Chapter 829: The third wheel

"You’ve spent all these years serving in the kitchen, but Penny is new at the table. I have full confidence in her, but the more support she has, the better. Can you do that for me, my child?"

For a while, Old Mrs. Pierson and Mildred didn’t speak, only staring at each other. Mildred kept her lips pressed into a thin line, her eyes swirling with mixed emotions.

"Old Madam, you’re stepping down?" asked Mildred, focusing on that, as it carried the utmost importance for her. "Why? Is something wrong?"

Old Mrs. Pierson chuckled. "I am old, Mildred. At my age, I was expecting no one to be surprised when I announced this."

"But even if you’re old, you’re still as sharp as I remember," Mildred frowned, worry shining in her eyes. "Old Madam, is that really the only reason you’re stepping down?"

"Yes." Old Mrs. Pierson unhesitatingly lied, nodding at Mildred to keep her from worrying further.

Although Mildred wasn’t her biological daughter, she had always been one in Old Mrs. Pierson’s eyes. When Mildred’s mother passed, Old Mrs. Pierson stood in as her mother. Thus, Mildred’s concern. It was a shame that Mildred had taken a different path in life, staying far from the Pierson family’s affairs.

"What I’m asking you is a lot," said Old Mrs. Pierson with a deep sigh. "So, if you don’t want to, it’s alright. I understand. I was just worried, that’s all."

Especially with someone claiming to be her son’s bastard, Old Mrs. Pierson was concerned. Although Zoren didn’t act or question it, accepting Jonathan with open arms, Old Mrs. Pierson still felt uneasy. She knew Zoren better than anyone — he wouldn’t simply accept someone without reason, especially when that person was using Zoren’s father’s name and tainting the image Zoren had of his father.

Even with Penny and the Bennets’ help, it was better if Zoren had additional support from other Pierson family members.

Mildred smiled wryly. "Old Madam, it’s not that I don’t want to. However, I don’t think I’m capable. I’ve worked in the kitchen for as long as I can remember. When Naylani sent me away from the table, I’ve always been in the kitchen. Although I hear things here and there every once in a while, I can’t fully say I’m capable of reclaiming the seat my mother left for me."

"I don’t even have the confidence," she continued, admitting her lack of complacency. "The young ones don’t even know me — even the master barely knows me. I barely know the young master anymore. Even though I grew up with his father, I’m not sure if I can be of help."

"Mildred, you are a smart woman." Old Mrs. Pierson nodded reassuringly. "I’m not forcing you, my child. All I’m saying is... if you can, you should try."

Mildred pressed her mouth into a thin line, sighing faintly. "I’ll reconsider, Old Madam."

"Thank you, Mildred."

"You don’t have to thank me, Old Madam. I’m already ashamed that this is the only answer I can give you."

"I am aware that if you can, you would. However, I also understand where you’re coming from," Old Mrs. Pierson reassured her. "Don’t worry, Mildred. Your reconsideration means a lot to me."

Mildred smiled subtly, squeezing Old Mrs. Pierson’s hand. "How’s your health, Old Madam?" she asked, changing the subject. "Shall I stay with you for a while and take care of you?"

"Haha. You should stay with me if you have nothing else to do. My angelic Penny and her brother come by here. Just yesterday, she came by to check on me, telling me she would monitor my health," Old Mrs. Pierson revealed heartily. "Their support was truly motivating. I felt like they would keep me alive until I start begging them to just let me go."

"Old Madam, please don’t say that." Mildred sighed. "You still haven’t met your great-grandchildren."

"Haha. I jest! My grandson promised me quadruplets, so I’ll hold on to that until then."

"Qua— quadruplets?" Mildred stuttered. "Old Madam, I’m not trying to be negative. It would be nice if they were blessed with four children at once. However, never in our family have we had twins, let alone quadruplets."

"I know that, but Zoren seemed very determined!" Old Mrs. Pierson laughed energetically, her vigor returning at the thought of children. "How could I not hope that they’d have quadruplets? They were blessed children, so I’m sure their blessing would extend to their reproduction."

"..." Mildred opened her mouth but ended up sighing and smiling in defeat. She nodded at Old Mrs. Pierson, knowing it was best to keep Old Mrs. Pierson hopeful.

"Anyway, what do you think of Penny, Mildred?" asked Old Mrs. Pierson. "She has quite a lot to say about you. Mostly good things, but I’m curious as to what you think of her."

Mildred hummed a long tune before a wide smile turned up on her face. "She’s very unlike Naylani, Old Madam."

Although she kept her answer short, it was the most precise explanation she could give to articulate her feelings about the new matriarch of the family. After all, Naylani, Zoren’s mother, was the most despicable woman Mildred had ever known.

It was the reason Mildred had been cautious before discovering who the new matriarch was. She hadn’t had a good experience with the previous matriarch, whom Zoren’s father had brought into the family.

"I see." Old Mrs. Pierson nodded in understanding. "Very well. I guess you truly like Penny. I can’t blame you, though. I like that child a lot."

"She is quite carefree for her standing."

"Haha! Wait until you meet her brothers and her parents. That lovely couple—" Old Mrs. Pierson suddenly halted, making Mildred’s brows rise. Old Mrs. Pierson then cast a curious look at Mildred. "Mildred, do you know anyone who would prefer to date a man in his late fifties?"

"Old Madam?"

Old Mrs. Pierson grinned. "Since I’m stepping down and you’ll hear about it soon, I thought it was best to distract myself by matchmaking someone. Penny’s uncle is a fine, mature man. It would be a shame if he lived alone all his life."

In other words, Old Mrs. Pierson was worried that Haines would have to be a third wheel all his life.