Just as Zwei said, a messenger appeared at the gates of the illustrious Vergrumble estate. With a missive clasped tightly in his hand, sealed with the prestigious emblem of the royal palace, he bore news that would soon ripple through the noble circles of the town. The Vergrumble household was not the only one who received the letter from the royal palace. Across town, House Hedrick was given a similar letter bearing the seal of the royal palace. Whispers began to circulate, weaving tales of intrigue and consequence.
It was said that upon receiving the messenger, Count Vergrumble's face drained of color, feeling a painful piercing pain in his chest causing him to kneel on the ground right after the messenger left the doorstep of his estate. Some claimed he had succumbed to an illness just to avoid the order written in the letter. Meanwhile, within the halls of House Hedrick, Earl Hedrick's fury reached a boiling point as rumors spread of his daughter's involvement in the scandal that had smeared mud to the family name.
Yet amidst the chaos that gripped the noble houses and the public, my thoughts remained focused on more trivial matters. Oblivious to the turmoil unfolding behind closed doors, I eagerly awaited replies from two individuals. The drama that unfolded elsewhere wasn't important enough to keep my attention. For in the quiet peace, amidst the clatter of teacups and the scent of freshly brewed tea, I was excitly planning a Tea Party for the individual who responded back to my letter.
With Viola's invaluable assistance, we meticulously curated the best selection of snacks and beverages for my upcoming afternoon tea party. Upon the gleaming triple-tiered dessert plate, an array of delectable treats awaited our guest's arrival. From the flaky rhubarb scones to the dainty Victorian sponge cakes and the zesty lemon cookies, each confection promised a symphony of flavors to delight the senses. Nestled beside these sweet indulgences lay a selection of impeccably crafted sandwiches, their fillings as tantalizing as they were visually appealing, all to be enjoyed alongside steaming cups of fragrant Earl Grey Tea.
Once the table was arranged, Viola gracefully excused herself to attend to her duties elsewhere in the mansion. Left alone with my thoughts, a nervous energy prickled at the edges of my consciousness. I couldn't shake the feeling of uncertainty, questioning whether my attire was suitable for the occasion or if perhaps I had over done things by overwhelming the table with lavish spread of refreshments and over dressing for the party.
As I prepared to welcome my first-ever friend into my home, a wave of anticipation and nerves washed over me. This was uncharted territory, an experience that filled me with both excitement and anxiety. Thinking back to my past, I couldn't help but acknowledge how I spent all of my times focusing only on my goal, often at the expense of fostering connections with those around me. Lost in my thoughts, I was suddenly brought back to reality by a familiar voice.
"Duchess Sigma, I am deeply grateful for your gracious acceptance of my invitation."
Rebecca stood before me, a vision of springtime radiance in her adorable dress adorned with the soft hues of yellow lilies. Her hair, elegantly braided and adorned with delicate baby's breath accessories, framed her face with effortless grace. With a respectful bow, she greeted me, her smile filled with warmth and friendliness.
"Thank you for joining me, Miss Rebecca," I greeted her with a smile.
Motioning towards an empty chair, I invited her to take a seat beside me. With graceful steps, she approached the table and settled into my right. Our conversation began in small talk, weaving through topics of interest and hobbies. Rebecca shared her passion for the outdoors, describing how she found joy tending to her garden, delicately crafting bouquets from the blooming flowers she lovingly selected. She spoke of leisurely rides on horseback and quiet moments spent beneath the gazebo, her gaze often drifting upward to the ever-changing canvas of the sky.
YOU ARE READING
I Will Hold Your Hand Gently
FantasyNot knowing how she died, the main character was transmigrated into a guide-verse novel. A finished novel, and a novel she had read before her death. Struggling to coop with her new environment, she was beaten, and suddenly forced into a marriage...
