CHAPTER 485: NEW SUITOR (2)

"I hope you are enjoying your stay in Lockwood," Eleanor said, trying to change the topic before Reed could press further.

"I am, but unless there is a reason for me to stay longer, I must return to my home. I am here to get gifts I am to take home," said Hudson.

"For your wife?" Eleanor pried.

Hudson chuckled. "No, for my mother. She couldn’t attend the coronation, so she sent me here with a list of what she needs. I am to get her a few of Lockwood’s fashionable dresses, and for some reason, she wants me to pick them out."

"If I had to guess, I think the lady is hoping you would stumble upon a lady for you to bring home. The dress shops will be quite busy since we are in the middle of the season. To have a peaceful shopping, you must hope none of the ladies recognise you," said Eleanor.

Hudson sighed. "From a distance, my mother manages to meddle."

"If you take home a lady, perhaps she would be delighted. We know of a dressmaker who can help you find a suitable dress. We were on our way there," Eleanor said, ignoring Julie tugging on her arm.

"No, no," Julie whispered.

"That would help me wonderfully. Excuse me for troubling you," said Hudson.

Hudson stepped away for a moment to inform the palace guards accompanying him.

"Mother, why are you doing this? Is it not enough kindness to point him in the direction of Erin’s shop?" Julie asked, seeing this as far better than accompanying him.

"No. We can escort him there since we are going the same way. This is what mothers do. They try to help their daughters get noticed by such men. Allow me to experience it just once," Eleanor requested. "No one is to ruin this," Eleanor said, speaking specifically to Reed. "I am going to inform Sally that we have a guest."

"Why is she like this?" Julie asked her father. "She’s never cared about these things before."

"After what happened between you and your grandmother, your mother is worried about your season. She is going to put her business on hold and help you. Why am I last to know about you being introduced to the count?" Reed asked.

"Again, it was nothing important to share. Prince Tyrion arranged for me to be introduced to his friend, but I don’t see why he thinks the count and I would suit each other. Perhaps I offended Tyrion in some way, and he is punishing me with this," Julie concluded.

"Why did you need the prince to introduce you to someone?"

"I was searching for a husband, and if I were to marry one of the prince’s friends, it would be good for me. I would be marrying well-above my status, which would be a good look for me. No one would expect me to marry a man of high standing," Julie explained.

"Marry for love, not status," Reed advised Julie.

"I know. That is why I am not pushing my feelings to the side and chasing the count simply because he has a title. What do you know about him, father?" Julie asked, still curious.

"His father died two years ago, so he inherited the title. He rarely visits the palace since then and keeps to himself in the countryside. I don’t hear of any scandals with his name in them. It is just him and his mother there, where he resides," Reed said, studying the young man.

"I am a bit surprised to hear he lives a quiet life. King Teo said that the count is often bored, so he has asked the count to stay here to entertain him. I suppose that if he doesn’t speak, he will make a good husband for some other young lady. A quiet life is a good life," said Julie.

"I suppose so," Reed said, now thinking of how Julie would one day leave him. "Your cousin Ally seems to be on the verge of being proposed to."

"Yes, it would seem so. She and the gentleman have both hit it off well. It appears he had been eyeing her from the start of the season, but Ally had her eyes set on someone else. I am happy she took notice of other men around her, and now she is getting her wish," Julie said, eager to see Ally’s wishes come true.

"One day it will happen for you. Now, tell me about what he spoke of," Reed said, yet to forget what Hudson mentioned.

"He tried to take a look at my book and- Oh! I must go ahead with my mother," Julie said as she ran from her father’s side.

Reed frowned. "What book was it?"

Julie came to a stop where her mother walked with the count.

Julie tried to avoid his gaze, but she soon grew annoyed with it.

"Is there something you wish to say to me, Count Hudson? Are you waiting to ask for my opinion on what dress to buy?" Julie asked, wishing she had another book in her hand.

"Your mother is a writer. Could it be that it was her book-"

Julie’s eyes widened as it quickly dawned on her that she had made a grave mistake. She pulled her hand back so it no longer covered Hudson’s mouth.

Hudson didn’t respond. He only stared at Julie until she slipped away to be with her uncle.

"Should I-"

"No," Hudson raised his hand to stop his guard. "Why would you meddle when I am having fun? She deserves to be teased a little bit more for hitting me in the head with her book."

It was an accident, but Hudson wasn’t going to let Julie forget it.

"Step away from me. You are drawing too much attention," Hudson said and then moved away from his guards. He had not dressed plainly, only for his guards to give away who he was.

Hudson walked behind the ladies and watched as Julie whispered something to the woman who was introduced as her cousin.

They were no doubt speaking about him, and when Julie turned to glance at him, Hudson smiled to upset her.