Fall
The social world, which had been buzzing about James Parker's conscription, turned its attention elsewhere as usual.
It was because Abigail Prairie's birthday banquet was coming up soon. Since it was a banquet prepared several months ago, interest was kindled.
Notably, it was the first banquet since he got engaged to Kierne Agafel. If the banquet is held on the private property of the Agafel family instead of the originally planned location, the banquet will be larger than expected.
Those who wanted to receive an invitation already browsed through the castle of Agafel. It was also quite common for letters to openly ask for invitations.
Summer was almost over, so the sight would be even more spectacular on the day of the banquet. The fruit was sweet and the weather was cool, making it perfect for an outdoor party.
Everyone couldn't help but pay attention to the fact that the entire villa, which was reputed to be beautiful, was being used for a banquet.
Abigail, on the other hand, didn't look very happy. Elizabeth vaguely sensed that it was because of James' conscription.
"Miss Elizabeth would be fine."
As such, the occasional babble of nonsense words became frequent, but Elizabeth pretended not to know. It was because he knew he didn't mean it sarcastically.
Abigail had to admit it after a while. I had to suffer from loneliness every night because I missed James' fucking arms.
It was a particularly long summer. They say that autumn comes and it is hot again and it rains several times.
At night I could not sleep because of the tropical night. No, I knew it was because the seat next to me was empty, but I tried to deny it.
Abigail looked at Elizabeth. Still not knowing that she would become the duke's second wife, she was drying up day by day.
What a strange thing! It wasn't like it was far, but it seemed more painful than me. Unlike me, who was shot through with loneliness, it seemed like he was shot through with fear.
Elisabeth's suicide attempt was silenced even in the castle. Who would have known that the duke's beloved hidden lover would try to end his life?
I'm just saying it now, but recently, Elizabeth's treatment has already been second to that of a second wife. The problem is that I can't seem to take it anymore.
Come to think of it, the duke only played with her. If it hadn't been for Kierne, she might have married Theo Cavill.
Abigail belatedly remembered that Theo hadn't been at Ingrid's meeting.
I didn't know the exact inside story of the day of the meeting of three, but I heard that Theo's expression when he left the castle was very bloody.
Abigail gasped even though she knew she was avoiding Elizabeth.
Come to think of it, I can't see Sir Theo these days.
A name that had not been tacitly mentioned suddenly appeared. Elizabeth's expression went blank for a moment. Theo wouldn't come to Ingrid's meeting was simple.
I don't want to see her anymore
Otherwise, there was no way he wouldn't come to a meeting that would be very helpful in terms of business.
Elizabeth felt bitter for a moment, but that was it. He responded lightly as if he had been agitated.
"You must be busy."
Then he concentrated on the embroidery in his hand. Abigail was a little embarrassed by that nonchalant appearance.
Elizabeth was dry, as if speaking of a stranger. I thought there was definitely some kind of emotional exchange going on, but maybe I was wrong.
Abigail looked at Elizabeth. It was all too normal for someone who had attempted suicide.
In fact, it was not a suicide, but enough to think that it was not a mistake.
Before, I thought it was unsightly because everything was revealed in the expression. Now he didn't know what Elizabeth was thinking.
She seemed to have emasculated her emotions, more like a doll than a person. Like a dry well, her emotions seemed to be sucked in just as they were.
He had no emotions, so he seemed to have no interest or interest in anything. Abigail brought up the subject in hopes of making Elizabeth more popular.
“Still, we should be able to meet at the banquet. I plan to invite all the members of Ingrid.”
"Are you talking about the banquet?"
Only then did Elizabeth react appropriately. Abigail said with a kind smile.
"Yes. I asked everyone to come. The atmosphere at the meeting was not good because of the Parker family."
“ah… ….”
Elizabeth stopped embroidering and moved her hands. If it was something like that, Theo wouldn't have been able to turn it down any longer.
In the end, the thought of seeing Theo again that day made her sad.
“Then, Miss Elizabeth, please have a good word with Sir Theo. But between us, Miss Elizabeth is the closest.
The best Elizabeth could do was simply smile at Abigail's words. Even if she did know him, she thought of avoiding him first.
* * *
"What do I have to do? It's hard to delay the answer any longer."
At the butler's question, Theo stared at the invitation with a rigid expression. A few days ago an invitation came from Abigail Prairie.
It was an invitation to a lively birthday banquet. Although he should be happy that the invitation he had originally sought had arrived, the reason he hesitated was because he remembered Elizabeth's pretty white face.
It was an excuse to see that face again, but at the same time it was also a shame to have to see the two of them again.
"If you reject even this, you will no longer be at Ingrid's meetings."
“Then it would be a great loss. All your efforts up to now will be in vain.”
"Let's go?"
The butler urged repeatedly. It was a time when the atmosphere at Ingrid's meeting was not good due to James Parker's work. Missing meetings with the excuse of being busy with work was no longer the limit.
It might have looked like he was pulling out for James. If he refused even this, it was like turning his back on the members of Ingrid's group. It was the same as meaning that he would not do business in Jerchen.
To be honest, I didn't want to hurt my pride. Because the owner of that gathering is Agafel.
"Curse."
When he remembered the young Duke of Jerchen, Elizabeth's owner, he cursed.
Wanting to decline an invitation that not everyone could receive. It took a long time even though it was full.
It was probably because of Elizabeth Lua that her feet felt so heavy.
Theo's gaze naturally went to the communication tool placed on the table.
