Lord Constable was also going to be at the table of the evening banquet. Edgar, of course, knew that.
That being said, there was no reason to shy away from it. Although Edgar was unhappy to see his face, he needed to wait for Madame Oughtred before the appearance of another important guest.
Therefore, before meeting, Edgar intended to rightfully go to the banquet in the dining room. First seated was Lord Constable who, with sharp eyes, suddenly glared at Edgar as he spoke.
“Earl Ashenbert, how unexpected it is to see you here. Have you changed your mind? If you plan to grovel to me, so that my elder sister and I could reconcile, you may as well speak your words.”
-- --Oh goodness. Edgar laughed inside.
“Speaking of which, you and Madame Oughtred are siblings. However, this was allegedly detested and ignored by the late Mr. Oughtred.”
The Lord Constable obviously became enraged, but he also refuted.
“It was only my sister who became estranged from me.”
“But, now that you want to face her and reconcile with your estranged sister, what do you mean? Rumor has it that you took a fancy of Madame’s property.”
"Did you just insult me?"
“I’m merely speaking from rumors of the city streets.”
“For what reason did you approach my sister? I heard that in this world, there are unscrupulous people who will seduce middle-aged widows for fame and fortune.”
“My fiancee will be in Madame Oughtred’s care in a few days. So I came to say hello. ”
Even though Constable heard rumors of a fiancee, when it was uttered as a fact by Edgar himself, Constable went silent. He was probably shocked that the rumors were true.
In that moment, he thought he could quietly eat the meal.
“So unexpectedly shameless!”
Lord Constable again began to make noise.
“Having a fiancee on one side while calmly flirting with my daughter--”
“Or your daughter may not be writing down the truth in her diary? Speaking of diaries, because no one would see, there could also be casual imagination included.”
“If nothing had happened, such as promiscuous matters, she would not have imagined it.”
“Indeed. Since she has never done an indecent thing or have an indecent imagination, because your daughter must truly be on the proper side, doesn’t the side with imagination sound better in comparison?”
Lord Constable’s cheeks flushed red. At that moment, he stood up.
“Not pleased. Lord Ashenbert, I will not let this matter go.”
Abandoning his speech, Constable suddenly stopped eating his meal to leave.
Edgar didn’t like to make enemies in society, but there was no other way.
All in all, regarding this matter, Edgar was purely innocent. And even if he wasn’t, for Edgar, it wasn’t difficult for him to remain on the proper side anyway.
More or less, there were solutions to this. Even if the problem escalated, Edgar knew how to strike back and he could make the other party disappear from society.
It was only because he didn’t want the event to spread to Lydia’s ears.
Finally, with great difficulty, Lydia gradually believed in him and his sincere love, but it was likely going to be impossible now.
However, there was still a few days before Lydia would arrive
-- or Edgar so still believed.
“I can finally enjoy the meal.”
Edgar then called out to the butler to select him a glass of champagne.
“Yes, this is fine wine. Worthy of Madame Oughtred’s mansion.”
“You do me too much honor.”
“The dishes are also very good. However, since the widow withdrew from society, the banquet was not even held. Ah, what a pity. The skill of the chef and the hospitality of the servants, all of it cannot easily compare with other mansions!”
“Despite the lack of a grandiose event, the flow of guests who come to respect and admire the Madame is ceaseless. We work in order to simply not tarnish the Madame’s reputation.”
The butler, though modest, expressed a face of joy.
If one wished to live comfortably in someone else’s home, other than the homeowner, obtaining a favorable impression from the servants was the right way to go.
Furthermore, Edgar calculated that, if their impression of him was good, he could insist on Constable being arrogant as well.
Lord Constable’s impression could indeed become worse.
Servants are not to be belittled. Opinions of the senior servants working for years could even influence the masters’ thoughts. Even if the content of Lucinda’s letters became a problem, he also wanted Madame Oughtred to feel that Edgar’s words were genuine.
“Can you give me a little more of this basil sauce?”
The butler picked up the glass vessel and at the server, who stood blankly in a daze, he winked at him. However, the server did not immediately notice.
“Billy.”
The server beside him cried out under his breath, surprised as he regained his senses.
It seemed as if he was completely unused to work.
The server finally came to the side. With the stiff movement of his hand gestures, the server’s spooning was also quite clumsy.
Edgar stared at the firm hand, feeling as though the sauce was slightly not evenly spread.
Those hands, not matched for servants, was a hand that was clearly used to handling weapons.
*
For Annie who was combing Lucinda’s hair, her sincere hand gestures carefully grasped the hairbrush.
“Wait a minute, the pain!”
The young maid jumped in fright, slightly bowing her head.
The movement was obviously slow, so what was so wrong? Lucinda worried as if it burned.
