
Since dinner began, she could sense a shift in the Reynolds family’s demeanor towards her; they were still warm, but now with an added formality.
Lady Reynolds took Phoebe by the hand, guiding her to sit beside her and Theodore, “Phoebe, dear, come warm my arms, and later on, you can sneakily tell grandma what cards Theodore has.” Theodore protested, “Grandma, that’s hardly fair.”
Lady Reynolds just laughed.
Seeing the matriarch’s joy, everyone else chuckled too, and Phoebe said, “Of course, grandma, I’ll whisper them to you later.”
Theodore glared at her, feigning annoyance, “I can’t believe your loyalty’s straying.”
“She’s not an outsider,” Phoebe retorted with a grin.
Lady Reynolds couldn’t contain her delight, “Exactly, how can grandma be an outsider?”
Christopher and Aunt Sarah from the Reynolds clan took their seats, ready to play cards. Phoebe sat next to Lady Reynolds, peeking at her hand. Fortune smiled upon Lady Reynolds, who immediately won the first round with a strong hand, and by the second round, she had outplayed the other three players.
Lady Reynolds, beaming with joy, exclaimed, “Phoebe is my lucky charm, every time you’re by my side, I have incredible luck.”
“That’s all grandma’s good fortune, not my doing,” Phoebe modestly remarked as she handed Lady Reynolds her fruit tea, watching her take a sip, then carefully placed the cup back on the side shelf.
Catching a glimpse of her, Theodore mused that if Phoebe wanted to please someone, she’d be exceptionally thorough and attentive. It was no wonder grandma adored her so much.
“I could vouch for that. Look, she sits by me too, yet why do I keep losing?” Theodore teased.
Lady Reynolds replied with a chuckle, “I think you’re just jealous.”
Theodore’s pride kicked in, “Not at all.”
Laughter filled the room, but Vanessa’s expression grew increasingly sour.
Alice was shuffling the cards when she glanced over at Theodore and Phoebe; the sound of cards being shuffled was pleasant to the ears. “Mom, do you see what I see? Theodore and Phoebe are starting to look like a married couple,” she joked.
Lady Reynolds turned to look at them both, remarking, “I didn’t notice until you pointed it out, but they sure do.”
The moment someone quipped about “couple resemblance,” all eyes fell on them, making Phoebe uncomfortable. She coughed lightly, avoiding Theodore’s gaze.
He must be fuming inside, especially with his sweetheart standing right there.