Secret Wardrobe of the Duchess

Chapter 54

Rubica got up early in the morning, got ready for the battle, and headed to the reception room.

Today she had fewer relatives to meet compared to yesterday. Words had got out during the night that she wasn’t a naïve idiot at all. Instead, more people came to persuade her to buy strange rocks and trees to decorate the garden. They were not pretty at all, and Rubica didn’t even talk to them for long. She worked with Ann to drive them away.

“Your Grace, in my opinion, you should hear more advice from me about the culture of the upper class before you are presented to the capital’s society.”

Mrs. Shaynie, who taught manners in the Claymore Family and its retainers, was among those Rubica had driven off using her ‘I’m not buying’ technique yesterday. However, she wasn’t tired and came to convince Rubica again. For now, Rubica listened to the woman, who had a bent back and blonde hair that had almost entirely lost its color, with a smile. But she really didn’t want to meet her every day to learn about manners.

“Mrs. Shaynie, the capital’s society will not be available for a long time. I plan to focus on the household’s businesses for now.”

Shaynie pretended to not hear Rubica’s polite refusal and continued to speak.

“How you spoke to His Grace at the wedding feast was wrong as well. In most noble families…”

“Mrs. Shaynie, His Grace has ordered no one should care about how Her Grace speaks to him as it is a matter of their relationship. He also said whoever dares to advise Her Grace about the matter will be punished severely.”

Ann couldn’t stand it anymore and warned Shaynie, but the woman just glanced at Ann and continued, “Even if His Grace has said so, a wise woman must…”

Rubica couldn’t take it anymore and put a hand on her forehead. Ann immediately realized what she meant by that and spoke politely to Mrs. Shaynie.

“Mrs. Shaynie, Her Grace is very tired after working hard for two days. It is now time to meet the doctor.”

Of course, they hadn’t made any doctor’s appointment. However, it looked like Shaynie wouldn’t go away without that kind of good reason. She was an old lady who had worked as the family’s teacher for many years. She could spread rumors if Rubica drove her away as she had done with the other relatives.

“I apologize for taking your precious time. Then, we will
discuss this again tomorrow.”

Mrs. Shaynie stood up and bowed politely. Rubica said goodbye by following the manners, but she couldn’t help sighing as soon as the door was closed. Ann looked rather sorry for her.

“She isn’t that bad… she is just, a little weird.”

Rubica didn’t try to deny that and nodded. She didn’t know why Mrs. Shaynie was trying to teach her, but it couldn’t be out of good intentions.

“And she will come again tomorrow.”

“Should I cancel your afternoon schedule if you are tired?”

“No, no, there’s no need to.”

She was going to meet designers from the neighborhood this afternoon. It was one of the reasons she had endured the morning’s boring meetings. So, she shook her head.

“I will be fine if I take a little rest after having a cup of coffee.”

“Okay.”

Ann immediately brought warm coffee and some refreshments. Rubica then had some sugar-sprinkled madeleine with coffee.