Isabella’s family would likely be tactful enough not to disturb them often, though her two little brothers, with their bottomless stomachs, would probably drop by frequently for meals.

Delphine opened her mouth to speak, then hesitated.

Truthfully, her daughter’s plan sounded remarkably well-considered.

“Mom, don’t worry about Austin and I. I’ll handle everything properly. I won’t let myself be disadvantaged,” Isabella reassured her mother, but also impliedly telling her that she would make the decision herself.

Her parents could offer advice, but the final choice was hers alone.

“Mom, it’s late. You should rest. I need to head to sleep too. I have a meeting tomorrow.”

Delphine rose. “Oh, you should head to bed then.”

Tomorrow, she would speak with Austin privately. She needed to gauge his sincerity.

Isabella saw her mother out. She only closed her door and went back into her room once her mother had left; her mind at ease now that the matter was settled. In high spirits, she f