Chapter 470 - Flint Family Ⅱ (1/2)
Already tired of the two witches' discussions and not partial to the food, Ethel loudly complains, ”Enough, I grow weary of this tiresome chitchat, let us be frank and begin negotiations.”
Stephen's eyes further narrow at the Greengrass matriarch's words, while poor Terry seems to lose all hope of his courtship's approval going well much less being approved. He should have just eloped!
Benedict already used to his grandmother's manners does not panic nor does his wife, Constance, who demurely sips at her tea. Stepping in smoothly to salvage the situation, Benedict says, ”What grandmother means to say is that she is old, Flint. Grandmother Ethel means no disrespect nor ill intentions by her rash words.”
”Of course,” Halina murmured patiently as she accepted the Greengrass family apology on behalf of their matriarch. It was to be expected since the Matriarch of this Greengrass branch is in fact a Veela.
Ethel snorts impatiently as if guessing the thoughts of the witch, before fixing her gaze on to her grandson, Benedict. Feeling the burn of his grandmother's gaze, Benedict quickly gets the hint. Without any further ado, he says, ”I, Benedict Greengrass on the behalf of my only son, Terry Greengrass request a courtship period of one year with the daughter of Stephen Flint, Silvia Flint. And only after which if the couple is found to be suited, there will be a betrothal contract to formalize the solemn event.”
Terry and Silvia both exchange shy glances, before quickly turning to gaze at Silvia's father, Stephen Flint, who had yet to answer. Stephen is silent for a moment, before replying, ”I thank the Greengrass Family for their gracious courtship proposal, but I have some reservations of permitting such a courtship between my only daughter and the Greengrass sole heir.”
Benedict does not appear to be astonished by the immediate reply and patiently waits for Stephen Flint to finish speaking. ”And I am more than aware that my daughter and your son, both share growing feelings of fondness between the two of them. However, I do not particularly care for the rashness of the Greengrass's heir.”
Terry physically winces knowing full well what Mr. Flint was referring too. And yes, he was deeply ashamed of his actions now. But it would seem that his so-called prank had longer lasting repercussion than he would have ever anticipated.
Ethel loudly snorts drawing both family's attention as she fixes her hypnotic gaze on Stephen Flint. ”Really, Flint?” Ethel murmured with an arched brow. ”I can easily recall a certain incident in a young man's misspent youth that more than earned the wrath of his father and mother. And unlike my grandson's childish prank, it was infinitely far worse.”
Stephen turns bright red as his three children all curiously turn their gazes towards him in vibrant interest. Stephen coughs loudly as if to cover his folly, before quickly saying, ”But that is here nor there, Matriarch Greengrass.”
Ethel merely sniffs as if in reply, before taking a bite of her scone and wincing at the dry mouthful. Why did wizards enjoy eating such dry thing? Why could they not have lovely little platters filled with meats, and other delicious sorts of things?
Trying to salvage the spiraling situation, Benedict interjects, ”I can easily understand your reservations, Flint, but my son has learned his lesson. And even the affected party has accepted his apologies. I do not see, why this situation needs to affect a courtship proposal. And that is indeed the case, it is merely a formal courtship proposal and not the negotiation for a betrothal contract uniting our two families.”
”Not yet,” Stephen unhappily grumbled under his breath, before loudly sighing at seeing the wide gaze of his daughter, and the narrowed expression of his wife. He knew that his daughter truly had feelings for the Greengrass boy, while his wife openly approved the match. And as his did his sons for this Greengrass branch was tied to many families in marriage alliance and were a powerful force to have in their corner,
With a heavy heart, Stephen knew what he had to do. With an almost bitter expression, he finally says, ”Very well, Greengrass, I will permit the courtship of your son, Terry Greengrass and that of my daughter, Silvia Flint for a period of a year. And only after which will discussions for a betrothal contract commence, and only if the courtship was successful between both parties.”
Terry and Silvia's eyes meet with joy as they quickly hide their expressions of embarrassment, and delight. While the young couple shyly peek at each other, the a.d.u.l.ts converse in congratulations to each other. The only one that did not seem happy about the situation was Stephen Flint. But how could he, when he was practically already giving away his only daughter away to such a brat?!
Seeing her husband expression, Halina sighs, and elbows him sharply in the ribs to compose himself. He was a grown wizard by Merlin's beard! And surely, he should know better than that by now!