542 Make it right (3)

"Mother, did you have a good talk with Alfred?" Edmund asked as he entered the drawing room where his mother sat looking out at nothing. 

"No. He's come to have me apologise to Alessandra and be around your ex-wife. Were you aware that Alessandra now owns mines?" Rose asked as she was curious how many Alessandra owned and if anything of value was found in these mines. 

"That's news to me," Edmund replied. "How did she get her hands on some? A gift from my son?"

"Alfred said her mother's side of the family owns mines and they have been spoiling her. The foolish child does not want to tell the town about it. This can be useful," Rose said, beginning to plot how she would use this to clean Alessandra's image.

"Mother, if she doesn't want to tell the town, respect her wish and keep it to yourself. I need to talk to you about my birthday dinner.  I will be spending tomorrow night with my son and daughter-in-law-"