Chapter 452 - Verninac Chateau (2/2)
Barely containing her excitement, Noebella's brightly colored eyes shine as she replies, ”Cousin Sirsa's grandchildren are to be formerly be presented over the winter holidays.”
Louise the wife of Philippe frowns prettily and interjects, ”But they are what fifteen years of age, no? It is rather late for a formal presentation.”
Bristling and rising to defend Sirsa, who was know dearly departed, Noebella narrows her eyes coldly at her sister-in-law. ”Eileen did not return with the children to Prince manor until their first year, after which, Sirsa began to ensure their manners. And she had written to me prior to her death that she dearly wished to present them in the upcoming year. However, with our dear cousin's death and that of the children's father, it did not come to pass!”
Louise blanches and looks quite taken back at her sister-in-law's words as Noebella and her had always gotten along. It was shocking to say the least, but she should have known better. Noebella and Sirsa had grownup together and had been the best of friends despite the vast distance between them and had often exchanged letters throughout their entire lives.
”Noebella,” Philippe warningly reprimanded his sister to watch her tone of voice.
Flashing her younger brother, a cold look, Noebella flourishes the letter at her brother as if a gauntlet of challenge. ”This letter bears the official Prince seal, Philippe,” Noebella explained.
”And even you have heard of the famous lineage of the Prince's and especially that of cousin's grandchildren. The Prince's are formally requesting that we acknowledge the bloodline of the Verninac's and agree to host their presentation in society at the Verniniac ancestral home. I for one am inclined to agree as we never did anything for Cousin Sirsa, while she yet lived. We owe her that much, and it will be a great honor for the family to announce that we are in fact tied to the Prince family.”
Philippe purses his lips and aloofly replies, ”We have already met the Prince boy over two Christmas's ago, and though the girl was ill at the time, I already consider that we have more than amply performed our duty as family.”
Noebella moves as if to rise to her feet in anger, but a hand clenches her waist and holds her down. Noebella glares at her husband, Victor, who motions her to remain seated and calm down. Taking a deep breath, Noebella slumps back down as Victor slowly retreats his hand from his wife's body.
”Sirsa was a Verninac, Philippe,” Noebella flatly pointed out. ”She never tarnished the family name while living, and even married into an excellent wizarding family even if it was on the Isles. I do not see why you so pointedly continue to refuse so emphatically the Prince's request, frère.”
”I do not bear our dearly departed cousin any ill will, Noebella,” Philippe matter-of-factly explained with a pause and a shudder. ”The Prince's come from line of Percussor's, and whether you wish to admit it or not, sister, Reginald Prince once upon a time walked with Gellert Grindelwald. Frankly, I do not trust such a wizard nor much less the darker and unsavory whispered tales about him. That man is dangerous, and I do not wish to see us tied anymore to him than we already are!”
Philippe paused for a moment to gain his breath, before vehemently adding, ”And you forget one important fact dear, sister. There are indicator's that there is a dark wizard on the Isles, and I do read the Daily Prophet, Noebella. Sirsa is already dead, and I will not put our entire family at risk for such a thing. And that is the end of that!”