Sorry My Step-Uncle, I'm Not Your Backup Plan novel Chapter 93

Ten days later.

Randolph Rodriguez held a grand banquet for Gabriella.

The banquet was set at Great Fosters, Randolph's newly purchased estate in Surrey. Though the event was scheduled for seven in the evening, Gabriella had risen at eight in the morning to begin her preparations.

During the previous Blackwood family dinner, Lady Blackwood had insisted that proper British girls ought to wear traditional evening gowns. Gabriella had initially considered visiting the most prestigious couturier in London for a bespoke evening dress, but upon remembering the banquet hall's Medieval European Rococo aesthetic, she decided on something more elaborate.

For tonight, she'd selected a light blue Rococo-style off-shoulder gown inspired by the one worn by Marie Antoinette in the 1956 film "The Queen of Fashion." The dress featured numerous petticoats and a pannier, creating an exquisitely wide, magnificent silhouette. Underneath, she wore a structured corset that accentuated her waist and décolletage, showcasing her perfect figure. The gown was crafted from luxurious silk with elaborate embellishments, adorned with intricate lace and pearl detailing—both elegant and regal.

To complement the ensemble, her stylist had fitted Gabriella with a platinum blonde wig styled in period fashion. The upper portion was swept back and secured, while the lower section cascaded in European-style curls on either side, adorned with hair ornaments matching the gown's palette.

For makeup, she was given light blue contact lenses, transforming her appearance to blonde-haired and blue-eyed, perfectly complementing the Rococo-style gown. Gabriella's naturally porcelain complexion required minimal cosmetics—just a light layer of foundation and a subtle lip colour sufficed to make her appear like an angel descended to earth.

The estate was located approximately an hour's drive from Gabriella's Tribeca flat.

At five in the afternoon, Asher arrived at the stylist's salon to collect Gabriella, finding himself momentarily stunned by her transformation.

Gabriella turned to him with a gentle smile. "You're here."

Asher was also impeccably dressed in period-appropriate formal attire, his hair styled in subtle waves to match the era, enhancing his aristocratic bearing.

Gabriella sat at the dressing table adjusting her appearance in the mirror. Asher approached, bowing slightly and extending his hand. "My little princess."

Gabriella gently placed her hand in his.

Asher brought her hand to his lips, placing a reverent kiss upon it and speaking in flawless French: "Ma princesse, puis-je avoir l'honneur de vous escorter ce soir?"

Gabriella returned his smile, responding in equally perfect French: "Mais bien sûr."

...

An hour later, the Rolls-Royce Cullinan finally arrived at Great Fosters.

The car proceeded along the broad driveway, lined with majestic plane trees. Their winter-bare branches fractured the grey winter sky into a delicate lattice of shadows above.

From a distance, one could see the magnificent Tudor-Gothic mansion that served as the estate's main building.

The estate was larger and more magnificent than the Powell residence, covering over two hundred acres. The main building was an imposing historic structure, with several period cottages and guest accommodations elegantly positioned throughout the grounds.

The landscaping featured evergreens, providing lush greenery even in winter. The expansive gardens contained numerous rare specimens and architectural follies.

The estate also included a helipad, an ornamental lake, swimming facilities, a private cinema, tennis courts, a gymnasium, equestrian facilities, and other comprehensive amenities.

Randolph had studied in France in his youth and had traveled extensively throughout Europe.

He spoke impeccable French with a genuine Parisian accent, and when dressed in formal attire, his every gesture exuded the quality of French aristocracy. He particularly favoured Rococo and Baroque architectural styles. This estate was one he had recently purchased as part of Gabriella's dowry. Having just completed the transaction, today marked its inaugural reception for entertaining guests.

Luxury vehicles continuously arrived at the estate. At the entrance, numerous uniformed security staff stood in formation, verifying invitations and confirming identities.

The crowd automatically parted to create a path. Gabriella and Asher walked hand in hand into the banquet hall amid admiring glances, as elegant and noble as a royal couple from a bygone era.

Grace Bennett, in an effort to please Lady Blackwood, had once again worn a traditional British evening gown today, which clashed conspicuously with the banquet hall's historic French aesthetic.

However, since there was no formal dress code stipulating that attire must match the banquet's theme, she hadn't initially felt self-conscious about her choice.

But now, seeing Gabriella and Asher looking like they'd stepped from the pages of a historical romance, Grace was consumed with jealousy, her composure brittle with resentment.

The pair immediately became the focal point upon their entrance, outshining all other meticulously dressed guests, including Grace.

Grace, accompanying Lady Blackwood Sr., watched as Gabriella and Asher mingled with other guests. She spoke with a caustic undertone: "Grandmother, just look at how Gabriella is dressed. You explicitly mentioned at our family dinner that her attire was inappropriate and she ought to embrace her British heritage, but today she's gone even further with this elaborate costume. She's even wearing a blonde wig! Isn't she simply putting on airs? It seems rather like she's deliberately trying to provoke you, doesn't it?"

Lady Blackwood was decidedly traditional in her thinking and conservative in her behavior. She had always been wary of foreign influences and held strong opinions about preserving what she considered to be proper British traditions and values.

Although times had changed dramatically, with increasingly nuanced cultural exchanges and globalization becoming the prevailing reality, the elderly woman's traditional views remained deeply entrenched, and she still harbored certain prejudices against what she perceived as foreign affectations.

Grace's remarks immediately incensed Lady Blackwood.

She glared at Gabriella, who was cheerfully conversing with others nearby, her eyes flashing with disapproval. "She deliberately appears before me dressed like this, knowing my views on the matter, and she's influencing Asher as well. Even his styling looks utterly foreign now. Having someone with so little respect for tradition as my grandson's wife would bring nothing but discord to our family!"

"Indeed, Grandmother," Grace added with feigned concern. "Asher never used to dress in such theatrical costumes. Gabriella must have insisted upon it."

Lady Blackwood's expression darkened further. "What a waste that I even offered an apology after the family dinner, admitting I had been rather harsh. This sort of behavior shouldn't be indulged. Perhaps I wasn't firm enough in expressing my concerns previously."