“Help me hang more beautiful hair curls. I want to see Earl Ashenbert.”
When the Earl needed to visit here, Lucinda had already investigated in advance. The relationships between noble families were intricately linked. When he visits a family and his associates, whenever there was a discussion, there were always some people who knew of these things.
Of course, because people pay attention to any notable affairs of the Earl Ashenbert, they could actually go inquire about ‘who were those he became intimate with’ or also ‘where servants go for exchanges, which were growing more and more complex’.
Therefore, when Lucinda especially found out of Earl’s agreed arrangement to visit Madame Oughtred, Lucinda knew the news was a good opportunity.
She hurriedly changed her travel schedule, all in order to run into the earl.
“Annie, it’s not this hair ornament. I said it was coral!”
Annie searched nervously for the coral hair accessories.
Useless maids. However, Lucinda actually very much liked this recently hired girl.
“Indecisive” Annie was not so bad. The best thing was, this girl was not too talkative.
Lucinda made up the whole matter regarding the story of the diary. She deliberately allowed her father to see, intentionally having him believe she and Earl Ashenbert were meeting each other.
With such a secret, Annie would not expose it.
Letting herself be marked in the Earl’s eyes, with an impression that someone cheated the pitiful girl. Just by being robbed of her lips made her quiver. That sort of face probably arouses more sympathy.
Lucinda faced toward the mirror with a smile.
A weak and fleeting smile was perfect. Lucinda very clearly understood that this smiling face would show herself to be quite beautiful. When venturing out to society, her beauty would surely arouse the attention of men.
“Annie, though for you, you won’t have any luck, marriage is a competition. It’s a victory to marry a girl who makes everyone else jealous. If the husband is outstanding, only then can you gain the respect of others in society.”
The maid who found the coral hair accessory quickly placed it in Lucinda’s hair.
“Of course, not only status, but having good looks is also important. If so, Earl Ashenbert is impeccable. He is secretly admired by many women.”
Lucinda stood up. This time, she was in front of the dressing mirror to inspect her skirt. With a swift spin, the organdy ruffles of the skirt rose and fell gently.
“However, to wait will make it impossible for us to get acquainted. Especially with the Earl of Ashenbert, all the women he spoke to, one after another, he had only spoken a few words to them. Therefore, just relying on this brings me ahead of them by several steps.”
Getting into a marriage envied by everyone, this could bring value to herself before anyone else.
For the people who thought that those with mothers of inferior status would never have a good marriage, Lucinda was going to make them regret it.
When she was informed that Earl Ashenbert’s fiancee held the same initials as her, it was in that moment that she fabricated the lies and opened up her opera play. Even just immersing herself in the vision of everyone’s envy was very satisfying.
Anyway, it was too late for her to escape from this. In any event, she could only try to make this dream into reality.
She initially planned for her aunt to act as a matchmaker. However, now she had no hope for that because her aunt then fell ill. Therefore, Lucinda could only then rely on herself to try.
“The remaining problem now is his fiancee.”
But Lucinda heard from rumors that she was not of nobility. Therefore, she still couldn’t inquire who the girl Earl Ashenbert was going to marry from the rumors.
“But against a low-class woman, that is no competition.”
Regardless which side her mother was from, Lucinda was still undoubtedly the daughter of a Count. No matter what you think, you’re always valuable. Also, her aunt Countess Oughtred was part of the Royal Court as well.
A powerful person.
Lucinda believed that the love of a gentleman could only depend on the appearance and status of the woman.
*
After Edgar finished his meal, he just returned to his room where he then saw Miss Lucinda was inside.
Although it was used as a dressing room for meetings, this was still without a doubt a gentleman’s private quarter. Even with a maid, most daughters would not stay in this place.
Bored, Raven stood in the corner of the room.
“Excuse me, Earl Ashenbert, to disturb you at this time.”
“I heard that you did not have dinner in order to rest?”
Leaving the door open, Edgar stopped at the door.
“In any event, I wanted to speak with you again. To be here and meet you must be what God intended.”
It’s impossible to have that kind of God! Edgar thought.
“I love you!”
“Thank you for your love, but I do not deserve it.”
“It seems that I cannot give up...”
“Even though the one you exchanged letters with, the one you fell in love with, it’s not me?”
“No, it was because I thought it was you who I was sending my reply to.”
“I'm sorry, but I already have a fiancee.”
Lucinda alone averted her eyes, but she did not hesitate to open her mouth again to speak.
“I heard that Earl Ashenbert had many relationships. Aren’t there many kinds of lovers in the world? Even though some are married, many men still have a lover out there. But you gradually stopped writing to me. Was it because your fiancee did not allow it?”
“Like I’ve said, that person was not me.”
“If it was me, how many other people will forgive you?”
