Georgina was struck speechless. When Charlton first mentioned Serena's name, she just thought that he was joking. Thus, when he said that he was serious and even claimed that he would marry no other than her, she wanted to curse and scold him. He should know better than to covet his very own cousin's intended.

However, when she saw the helplessness in his eyes, heard the desperation in his voice when he asked for her help, she felt like her heart was being tied up in a knot. He was her only son. Her own flesh and blood that came out from her very own womb. How could she scoff at him and tell him to stop that madness when he has never asked for her help until that very moment?

She took a deep breath. She must have a clearer understanding of what was going on.

"Does Serena know?" she asked tentatively.

Charlton nodded his head, "Yes."

Georgina's eyes widened. "For how long? And does she love you back?"

"For a while now. As for her loving me, I would like to say definitely. But of course, if I couldn't ask for her hand, then it will be all for naught. So mother, will you help me?" Charlton asked again, looking at hs mother pleadingly.

Georgina sighed as she massaged her forehead. "How could I not? If you really love her, then we'll fight for her. I'm an avid believer that true love conquers all. I'm just thinking of how I would be able to convince brother Edward. I know he favors you, but he still doesn't favor your father and he's always quite suspicious."

"Mother, I have also thought of that but given that I have been able to amass enough wealth now, I believe that it would be obvious to everyone that the reason I want to marry Serena would be because of love rather than the connection to their family and their fortune. Aside from that, Duke Maxwell doesn't have any military power. So, any suspicion from the king would be cancelled out. Another important matter to note is that the king knows that Duke Maxwell's loyalty lies with the crown prince and not to himself." Charlton explained.

Georgina chuckled. "You really thought this through. How long have you been preparing for this?"

Charlton could only smile awkwardly. How could he tell his mother that Serena and himself have been together for almost 3 years now? "Quite a while."

Georgina smiled knowingly. "I bet that the reason you even decided to dabble in the music industry was because of her! I always found it strange when you did that. Tsk tsk. I should have listened to my mother's instinct. By the way, does Serena's parents know?"

Charlton shook his head. "It would be far too risky on their side."

"Right. Well then, convincing your uncle would be difficult, but that's not to say I can't sway him. I am after all, his only full-blooded sister. By the time he awards you the medal of valor, have confidence that you'll be able to propose." Georgina finished as she gave her son a confident grin.

Charlton felt that a stone was lifter off his chest as he smiled back at his mother.

--

"How long will you be in Torton, brother Leonard?" Serena asked. She was currently standing at the porch of their mansion as she was sending Leonard off.

"About a week or two at most." Leonard answered. Seeing Serena's smiling face that couldn't hide her eagerness for him to leave, he sighed. "Serena, you and Charlton should tone it down. What happened in the tea party last time should not happen again. You two have been missing for almost half an hour, and later, people might be able to catch on."

Serena gave him a guilty look, "Yes, I know…"

"Also, don't think that I don't know that you two have been chatting on the telephone almost every night on the same time. Don't think that since we're at the confines of our home that it's all good. Remember, even the walls have ears." Leonard advised.

Serena nodded her head, "I will listen to you brother. Now, I believe that you should get going."

Leonard shook his head. Did she even listen to what he said? "You take care and don't get yourself in trouble while I'm gone. I heard Charlton announce that he's looking for a match this season, so I guess he should have found a way out of your predicament. Serena, I highly suggest that you don't meet with him for the meantime. Try to limit contact with him too. You also tell him that. I'm not sure, but I'm positive that Geoffrey's been eyeing him. Listen to me, even just this time. Ok?"

Serena smiled. Leonard was nagging, but she knew that he was just concerned. "Thank you… Don't worry too much. Now, off you go. Take care and don't forget to bring me a souvenir on your way back."

Leonard sighed again. He could only hope that she really took his words to heart. In retrospect, he should have just told Charlton himself. Should he give him a call? He looked at his watch. No more time. It was getting late, and his colleagues should be waiting for him at their meeting point already.

"Ok, I'll go ahead. Goodbye."

"I'll wait for your return." Serena replied.

--

"Your highness, Lord Leonard Maxwell has already exited the capital."

Geoffrey looked at the time. It was only 2 in the afternoon. "What about Charlton?"

"He's currently in their ducal mansion. May I also add that princess Georgina arrived this morning."

Geoffrey furrowed his brows, what was Charlton's mother doing here at this time? Either way, it doesn't affect his plans. He looked at the man still waiting for further instructions, "Inform the men that I will be going out tonight."

"Yes, your highness."

That night, he was heading to the ducal mansion of Maxwell for an unannounced visit.

--

TBC