Mystery: Gray Walker

Chapter 49 Shackles

Mrs. Hannah paused, observing Green's reaction. Seeing that Green simply lowered his eyes and did not respond, she continued in a sincere tone:

"Green, I know your father died young, and your mother left you early too. Although Sylvia and Victor treat you like Emily, there are some things they can't say too much about. I'm a good friend of your mother Selene, so I'll be frank with you."

"Marriage is the cornerstone of life. Choosing the right person can not only bring warmth to your family, but sometimes... it can also broaden your path. Although Isabella is currently just a teacher, the people she knows, her upbringing, and her knowledge may offer you some... unexpected help."

Mrs. Hannah's words were quite blunt, almost implying the potential social boost this marriage might bring.

Green frowned; he found this kind of conversation, which put a price tag on marriage and used it as a stepping stone, very offensive.

Just then, Aunt Sylvia's slightly hurried footsteps came from the stairs. She had changed into a more formal dress and was greeting them with a warm smile.

"Hannah! I'm so sorry to have kept you waiting! Look at me, I get so busy I completely lose track of time."

Aunt Sylvia quickly walked over to Mrs. Hannah, warmly took her hand, skillfully took control of the conversation, and temporarily relieved Green from his predicament.

Green took the opportunity to stand up. "Aunt, Mrs. Hannah, you two talk. I'll go prepare some tea and refreshments."

He needed to leave this suffocating living room, even if only for a moment.

Green practically fled into the kitchen. The living room once again echoed with the rhythmic chatter characteristic of high society.

"Mrs. Hannah is terrifying..." He leaned against the wall and took a deep breath.

The kettle started hissing from the kitchen stove.

"Isabella...St. Margaret's College..." Green repeated the name and title softly, feeling a sense of irony.

His mind was now filled with thoughts of the "Witch" pathway, the Scarlet Order, the History and Archaeology Society, and the potion Olivier had given him.

In comparison, this "good girl" whom I've never met, along with her upbringing and knowledge, seems like insignificant background noise from another world.

Green mechanically took out the tea set, and then took out the Ceylon black tea that Aunt Sylvia had prepared to entertain important guests. The Hayes family only drank this kind of tea a few times a year.

His movements were practiced, but his mind had already wandered far away.

Just then, the sound of a key turning came from the front door, followed by Uncle Victor's familiar, slightly tired footsteps.

"I'm back," Victor's voice came, and he appeared in the kitchen doorway, somewhat surprised to see Green preparing tea.

"A guest?"

"Mrs. Hannah Winston has arrived."

Uncle Victor's eyes lit up noticeably, and the weariness on his face was replaced by anticipation and caution.

"Mrs. Hannah? She's here? Good, good..."

He quickly straightened his tie and coat, then lowered his voice to ask Green, "How did the conversation go? Did she mention...that thing?"

Green paused in his actions, glanced at his uncle, and that look made the usually composed Victor clear his throat uncomfortably.

"It was mentioned, very bluntly."

Victor seemed oblivious to the coldness in Green's words, or rather, he chose to ignore it. He simply patted Green on the shoulder and whispered:

"That's a good thing, Green. The Winston family...that's a truly respectable family. Do your best, don't be rude."

After saying that, he put on a warm and polite smile and strode towards the living room.

Green watched his retreating figure and sighed silently. His uncle's ambition and desire to transcend social class seemed so concrete and urgent at that moment.

The atmosphere in the living room became even more harmonious with Victor's arrival.

As Green walked in carrying the tea tray, he overheard Victor thanking Mrs. Hannah for her care for Green and the family in a tone that was neither overly obsequious nor lacking in respect.

Mrs. Hannah was clearly pleased with Victor's attitude; she elegantly stirred her black tea with a small silver spoon, her face always bearing that impeccable smile.

After a few words about the weather, city construction, and trivial social conversation, she gently put down her teacup, dabbed her lips with a lace handkerchief, glanced at Victor and Sylvia, and finally seemed to casually sweep her gaze over Green, who was setting out tea and snacks.

"Actually, I came here today not only to see Sylvia and the children," Mrs. Hannah's voice remained gentle, but took on a formal tone.

