Chapter 411 Engraved Letters
Benjamin pouted, still curious about Charles.
He'd always relied on news articles and what Dean told him to understand Charles, but hearing Jacob today revealed a different, hidden side of Charles.
"But I'm not sleepy yet, Mr. Hearst. Can you tell me more?"
Jacob shook his head, his actions speaking louder than words. He tucked Benjamin in and turned off the lights, leaving only a small nightlight on.
"Goodnight, Benjamin."
Realizing he wouldn't get any more information, Benjamin sighed and reluctantly responded, "Goodnight."
That night, Benjamin dreamt of Charles until he woke up the next morning.
As Jacob helped him get dressed, Benjamin looked up and asked, "Mr. Hearst, can you tell me now?"
Jacob was surprised by Benjamin's persistence, having underestimated his determination.
But some things were better left unsaid, especially to a child. If Benjamin kept digging and accidentally let something slip, it could damage Charles' reputation.
Jacob was resolute this time and kept his lips sealed.
"Benjamin, let's go downstairs for breakfast."
Seeing Jacob's refusal, Benjamin lowered his head, feeling a bit dejected as he followed him.
They walked out of the room, heading towards the stairs.
After a few steps, Benjamin suddenly stopped and looked at the door to the left—the nursery.
Jacob noticed Benjamin wasn't following and turned around, puzzled. "Benjamin? What's wrong?"
Benjamin clenched his hand at his side, looked at Jacob, and pointed to the door.
"Mr. Hearst, I don't need to hear the rest of the story, but I want to see inside this room."
Jacob followed his gaze to the closed door, his lips forming a thin line.
After a moment, he walked over, glanced at the door, and asked, "Benjamin, do you really want to go in?"
Benjamin withdrew his hand, looking up with a determined expression. "I heard Mr. Percy had a child my age. I want to see the nursery."
Although he had been inside before, his feelings were entirely different this time.
Jacob stared at the door, memories of the months after Diana's departure flooding back.
During that time, the entire Percy Mansion seemed shrouded in gloom.
Charles either buried himself in endless work or spent time in the nursery.
"Mr. Hearst, can't I go in?"
Benjamin watched Jacob's changing expression and asked.
Jacob lowered his gaze, smiling at him.
Charles hasn't been home for the past couple of days. When he mentioned Benjamin, he told Jacob to keep an eye on him and let him go wherever he wanted.
Allowing Benjamin such freedom in the Percy Mansion suggested that Charles was beginning to accept him.
Looking at Benjamin's face, so reminiscent of Charles, Jacob couldn't help but think how wonderful it would be if Benjamin were Charles' biological son.
Charles would surely cherish him, and perhaps there would be more smiles on his face.
"Alright, I'll go in with you."
Jacob collected his thoughts, his smile warm, and quickly retrieved the key from his pocket, unlocking the door.
The room's contents came into full view as Benjamin stepped inside and turned on the light.
The soft glow illuminated the room, and the first thing that caught his attention was the crib.
He walked over, recalling Jacob's earlier words.
This crib was prepared for him by his mommy and Charles.
He reached out to touch the crib's railing, feeling something rough. He looked down and saw letters carved into the wood.
Benjamin leaned in closer to read the letters: D & C, the initials of their names.
It was evident that the letters were carved meticulously with a chisel, and it wasn't hard to see the strength put into each stroke. Every letter was carved with precision and power.
Benjamin pursed his lips, lost in thought.
He gently traced the letters with his fingers and turned to Jacob. "Mr. Hearst, were these letters carved back then?"
Jacob walked over, noticing the letters and pausing in surprise.
"No, this crib was assembled by Mr. Percy and Mrs. Percy. I was there the whole time. If these letters were here, I would have known."
So, the letters were carved later.
Benjamin's gaze returned to the railing, and Jacob's expression grew puzzled.
As he touched the letters, a suspicion formed in his mind.
After a moment, he sighed, sadness clouding his eyes.
Benjamin looked at him and softly asked, "Mr. Hearst, do you know who carved them?"
Jacob nodded slowly. "I was just thinking about it. Besides Mrs. Percy, only Mr. Percy would come in here. But Mrs. Percy wouldn't have carved this, and Mr. Percy is skilled with his hands. So..."
He didn't finish, but they both knew the answer.
In the nights after Diana's departure, Charles must have returned to this room, thinking of his lost wife and child, and in his anguish, carved their initials into the crib.
Benjamin's face fell, his expression turning serious. He suddenly remembered how Charles insisted on staying at the hospital with his mommy.
A shiver ran through him.
"Mr. Hearst, does Mr. Percy love his wife very much?"
Jacob nodded. "Yes, if he didn't, he wouldn't be in so much pain."
"Then why did he get a fiancée and now has Ms. Wipere?"
Benjamin's question was blunt.
Jacob momentarily forgot he was just a child and sighed. "Mrs. Percy is gone. We all hope Mr. Percy can move on. If he stayed stuck in the past, he would go mad. But that engagement is over now. As for Ms. Wipere..."
Jacob paused, recalling her face, then continued, "She looks very much like Mrs. Percy."
"Mr. Hearst, I've seen enough. Let's go."
Benjamin's sudden, clear voice interrupted Jacob's thoughts.
He was the first to leave the nursery, showing no sign of the initial eagerness to enter.
Jacob didn't notice his change in mood, attributing it to a child's fleeting curiosity.
Benjamin ran outside, where Snowy greeted him with playful excitement.
Leaning against the wall, Benjamin petted Snowy and then opened his watch to send a message to Diana.
"Benjamin? What are you doing here?"
A passing servant noticed him panting and came over to check.
Benjamin quickly hid his watch and shook his head.
"I'm fine, just taking the dog for a walk."
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