Didn’t you hear what I said? Really, to be caught by this difficult daughter! Distressed, Edgar grasped his hair.
“It's because you do not like me.”
“No, I love you from the bottom of my heart.”
Lucinda quietly approached closer to Edgar. Immediately at his side, without her eyes facing him, she whispered.
“At that time, that person was not you... just kiss me and I will understand.”
“Who would’ve thought you were such a bold girl.”
“I became bold because I fell in love.”
To say that with just one kiss, she’d understand. But that was only an excuse to request for a kiss. However, Edgar was troubled. Even if it was at an excuse to be asked, he didn’t feel disgusted.
Despite if it was only to indulge in love, the girls who wanted romantic meetings may have wanted to be spoiled.
If they became real lovers, no matter when they’ve met or if they kissed together, which were all things that were required, there was no reason to hesitate.
Seeing her close her eyes, with Lucinda slightly lifted her feet, why wasn’t she Lydia? Edgar sighed with regret.
Even if it was a cute excuse, if it was Lydia who requested it, Edgar would be very happy to do so.
Is it not Lydia who treats her own love as inferior to Lucinda’s, the person who says she likes Edgar?
Perhaps, instead of saying that she was in love, it would be better to say that Lydia, who knew Edgar’s weaknesses and pain, had strong feelings of concern and compassion for him.(或许,与其说是恋爱,不如说知道爱德格弱点和苦恼的莉迪雅,对自己关爱的感情比较重。)*
“Lord Edgar.”
With a dignified voice, Raven suddenly spoke. Was he worried that Edgar would carelessly be kissed?
However, as Edgar looked up, he noted Raven’s attention was outside the door.
He inadvertently caught Lucinda who naturally came to lean on him. When Edgar turned his head back, he realized that at the doorway was a maid wearing an apron.
No, it was not a maid.
Her eyes widened in shock and currently standing frozen before him was Lydia.
“....Um, I... excuse me.”
She bowed her head and anxiously ran away.
Lydia? Why?
Although bewildered, he didn’t want to know except that he must catch up to her.
“Raven, I want you here.”
Edgar pushed Lucinda away as he chased behind Lydia.
Just now, what happened?
Confused, as Lydia ran, she remembered the scene where Lucinda and Edgar were about to kiss.
Could the fiancee that Lucinda mentioned be Edgar?
It wasn’t impossible. In fact, Edgar, who had affairs with any woman, possibly could’ve exchanged contact with Lucinda through flirtatious talk.
But, Edgar said to Lydia he had broken up with the other women already.
Was it because Lucinda was so desperate that he did not break up with her?
.....Voluntarily closing your eyes, with a real urging attitude.
At first, Lydia thought that Lucinda was not different from her because of their ages. But the girl had already been conscious of her identity as a fair maiden, being able to elegantly show her appearance and mentally prepared herself for marriage.
Conscious of marriage and, perhaps, she already knew how to be a noble wife as well.
Lucinda certainly knew how to socialize with men better than Lydia.
Such as waiting for a kiss, that Lydia just couldn’t do. Having already lost a large portion in this battle, with her decisive defeat, Lydia felt the pressure weigh on her body.
After running into a dark hall, with no one else around, Lydia gradually let out a sigh.
Letting him see herself wearing an apron, Lydia’s mood suddenly dropped ice cold.
It would be better to speak with a complete lack of sense already, perhaps this would be more honest.
But, with a naturally, beautiful lady compared to herself, that already was a problem.
Moreover, even if it wasn’t that perfect woman who was in pursuit, Edgar’s heart would’ve probably been moved.
With things like this, what should we do?
Even as she thought all of that, Lydia was exhausted. She was depressed, and there was no way for that to disappear.
And after marriage, it will become concrete. Lydia was still confused about a great variety of things. With this, Edgar must have certainly begun to feel that Lydia, as the bride of an earl, was unsatisfactory.
“...Right. As Edgar always says sarcastically, nothing to marriage can be prepared, it is better to give up.”
“It wasn’t that kind of thing!”
That was Edgar’s voice.
“In fact, as long as you're here, I don't need anything.”
Edgar walked into the hall and stood face-to-face with her, forcing Lydia to retreat near the window.
“Why do you wish to escape?”
Not only was it dark, they were the only two people there. She always felt that was dangerous.
Even though it was improper to think such a thing was dangerous with a fiance, the tension in her body couldn’t help but feel this way.
“I was startled, Lydia. I thought you were coming next week.”
The fact that she was never even contacted, that might’ve hurt Lydia’s feelings.
Without knowing she was present, Edgar felt regret and nervous after meeting with Lucinda. Even so, although he was unhappy, Edgar miraculously shifted the mood of blame, which made Lydia slightly uncomfortable. So unconsciously, Lydia put it in the past. (所以不知不觉,莉迪雅背了过去。)*
“.....It was urgent. The Duchess Masefield’s eldest daughter had fallen critically ill, therefore I came to stay here ahead of time.”
