Chapter 284: Lunch at Holmwood (Pt. 2)
“Your parents are wonderful,” Stephanie said, as she, Phillip and his sister, Alicia, strolled across the grounds, the family’s dogs racing ahead. “I expected them to be more … well ….”
“Stuffy?” Alicia volunteered.
Stephanie laughed. “Well, yes, actually,” she said.
“It’s alright,” Alicia replied. “I think a lot of people think that before they meet them. But being ‘unrecognized nobility,’ as we like to call ourselves, makes it difficult to put on too many airs.”
“Besides,” Phillip went on, “that’s just not who they are. My mother’s best friend for many years was a farmer’s wife from down the road.”
Stephanie smiled.
“And what about you two?” she asked. “It must be hard to be the children of a duke, but not be recognized as such.”
“Well, the locals have always been quite respectful of the title, regardless of our place in the hierarchy of Westonian nobility,” Phillip said. “It’s only outside of Hemingford that we get any sideways looks.”
“You wouldn’t believe how many people – even among Weston’s own nobility – don’t realize that there are any remaining dukes in the country,” Alicia said.
“That must be difficult,” Stephanie said.
“Not really,” Phillip said. “It just makes us value our place here in Hemingford all the more.”
“So how do you like it here so far, your royal highness?” Alicia asked.
“I told you, call me Stephanie,” she replied. “And I love it. It’s so peaceful and beautiful here – I can’t wait to experience Spring here.”
“Oh, it’s so lovely here in the Spring and Summer,” Alicia said. “You’ll adore it even more. So you plan on spending more time here?”
Stephanie looked at Phillip, who smiled back at her.
“Yes,” she said, suddenly certain. “I think I will be spending quite a bit of time here.”
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