"How is timing a problem? We're basically semi-retired now. We work when we feel like it, and if we don't, we can stay home for ten days or half a month."
Lilian continued trying to persuade Jane to accompany her to the auction in Satbury and bid on a few collectibles.
However, she was even more interested in seeing just how much of an empire her apprentice, Laurence, had built in Havenmill.
To conceal his true identity, the boy had spent years wearing a realistic disguise and
a mask whenever he was in public. To Lilian, that kind of life was too oppressive,
and she did not think her apprentice should live under such conditions.
In her opinion, Laurence had been operating in Havenmill long enough and had prepared for this day for years. It was time for him to reveal his identity, take out the token of the Longbottom family patriarch, and openly reclaim control of the family. As for his enemies, he could deal with them openly as well.
The last time she spoke with him, he had hinted that he already had such plans.
Lillian had wanted to go over and help, but Laurence had refused. He insisted that avenging his family was his responsibility alone and that no one else needed to get involved.
However, she was his mentor. Even if she had not always been the most attentive mentor, a mentor was family for life. She was considered a family member, not an outsider. Why should she not help?
"Your children are all capable of handling things on their own now. There aren't any major issues at home, and your in-laws can manage family matters. You can leave without any worries."
Looping an arm through Jane's, Lilian smiled. “Come with me, Jane. Just make the trip. Laurence is your adopted son. Aren't you worried about him?"
Jane laughed. "Fine. I'll go with you. But you'd better talk to Tim first. Otherwise, he'll blame me for taking his wife away.
"Also, make sure you sort out your work. There's no point going on a trip if you're going to spend the whole time worrying about unfinished business."
Truthfully, Jane was worried about Laurence and Noelle as well.
For all these years, Laurence had never allowed them to visit. Even if they went, they could only stay with the Ormond family in Satbury while Laurence secretly came over to spend time with them. He rarely returned home, even during major holidays.
"I can go wherever I want without asking Tim. If I tell him, he'll insist on coming too. Ever since Oliver became capable enough to take over, Tim has gotten lazier by the day. He wants to dump everything onto our son. The poor boy is already swamped with work at the hospital," Lilian complained about Tim.
What she conveniently forgot was that she had done exactly the same thing herself. Back when Laurence had not left for Havenmill, she frequently handed patients over to him for practice.
After all, Oliver was Lilian's official apprentice. She wanted him to gain experience treating patients and saving lives so that he would never embarrass her reputation as a miracle doctor.
"Everyone's like that. Ben and I are no different. Once someone can share the burden, you naturally want to step back and enjoy your retirement. And when all the children get married and have kids of their own, we'll be spending our days spoiling our grandchildren. That would be even better."
As Jane spoke, her gaze drifted toward the younger generation in the distance.
Oliver and Callia were not a couple, and Callia already had a childhood sweetheart who had grown up beside her.
Chloe and Devon were clearly in love. They were a perfect match, devoted to each other, yet they still refused to get married. Honestly, even if they registered their marriage first, had a baby, and then held the wedding later, that would be fine.
Then there was Connor, who did not even have a girlfriend.
Now Jane finally understood why her own mother had been so relentless about pushing her to marry back then.
Her children were all outstanding, and she did not have to worry about whether they could find partners. However, seeing them approach thirty while still single made it incredibly difficult for any parent not to worry or nag.
“Exactly. I want grandchildren, too. Why doesn't Oliver have feelings for Callia? She's such a wonderful girl."
Lillian heaved a long sigh. She had finally found a daughter-in-law candidate she truly liked, yet her son had no interest in her.
"Let's sit in the gazebo for a while," Jane suggested, taking Lilian's hand and leading her toward the gazebo nearby.
Once they sat down, Jane teased her. “Even if Oliver eventually falls in love with Callia, you'll have a long wait ahead of you. Serenity only has a daughter, and Callia isn't even twenty-two yet. There's no way Serenity would agree to her marrying so
soon.
"If you want the Yorks to agree, you're looking at another five or six years at the very least. It could even be eight or ten. Stop thinking about it so much. The younger generation will find their own path. Let's just go with the flow."
Lillian laughed at herself. "Now I finally understand my mentor back then. Somehow, I've turned into him."
Jane laughed as well. In the end, all parents were the same.