Chapter 92: Angry Grandparents

During the following month, preparations were made for Veronica and Jacque's wedding.

Florence and Sebastian were a massive help during this process. They already had some experience from helping with Victor and Clarisse's lavish wedding. This time around though, the wedding would be a bit more toned back, due to the fact that it was meant to be a small affair.

Only Victor's nearby generals, his father in law and his family from the Cassell Dukedom were invited to the wedding. Because of Jacque and Veronica's promiscuous relationship, which resulted in a pregnancy, the wedding had to be kept a secret and small.

Of Victor's generals, only 2 would make it in time for Veronica's wedding. General Vandamme, who was the military governor of Sardia and General Bertrand, who was the military governor of Jenkas, would be in attendance alongside Marshal Bessières and Field Marshal Schwarzenberg.

General Vandamme arrived a week after Jacque's debut to the people as Duke Reuss. It was his first time in Hannover and he appreciated the opportunity to attend such an event. When Victor was alerted of Vandamme's arrival he summoned him as well as Veronica and Jacque to the palace lounge.

With all four of them present in the lounge Victor began to address the reason why they were summoned. "General Vandamme, once again welcome to Hannover, I have summoned you to meet my sister and her future husband. They will be moving to Sardia after the wedding and will rule the city and the surrounding territories."

"Jacque, Veronica, once you move to Sardia, General Vandamme will be your closest advisor. He is an experienced general and a fine cavalryman. If you are in need of assistance or require a trustworthy opinion, General Vandamme will be that person for you, when you both are settled into your new home."

The three of them nodded at each other and proceeded to make small talk to acquaint themselves while Victor exited the room. It was important for Victor that the couple got along with General Vandamme. He was a valuable asset to the Grand Duchy and having a commander of his pedigree beside them would be of huge help when they begin their rule.

 A few days after General Vandamme's arrival the Cassell family arrived. They were worried when they received Veronica's letter, saying that there was an urgent matter that needed to be discussed. In the lounge were Veronica, Victor, Clarisse and the entire Cassell family. Both the Duke and Duchess were worried for their granddaughter and urged her to tell them what was wrong. 

Veronica was visibly nervous, she could not stop playing with her fingers and could barely look her grandparents in the eyes. Annoyed by his sister's reluctance, Victor spoke in a deep domineering tone, "If you will not tell them, sister, would you rather I do it? If not hurry up and tell them the reason you told them to come."

Hearing his words, Veronica shook her head violently, she knew that her grandparents deserved to hear the news directly from her mouth. The Duke and Duchess of Cassell took her in when she wanted to leave the grasp of her father and wicked stepfamily. 

Steeling her resolve she grabbed her grandmother's hand and began to elaborate as to why she called them here. "The reason as to why I asked you all to come here is because I am to be married in a few weeks." 

The Cassells were joyous at such news, but Victor's brow furrowed and his eyes did not stop staring at Veronica. "Tell them everything Veronica, if you continue to downplay the severity of your situation again, I will tell them the whole truth. So tell them everything. I will not give you another chance, choose your next words wisely."

Veronica nodded nervously, if she did not tell them the whole truth, Victor would take over and tell their grandparents about her inappropriate relationship with Jacque. The delivery of the news was important, Veronica could gently break it to them where as her brother could do it crudely and without a filter.

"The man I am to marry is a former corporal of the Hannover garrison, he was recently elevated to a duke by my brother. In truth, I had been in love with this man for months, even when he was merely a corporal," she said warmly.

Although her grandparents were sceptical, they were glad that she had found love with a man who was similar in status to her. Victor was fuming at his sister's reluctance to reveal the whole truth. In a stern voice, Victor voiced his disapointment.

"Dear sister, since you have failed to tell the whole truth, it falls to me to tell our dear

grandparents the rest." With a short sigh, Victor turned to his grandparents and said, "The man she is marrying, is potentially the bastard son of Harold Cruyff. He definetly resembles that dreadful family."

"What is worse, is this man and Veronica have been having an inapropriate relationship while he was only a corporal in my garrison. To top it all of, she has gotten pregnant with his bastard. The reason is he now a duke, is because I do not want my sister's reputation to be thrown in the dirt. We have to marry them soon before her pregnant belly shows."

Duke and Duchess Cassell, were horrified at this news. They were quite traditional people and believed that you should not have sex until marriage. Harys and Larys Cassell were more accepting than their elders. They were more concerned than mad.

"You are pregnant! Dear child, how can you be so foolish. What were you thinking?" Duchess Cassell said, trying to contain her anger. Duke Cassell just remained silent, rubbing his temple. 

"I love him grandmother, we are to marry in a few weeks now. All shall be right, I promise. Jacque is a good man and beloved by the common folk. I know you are angry but please, I love this man, we are about to be married and we will raise our child in Sardia," urged Veronica, trying to win the approval of her grandparents.

While Duchess Cassell was adamantly opposing this marriage, Duke Cassell continued to remain silent. His silence was a nerve wracking presence in the room for Veronica. Victor felt that their anger was justified, but his grandfather's silence was confusing for Victor, he had thought his grandfather would be adamantly opposing this alongside his grandmother.

After a few minutes of bickering, Duke Cassell stood up from his seat and looked Victor dead in the eye and asked, "How do you feel about this Victor? As the head of your house and Veronica's guardian, I wish to hear your thoughts before I make any judgement."