Secret Wardrobe of the Duchess

Chapter 29

“There is no need to marry a man who is reluctant to spend money on his own wedding.”

Rubica was rather surprised by Ann’s determined declaration. So, she blinked while staring at the vicious looking Ann. If Edgar had been there, she would have scolded him and make him break the engagement.

“Such stingy men always protest even after the wedding, even when the wife is buying the necessary goods. However, they want their own suits to be nice. And what about the carriage? They all say they can’t use leased carriages and try to buy one way too expensive. They don’t hesitate to spend gold on the horses’ hay but want to save a penny from their wives’ food! They should be caring about their fat belly…”

Ann faltered, realizing she was getting too angry. Then, she glanced at Rubica who just smiled awkwardly. It wasn’t that new to her. Speaking ill of useless husbands was one of the married women’s joy.

“Hmm, anyway, if His Grace says even one offending sentence to you, just let me know. I will speak to him myself.”

Ann was so angry that Rubica rather wanted Edgar to make a mistake and say something wrong. Edgar being scolded by this kind housewife, she really wanted to see that scene.

“I want to decorate the place with pretty flowers and candles. As the wedding will take place at dusk, the dim lights of candles will make embroideries look even more beautiful.”

Ann smiled brightly. As it was almost warm April, spring flowers were in full bloom.

“Considering the dress, white flowers would be better than red flowers, right? It would be good to have small candles floating on wide basins full of water. The embroideries will sparkle beautifully in the light of the setting sun and dim candles.”

As Ann was an aged housewife, she had prepared many events. She quickly realized what Rubica wanted and came up with some ideas right on the spot. As it was going to be a wedding without any guests, that much of decoration was an extravagance.
However, in Ann’s perspective, spending that much money for the duke’s wedding wasn’t even a problem.

“And I want to give the flowers and candles used as decoration to the townspeople after the wedding.”

That was what Rubica was really after.

“… to the townspeople?”

“The Petra Kingdom has a custom of giving flowers used as decorations to the guests after the wedding. They must be disappointed for not being able to witness the wedding. So how about giving them some presents instead?”

There was indeed a custom about giving flowers, but that custom didn’t include giving away expensive wax candles. Nevertheless, Rubica wanted to spend more money. She would be able to spend more of the duke’s money and the people will get expensive wax candles, so it was going to be good for all of them.

“There is such a custom? You really know everything, Lady Berner!”

Ann was touched. In fact, the duke’s wedding was supposed to be a good spectacle to the people. Pennies and delights nobles threw to them at weddings was a huge joy they didn’t want to lose. Such a secretive wedding was going to bring some complaints. Ann had been worried it might diminish the duke’s reputation.

But now, Rubica was offering to openly share the joy with them instead of giving them a donation. Even though the Setiros Kingdom had no such customs, it didn’t seem impossible as it was in the Petra Kingdom far in the north.

What Rubica was proposing was going to make the dukes receive praise, not criticized. Ann got excited and came up with her own idea.

“Why don’t we also bake some celebration cookies and give them too?”