"I also wanted to personally invite Sylvia and the children over for afternoon tea tomorrow afternoon. The weather is perfect, and my husband brought over a few pots of rare tulips from the south, which aren't available at this time of year. Also, some young people from close friends' families will be coming over; it's always good for young people to get together and chat."

Her gaze finally settled on Green, and her smile deepened. "Isabella will be coming tomorrow too; she's looking forward to meeting new friends."

Uncle Victor almost immediately straightened his back, his face beaming. Being able to have a private gathering with a family like the Winstons, even just a relatively casual afternoon tea, was a rare social opportunity.

He glanced at Sylvia, who quickly understood and smiled.

"It is a great honor, Mrs. Hannah."

"Yes, Hannah, you're too kind," Aunt Sylvia chimed in, while subtly nudging the silent Green beside her with her foot.

Green felt the pressure from his aunt and uncle's gazes, and he knew he had to make a statement.

He raised his head, meeting Mrs. Hannah's expectant gaze, and smiled slightly. "Thank you for the invitation, Madam. I will go tomorrow."

"Good, good children." Mrs. Hannah nodded with satisfaction, as if she had accomplished an important task. "Then it's settled. Tomorrow at three o'clock in the afternoon, I'll have a servant wait for you at the door."

The conversation that followed was more relaxed, but Green felt even more stifled.

Uncle Victor tried hard to find topics that would interest Mrs. Hannah, while Aunt Sylvia skillfully steered the conversation toward family, children, and education, subtly showcasing the Hayes family's "respectability" and Green's "good qualities."

Green sat to the side, like an outsider, watching this small social drama unfold for his 'future'.

He picked up his teacup, the rising steam from the black tea blurring his vision.

He had no choice but to act in this play. But the script absolutely could not be written by anyone else.

After Mrs. Hannah left, the living room seemed to still retain her faint scent, a mixture of violets and expensive soap.

As Victor closed the door and turned around, the carefully maintained polite smile on his face was instantly replaced by excitement and a sense of relief.

"That's wonderful, that's wonderful!" He rubbed his hands together, his eyes shining as he looked at Sylvia and Green. "Darling, we can have a nice meal tonight, that's something to be happy about."

Aunt Sylvia breathed a sigh of relief, a smile on her face. "Yes, who would have thought? Hannah just said on the phone yesterday, 'I'll come over today if I have time,' and I thought it was just a polite remark. I never expected her to actually come today and to invite us so formally."

As she spoke, she turned to Green, "Green, you heard that? This is a rare opportunity, understand?"

Green nodded silently, without looking into his aunt's eyes.

Victor walked over to Green and patted him firmly on the shoulder. "Son, I know you might feel awkward, or think we're being too hasty. But you have to understand, with a family like the Winstons, we might not even have the chance to exchange business cards normally. For Mrs. Hannah to come in person and extend an invitation to a family gathering is a huge recognition and a sign of goodwill."

He paused, then lowered his voice:

"It wouldn't hurt to at least meet her once. I've heard Mrs. Hannah mention Miss Isabella; she's not only from a good family and well-mannered, but I've also heard she's very beautiful and has many suitors in her circle. But she seems to have very high standards; I haven't heard of her having anyone she likes yet."

"What does this mean? It means this young lady isn't a frivolous girl; she's making a careful selection. And the fact that Mrs. Hannah thought of you, Green, means that in her eyes, you deserve to be considered. That in itself is an affirmation!"

Sylvia chimed in:

"Yes, Green. Even if it doesn't work out in the end, attending the Winston family's party and meeting some respectable young people will be good for your future social life and career. Your uncle works at the Port Authority, so he's... well, it's always good to have more connections. Make sure you do well tomorrow. I'll take you to pick out a decent outfit tomorrow morning."

As Green listened to his aunt and uncle's plans and instructions, he felt as if their words were layers of invisible threads wrapping around him, trying to bind him into a pre-set mold called "a decent future."

He understood their good intentions and could even sense the underlying emotions of family, class anxiety, and a yearning for a "better life."

But it was precisely this understanding that made him feel an even heavier sense of suffocation.

"I understand, Aunt and Uncle," Green finally spoke, his voice calm and devoid of much emotion. "I'll be ready."

He made no further promises, nor did he show any resistance. This almost tacit compliance relieved Victor and Sylvia, and relieved smiles appeared on their faces.