Chapter 51 Hannah’s Birthday Banquet
In the time leading up to Hannah's birthday bash, Lauren was honing her cooking skills. She wanted to make Hannah happy and earn Quentin's praise.
Lauren imagined, that if she and Quentin could live like any other married couple—cooking for him, doing his laundry, taking care of the household—it would all feel so blissful.
But returning to ordinary married life meant that the issues between them had to be addressed, or else those barriers would become thorns constantly pricking at both her and Quentin's hearts.
Hannah watched Lauren's earnest efforts and was overjoyed. Indeed, Lauren was worthy of her affection, loving her with a similar passion. Yet, she couldn't fathom why Quentin was so slow to recognize Lauren's virtues.
As the birthday banquet drew nearer without a peep from Quentin, Hannah decided to remind him, hinting at Lauren's efforts and plans so he'd be mentally prepared.
Meanwhile, Quentin was swamped with work, but he clearly remembered Hannah's sixtieth birthday and respected her wish to celebrate intimately with family. Without guests to invite, it lightened Quentin's load. He never liked mixing business with family affairs; he simply wanted a lively gathering to cheer up Hannah.
One morning, while Lauren was working in her room, Hannah snuck off to hers and called Quentin.
"Quentin, my milestone birthday is tomorrow—make sure you come home early," said Hannah.
"I'll do my best to return as soon as possible, Dowager," replied Quentin.
"That's great. Oh, and Lauren has been busy preparing the feast, hardly resting. Maybe bring home some soup when you come back, to nourish her up," Hannah hinted.
To Hannah's surprise, Quentin readily agreed. She hadn't seen him this agreeable in a long time.
"Got it, I'll take care of it."
Hannah relaxed significantly. She sensed that there was genuine affection between Lauren and Quentin, but both were too stubborn to admit it openly.
Hannah offered a piece of advice, "Also, Lauren will become more sensitive now that she's pregnant. You should spend more time with her, talking and chatting to ease her stress. It's good for the baby too."
Quentin had to admit that he'd been speaking to Lauren less and less recently. He knew that being pregnant could be tough on a woman, but for some reason, he just couldn't take the initiative.
Maybe the Birthday Banquet would be a real opportunity. Quentin thought, that foolish woman might still be afraid that he'd ask her to get an abortion. Although he wasn't ready to make any promises, making a soon-to-be mom feel secure was certainly something he should do.
"I know, if everything goes as planned, I'll be home by six tomorrow," Quentin said, unaware of the unintentional smile that graced his lips.
Thinking of Lauren was, in fact, a happy prospect for him, a realization he had yet to come to.
The next morning, after breakfast, Lauren went for a walk with Hannah to clear her mind. They picked out a cake that Lauren liked before returning to the Robinson Estate.
In the evening, Kimberly and Ulysses arrived at the Robinson Estate upon Lauren's invitation. When the in-laws met, the conversation flowed, and the house buzzed with liveliness.
"Dear Mrs. Robinson, we wish you happiness as vast as the eastern seas and a life as long as the southern mountains. May your days be bright and your life be as enduring as the pine and crane. Here's a little something we've brought for you, and we hope it's to your liking," Kimberly and Ulysses said in unison.
Hannah nodded with a kind smile, "You're both so thoughtful. Come, sit down. It’s been a while since we've caught up."
"Yes, the last time we visited Lauren in the hospital, you had just stepped out," Ulysses said, trying to curry favor.
"Oh, I'm so sorry for that."
"No, no, it's okay. With Lauren in your care, we're grateful and can rest easy," Kimberly interjected.
Lauren then approached, holding a box. "Mrs. Robinson, I knitted this sweater for you, and I hope you like it."
Hannah accepted the sweater with joy, "My dear, you should be resting during your pregnancy. Between work and preparing for the Birthday Banquet, and now knitting me a sweater, having you as my granddaughter-in-law is truly a blessing from above!"
Lauren blushed, "Mrs. Robinson, I'm just doing what I should. Please don't praise me so much; I'll get shy."
Sharp-eyed Hannah noticed another box on the living room sofa that Lauren had brought over earlier.
"Lauren, what's in that box?"
Lauren cast a bashful glance at Hannah and said, "It's another sweater. I just knitted an extra one in my free time."
The implication in Lauren's words couldn't be clearer, prompting Hannah and Kimberly to share a knowing smile. "Is it for Quentin? Shoot, I thought my gift was one of a kind. I'm pretty jealous that Quentin gets such heartfelt presents even when it's not his birthday."
After Hannah's comment, everyone burst into laughter. Lauren wished she could disappear into a crack in the floor.
Seeing Lauren's discomfort, Hannah decided not to tease her anymore.
"Just kidding, dear. Seeing how close you all are really warms my heart. Lauren, you go get ‘em tonight. I’ve got your back."
"Thanks so much," Lauren replied earnestly.
After chatting with Hannah and Kimberly for a bit, Lauren dived into the kitchen to prepare for the Birthday Banquet.
"My dear, Lauren is just so thoughtful, so considerate. We're truly grateful that you've agreed to have her join our family," Hannah said, watching Lauren's figure moving busily.
Kimberly beamed, "Oh, Mrs. Robinson, you're too kind. It's Lauren's honor to marry into your family. Our households were hardly a match, and we owe you a great deal for your support. If anything, you're the guardian angel of our family."
"Ah, I just hope I did the right thing. And I really hope that Lauren will be truly happy. We can't meddle too much in young people's affairs, but I believe that sincerity can melt the hardest hearts, and Quentin will see the good in Lauren."
That was exactly what Kimberly was worried about. Despite her cheerful façade, a pregnant woman without her husband's care and love must be suffering inside.
"Don't worry, Mrs. Robinson. I have faith that Lauren’s fate won't be so cruel," said Kimberly, trying to offer some comfort.
The two women continued their conversation, while Ulysses sat silently to the side, glancing toward the entrance. He was determined to seize the opportunity to discuss a business partnership with Quentin.
