BETRAYAL OF DIGNITY
Part 10
The Train to Thisse
Amidst the biting winter winds that nipped at ones nose, the Verdier estate thrived with activity as laborers hailing from distant regions converged upon it. The construction of a railroad on the mountain was a slow endeavor, and as a result, commerce had naturally flourished with the influx of people, contributing to the city's gradual but steady growth.
The Duchess of Thisse, who had celebrated her wedding in the summer, had now been living in the Verdier estate without her husband for nearly half a year. However, this had ceased to be a topic of interest among the local populace. The inns and taverns were always bustling, and the farmers found themselves engaged in off-season work that had sprung up as a result.
Viscount Verdier had managed to clear all his debts, and he now also found himself busier than ever. Mediating conflicts between the local residents and the newcomers was part of his duties as a lord. Although he was somewhat lacking in financial resources, he was skilled at resolving disputes among his subjects, and he appeared to be in high spirits for the first time in a long while.
"Father."
Chloe cautiously stepped into the drawing room adjacent to the study. There, she found an assortment of fine cookies and tea, a thoughtful gesture she presumed her father had arranged with the servants.
"I bought these on my way back from Swane," the Viscount said.
Considering that there had been a time when they had worried about their next meal and adequate clothing, it was a cause for gratitude. Chloe bit into the soft butter cookie with a crunch. The fireplace crackled, enveloping the room in warmth.
How long had it been since she had enjoyed such a serene winter evening sharing tea with her father?
"They are delicious, Father."
"I held them in my hands all throughout the carriage ride, worried they might break."
Chloe had finally managed to return to the familiar life she had longed for, a result of her persistent efforts.
"You seem to be always busy, Chloe," the Viscount added.
"You seem well, Father. If only you would take slightly better care of your health."
"I suppose I should start by moderating my consumption of these treats."
Chloe couldn't help but chuckle at the sight of her father, who had now regained his robust figure. Seeing him in high spirits, jesting and joking, put her mind at ease. She had been genuinely concerned for him just the previous summer, when the heat had been unusually harsh and calamities seemed to occur one after another.
"I should present that mischievous Alice with a face worn from work before she returns," joked the Viscount.
"I'm quite sure she's learned her lesson without you having to do that," Chloe replied with a smile, her laughter echoing through the room.
She and Alice had been secretly exchanging letters, though she had not yet informed her father of this. In her correspondence, Alice asked for forgiveness from Chloe and their father, reassuring Chloe that she was living comfortably and that there was no need to worry. The letters, which seemed to be filled with the certainty that they would be reunited soon, were penned on paper of the highest quality and carried a pleasing fragrance.
"I wonder what on earth she's doing and where she is..." the Viscount mused aloud.
"Don't worry, Father. Alice may seem impulsive, but fortune has always favored her."
