Meanwhile, Jasper was wracking his brains for all sorts of ideas. What could a widowed young lady with a child want with a gentleman that possibly had a child of his own?
Was Francessa interested in remarrying already? No, that cannot be, according to Mr Jackal's words, it was Francessa who gave Mr Jackal a task. Surely the task wouldn't be something like booking a wedding venue… right?
He still didn't know if Bianca was his wife or daughter! If it was the latter, perhaps he could see the appeal. A widow like Francessa might also want companionship, and what better way to secure it than to marry a widower with a business and a daughter of his own?
Gah. All of this speculation was giving him a headache. He rubbed his temples.
"Lady Francessa? Are you feeling alright?" Mr Jackal asked worriedly. "I can come another time to discuss issues of the estate at a later date. Perhaps you should lie down again."
"The estate…?" Jasper prompted.
"Yes. The estate." Mr Jackal nodded to himself. "Do you not recall? You told me to look for a way to ensure that Lady Lilian inherits this household in the advent of your passing."
Oh. Oh. Jasper suddenly felt that all his earlier suspicions were so petty and foolish. Of course Francessa was trying to secure a good future for her daughter even when she fell ill. She wouldn't want to risk re-marrying, in case the stepfather decided to throw Lilian out in future, or work her like a slave.
But if Francessa was alive, he'd tell her to relook at her household staff too! With the way they've been behaving, Lilian might just starve to death or roll down the stairs when they aren't looking.
Lilian, hearing her name, gave a cheerful grin from the floor even as she began to yawn, the tiredness of the day catching up to her. She tugged at Jasper's skirts insistently, with her hands up, the universal sign for children that want to be carried and hugged.
Jasper held her as she snuggled closer to his bosoms sleepily. God. How could he even hope to be as good as a Mother to Lilian that Francessa was to her? He was such a fraud!
"Then did you succeed?" Jasper asked, suddenly anxious. He needed the child in his arms to never worry about food or shelter.
Mr Jasper's face fell. "I'm sorry, but I've been less than successful. The current laws do not leave us a loophole that will allow Lady Lilian to inherit, as you still have living male relatives, and those relatives still have male children of their own."
"I see," Jasper said evenly, as his eyes flashed with anger and new understanding. "So I would have to eliminate many people for Lilian to inherit safely."
"Lady Francessa?" Mr Jackal froze, not believing his ears. Did the lady just threaten to kill… nah, that cannot be!
Jasper composed himself with a tiny cough. He didn't want to scare off his one ally. "That is unfortunate news indeed. And I'm guessing these male relatives are also out for my estate still?"
"Yes," Mr Jackal said, his lips pursed in anger. "They are like vultures swarming around, waiting for you to breathe your last. I'm so happy you've recovered! Now they'll have to think twice before trying again."
"But they will try again." Jasper stated in a matter-of-fact tone. He didn't know what happened in Francessa's life in those few years, but he knew about men, and there was no man that would turn up a chance to inherit a few extra silver, let alone a whole estate!
This was what the Crown Princess was fighting to change all this while!
He hadn't fully understood the reasons for her campaigns, but now that he held Lilian in his arms, he realised, as always, that the Crown Princess was right to seek rebellion.
How could the lives of the women be so tied to their male family members?
How could Francessa be forced out of her marital home, simply because she gave birth to a girl?
How could Lilian be at the mercy of her male relatives? She was the first-born child of a marquis!
(Bastards were at the mercy of everyone, but the Crown Princess promised a change for them too.)
"Yes they will," Mr Jackal said solemnly. "I advise you to be prepared. Have you thought about my proposal?"
"Your proposal?" Jasper asked.
"Of marriage." Mr Jackal said and Jasper choked.
His first suspicions were right after all!