Chapter 2369 - 303: Flora, Do You Have Any Other Requests? (3)

Albert also offered a suggestion from the side: "You could also go to Baden-Baden in Germany. Many people say the hot springs there have a purifying effect on the mind and body."

Flora’s eyelashes fluttered slightly, as if she was trying hard to appear normal: "I’m fine, I just... just didn’t sleep well last night."

Arthur almost immediately saw through her pretense.

Albert looked at Flora, then at Arthur, clearly sensing a subtle change in the atmosphere.

He had already heard some rumors about Sir Arthur and Miss Hastings from his aunt. Since the atmosphere had already built up to this point, he naturally felt it was impolite to stay as a third wheel.

Albert politely excused himself: "Sir Arthur, I suddenly remembered I have some matters to attend to. You can find me in Rose Hall later."

After speaking, Albert nodded slightly to Flora, then turned and left. Perhaps out of gratitude for Arthur’s heartfelt words earlier, Albert made his exit quite cleanly and smoothly.

Once he left, only Arthur and Flora remained in the garden.

A gentle breeze brushed through the tree tops, carrying the warm air of a June afternoon, as if even warming Flora’s faint lip color.

Arthur observed Flora’s slight changes in expression, as if he wanted to say something, but ultimately didn’t speak. To cover his awkwardness, he had to lift his hat and lightly pat his sleeve: "Please sit down, you look a bit fatigued."

"Not exactly fatigued." Flora’s eyelashes fluttered: "It’s just that the wind is a bit strong."

The wind was not strong.

Arthur certainly knew that.

However, he nodded, as if accepting her obviously dubious explanation.

"This morning I was looking at the report submitted by the Police Commissioner Committee." Arthur casually changed the topic, smiling wryly: "It stated that the section of the Great Western Railway from Paddington to Maidenhead, the London-Southampton Railway, and the London-Birmingham Railway are all completed just before the coronation ceremony. According to the railway company’s arrangements, it’s possible that the procession route for the coronation could attract four to five hundred thousand spectators."

"Four to five hundred thousand?" Flora raised her tone as much as possible, expressing surprise: "Could there really be that many people?"

"Yes," Arthur nodded. "Fleet Street’s estimate is even more exaggerated than the committee’s report. The London Pioneer Newspaper describes this year’s London as a wineglass, with everyone gathering towards the bottom."

"Then you must be incredibly busy lately?" Flora turned slightly: "Perhaps not even having time for lunch?"

Arthur didn’t know whether he should keep lying, but perhaps out of habit, he blurted out: "Indeed, I don’t have much free time, but that’s fine because I’m certainly not the only one busy."

Flora nodded lightly. She lowered her gaze, revealing no visible emotion, but her fingers subconsciously gripped the edge of her gloves: "London... can indeed be overwhelming at times."

Arthur seemed to sense something: "Are you uncomfortable? Should I escort you back to rest?"

Flora shook her head: "I was just thinking, even someone as outstanding as you would also be at a loss in the face of four to five hundred thousand spectators."

Flora’s remark might have sounded like a jest to others, but to Arthur, it carried a different meaning.

Yet, Arthur did not deny it, and instead continued: "Indeed, four to five hundred thousand people is enough to give me a headache."

Flora looked at Arthur, and in her eyes, he was always the same.

No matter the situation, she could never tell what he was truly thinking.

She felt a bit envious, and also a bit sad.

Arthur didn’t dare to look at her; he just stood and advised gently: "Flora, return to Lauton Castle. It’s more suitable for your current condition than London."

Flora’s barely maintained smile wavered: "If I go back to Scotland... does that mean I won’t see you again?"

"How could that be? If you like, I can send you a portrait of myself," Arthur coughed lightly to cover up: "Just kidding, I only sincerely hope for your good health."

"I see..." Flora lowered her head, a silence that lingered for several seconds as she took a deep breath, trying to regain the tone of a dignified noble lady: "Then... please make the arrangements, I will follow your lead."

The wind blew, carrying fallen leaves, and the garden was silent.

Arthur stood up, turned his back to Flora, looking up at the sky and gently biting his lip.

"I will arrange it as soon as possible, I promise."

In a place where he couldn’t see, Flora lightly placed her fingertips on her chest.

"Sir Arthur."

Arthur pressed his lips together: "Do you have any other requests? Anything you need, I will do my best to fulfill."

He heard Flora rising, the gentle rustle of her dress passing over the green grass.

"Thank you for caring so much for me."