“Oh.” He finished saying, as Edgar placed his hands on Lydia’s shoulders.
“Oh, about the Miss.”
“Well, it seems that she likes you very much!”
“It is a little misunderstanding. It was only to confirm if I was the one who spoke with her, E.A., a man with those initials.”
Isn’t that you? She swallowed the words she wanted to say.
“Although I denied it with her, she wouldn’t understand. It was very troublesome. She also intruded into my room without permission.”
Well said, very close!
“And it’s Madame Oughtred’s niece. So, it cannot be said that there shouldn’t absolutely be no compassion, right?”
It was as if his preemptive excuse was getting more and more suspicious.
“That was only the case. Don’t suspect that I am being anything unfaithful. Because in my heart, I only think of you.”
“...I know.”
Lydia only said so because she thought that, in any case, the moment she had decided to get married, she had to trust in his words.
“You’re not angry?”
“This isn’t any matter that will make a person angry.”
Edgar tentatively gazed at her in place.
Do you want to kiss?
She couldn’t close her eyes and wait like Lucinda. Not knowing what to do, her anxiety grew.
It was both dim and there were only two people, so Edgar would not hesitate. However, kisses between two people was too breathless and she was afraid.
She couldn’t bury away her panicked feelings. Her feeling of wanting to escape was probably very explicit as well.
Edgar then removed his hands from Lydia.
She was only afraid. But because she was too surprised and confused that Edgar did not kiss her, she took a peep at his face.
He still held an unhappy expression.
“Why are you not angry? That kind of situation, you can be suspicious of me.”
She didn’t understand what Edgar was saying, so Lydia didn’t speak.
“That’s not a place to only say an apology and then leave. If a woman were to appear in a lover’s room, it’s common sense to beat hard at the man and chase away the lover.”
Common sense, did he think this was normal?
“If you’re angry, I will apologize until you forgive me. Then, we can make up (be reunited) again. Shouldn't it be like this?”
“But, but, it's not your fault...”
“You’re not jealous?”
It wasn’t that kind of meaning.
“Because... it’s so strange for a servant to do so.”
Edgar then realized Lydia was wearing the maid uniform.
“Yes, why is your appearance like this? Through Duchess Masefield’s introduction, you should be coming here as guest?”
“Well, I do not know, for it was Madame Oughtred’s idea.”
“Madame? Did she ask of you to do maid work?”
“Because of the Madame’s current situation, it seems she was unable to speak privately. Perhaps prior to that, she informed the head maid, Mrs. Boyle, to let me in as a maid.”
Edgar sighed, placing Lydia’s braids in his hand.
“This is also lovely. However, I do not approve of you to work. Return immediately.”
“No, oh no, Edgar. I cannot return without permission.”
“The Madame is ill and in bed now. She cannot teach you anything in any case. You are here to learn society etiquette, so it doesn’t make sense for you to be a maid.”
“But even if I do not understand the Madame’s intentions, I can’t be disrespectful. This may make her think I am a girl who cannot learn manners.”
Edgar would also be turned into a scandal.
“But your hand is wounded.”
The innumerable abrasions were caused by picking roses.
“It’s all right. These are only minor injuries.”
Lydia hurriedly hid her hands. At the same time, she supposed that her clothes may be the reason why Edgar did not kiss her as he usually did.
Perhaps it was hesitation on the gap between the dazzling Miss Lucinda and Lydia. (或许是犹豫於莉迪雅和耀眼的露辛达小姐的差距吧。) *Yes. Even her fiancé was not in the mood.
“I have something else to do.”
Gradually wanting to leave this place as soon as possible, Lydia intended to go back.
Edgar took her wrist to stop her.
At this time from the upper floor, like a rusty wheel grating, a hoarse calling of grief resounded.
The sound dragged on for a while and soon disappeared. At the same time, they could hear an intense noise, probably issued from Madame Oughtred’s room.
When Edgar and Lydia hurried to the scene, Lord Constable came, too. Most likely it was because his guest room was near Madame Oughtred’s room.
Although the Lord Constable was going to open the doors at the end of the waiting room, the doors seemed to be locked.
“Sir Constable, what happened?”
He shot Edgar a brief and slightly unhappy look. Nevertheless, while it was rude, he replied to Edgar.
“I don’t know! I came immediately and called out to her, but there was no response. No sound.”
“What’s the problem?”
The man who appeared was Billy who was handling the tea. It seemed that he had also heard the sound, but right now, it was almost the time for all servants to gather in the lower quarters. Perhaps he was trying to wander off, too lazy to work. Lydia was surprised.
She was thinking.
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