Unfortunately, I'm an Evil Villainess

Chapter 63 - Blossoming Friendship (III)

"Goodbye, Lady Valentina!"

"Thank you for inviting us! I really enjoyed this."

"Have a nice day! Bye!"

"See you! It's been a pleasure!"

I smiled as I bid farewell to my guests, who I knew would immediately seek out their friends to describe all the gossip that passed today. Rumours would spread like wildfire, and I looked forward to every bit of it.

Annalise and Delilah helped usher the ladies out of the gazebo, leaving with them to discreetly add fuel with theories and suggestions. With some small talk, Lady Bryant held back the real star for me, until she, Briana, Catherine, and I were the only ones left at our table.

"I'm very happy you could come, Lady Catherine. This was your first tea party, yes?"

"Ah, yes! Thank you so much for inviting me, I liked it a lot!"

Catherine was smiling brightly again, her previous apprehension nowhere to be found. Either she was a terrific actor or truly generous enough to forgive and forget instantly, I didn't particularly care which. I must go beyond morals, devoid of pity and all hints of sympathy shoved away.

"What do you think of the other ladies? Would you like to be friends with them?"

"Definitely! They're very kind."

A good actor, then, like I had been. Always smile and be polite, because of the consequences of offending someone. I kept my smile from curling into a smirk. I, the villainess, was powerful enough not to fear every word, but she, the heroine, wasn't. Was it the price of having God on her side?

I turned to Lady Bryant, carrying out the last bit of my plan today. She, who knew what I was going to do and had prepared a perfect act of natural surprise, met my eyes with excitement.

"Oh, by the way, Lady Bryant, did you know Lady Catherine is acquainted with Lord Kyle Whittle?"

"The accomplished mage and Lord Damian's partner? Indeed? How wonderful!"

"Certainly. In fact, in addition to his work, which allows him a handsome income, I know him to be of a most kind and considerate temperament. An attractive bachelor, no?"

"Absolutely! He would be a splendid match with our Catherine, if he would be so good as to have her. Don't you agree?"

She shot the last remark at Catherine, rather sharply. The girl, caught off guard, blushed like an inexperienced child, which she was, to be fair.

"I think Lord Kyle is kind, but I'm not interested in marriage yet, Lady Bryant."

"Nonsense! You're recently debuted and at the height of youth. It's the ideal time for a courtship and an engagement. Lord Kyle would be a blessing, as it'll be fortunate for any nice respectful young man to want to marry you at all, given your circumstances."

Lady Bryant sniffed with just the right amount of dignity and disdain. She smiled at me warmly.

"Our family would be eternally grateful if you could help us arrange it, Lady Valentina."

"Of course. It would be my pleasure to bring together a match so suitable."

Catherine spoke quietly, her voice nervous but her gaze firm. Ah, the fear of disappointing the one that raised her was greater than the fear of upsetting Lady Bryant.

"Actually, I think we ought to consult Father first."

The sheer impudence of the girl, to openly contradict her stepmother! Amusement rose and I resisted the urge to smile. Lady Bryant gazed at her coldly, and with my good training, responded quite civilly.