Talking about business with a stranger she just met is not typical of her.
But Eve is confident in her judgment, which has been developed over three years of social interaction.
She wasn't terribly social, but the balls she did go to were mainly reserved for the upper class.
Many of them had negative feelings about a countess from a rural noble family.
Surviving in that environment automatically sharpens one's vision.
"A little discussion is sufficient for understanding someone. And you have a great eye."
"I like you. You have a talent for making others feel wonderful."
The lady chuckled.
"What's your name?"
She almost blurted out the word 'Hound' out of habit.
It's terrifying how deeply established these habits are.
Perhaps Eve felt ashamed by her own surname, 'Jenna'.
In the countryside, it may not matter, but in the capital, the name Jenna was not an advantage, but rather a disadvantage that made people dislike her.
Eve, like the lady, was hesitant to give her surname because she enjoyed her company.
"I'm not really someone. My family is not prestigious."
"I only asked for your name, not your family. But if you are prepared to give your family name, I will gladly listen."
Despite her established humility, the lady maintained a welcoming demeanor.
"I'm not so powerless as to seek connections just for help."
It was exactly what Eve wanted to hear, as if the lady had read her mind, which heightened Eve's feelings for her.
The lady appeared to be of great prestige, but she was accessible and shared Eve's tastes, which was a nice surprise.
Although their relationship would not survive long, she appeared like a worthwhile acquaintance for the rest of Eve's stay in the city.
After a brief pause, Eve offered her hand.
"I'm Eve Jenna."
When the lady heard Eve's name, her eyes widened in surprise, and she smiled and shook her hand.
"Ashers Lily G Seratin."
"Pleased to meet you, Seratin... huh?"
Eve, who had been mechanically pronouncing a greeting, looked up at the woman, stunned by a sudden insight.
The lady, unaffected by Eve's reaction, continued to shake their joined hands.
"Are you the ex-wife of that Dane who just divorced? Isn't this an intriguing coincidence?"
Seratin inquired, hoping to elicit an agreement from Eve.
However, Eve could not laugh or agree with her comment.
After all, this woman, From Duke Seratin, was Count Hound's first wife and Azazel's biological mother.
Azazel's Mother.
Eve stared at Lady Seratin once more.
She knew Seratin was around Dane's age, but she didn't look like she was in her forties.
That's why Eve hadn't considered Seratin when she discussed opening an art gallery.
Eve, deep in meditation, whispered.
"Lady Seratin of the Duke?"
"You seem astonished. Please call me Ashers. I'll call you Eve, too."
"Is that alright with you?"
"What is?"
Seratin appeared to be completely oblivious of the situation.
Discussing this with Dane's ex-wives was guaranteed to generate a commotion.
"People will surely talk."
But Ashers appeared unfazed.
"People's interest will always follow. There's no reason to worry about that."
Eve forced a smile, like if her eyes were going to jump out.
She shared Dane's stance in this regard.
"I never expected to meet you here."
"Yes, indeed."
"To meet like this, it seems we have some connection."
"I suppose so."
It was a preposterous connection to have between Dane's ex-wives, but Eve laughed it off.
However, she couldn't simply laugh off Ashers' following comments.
"I heard you get along well with Azazel. He told me about you."
"About me?"
"I heard Dane say you're a remarkable woman. It appears that you might suit me better than Dane.
Eve liked her, but it was before she realized who she was.
However, Ashers did not appear to worry about Eve's identity.
"It seems we'll be seeing more of each other, getting closer."
"Do you really think we're a good match?"
"I don't make idle talk."
She appeared serious even though she was smiling.
Eve sighed softly, and a servant who appeared to be from the Seratin household approached and bowed before Ashers.
After a brief conversation, Ashers returned to Eve.
"My carriage arrived. Someone has arrived to meet me; might you accept them in my place?"
"Me?"
Why would Eve greet Seratin's people?
Ashers seemed unconcerned at Eve's startled reaction, simply smiling.
"I'd like to talk with the artist who painted this work, set up an appointment."
"Shouldn't I accompany you?"
"I want to have a one-on-one conversation with the artist. Is that the artist who created this painting?"
Eve nodded reflexively as she pointed at Rose, who was coming.
"Yes? Yes."
"Then I'll be off. Keep them company for a while. You said you get along well, correct?"
"What do you mean by that..."
Ashers proceeded towards Rose, paying little attention to Eve's remark.
Eve stood there, staring blankly at the space where Ashers had been, when a voice beckoned her from behind.
"Lady Jenna?"
****
YOU ARE READING
I Became My Son's First Love
RomansaEve Jenna, a poor rural noblewoman who had only beauty and a sense of reality, becomes the fourth Countess of the Hound County, aiming for the monthly cost of maintaining noble dignity. In the third year of her marriage, which was full of stability...