Chapter 114
Nelleys’s lips twitched. She was thinking of her own past scandal with Viscount Barrot. But then shut it again. She realized it wasn’t something Claude needed to hear right now.
When she’d first tried to push Claude toward marriage, she assumed Elise would end up as his intended. That was why she’d hoped he’d find true love, a simple young lady and a family of his own….
That was the real reason she’d hired Felice.
“Claude, fine. It’s all well and good. But let’s go back—what did you mean by making sure Felice never hears about any of this?”
The queen pressed her temples, her voice tinged with a headache.
She knew her son’s tendency to jump at any profitable investment, even if it meant dealing with questionable characters. Yet she’d always trusted that Claude wouldn’t lose himself, that even if he made mistakes, he’d stand by his choices and see them through.
“I care for her.”
Nelleys finally closed her eyes, realizing his feelings weren’t returned in kind. Then, it struck her. This was her son’s first time falling in love.
“Do you think Lady Felice… likes you too?”
“….”
Claude was silent.
“Haa…”
Nelleys exhaled again. Even his love was aggressive—always running straight ahead, never looking back.
“Well, I’ll assume Felice likes you, since thinking otherwise would be too depressing right now.”
Nelleys said with another sigh.
“But if Felice finds out about all this, can you be sure she’ll still feel the same way?”
She looked at Claude with a touch of exasperation.
“I’ll make sure she never hears of it. She’ll never see it, never know.”
“That’s enough. I’m tired. You may go.”
With a wave of her hand, Nelleys dismissed him. Claude stood, bowed politely, and left the room.
Left alone, Nelleys rubbed her aching forehead.
“To think my son would create this whole mess just because he was worried I wouldn’t accept Felice. He’s trying to restore the Kelton family’s honor at the same time. How can one person handle so much at once? Honestly… Ahh…”
She shook her head.
“No wonder he’s never managed to fall in love until now.”
* * *
After leaving the palace, Claude rode back to the mansion by carriage.
“I can’t keep her in the dark about the world for a whole month, can I…”
He frowned, thinking of his mother’s words. He knew what he was doing was reckless, but there was simply no better option. Things never seemed to go according to plan, no matter how much he tried.
“But if Felice finds out about all this, can you be sure she’ll still feel the same way?”
His mother’s question echoed in his ears. He was doing his best to keep the truth from Felice, but he knew he couldn’t hide it forever.
“If I say the wrong thing, this could end in disaster.”
Claude sighed.
Felice probably wanted him to end up with Elise. Even if she did care for Claude, she might not see him as anything more than a friend—just like that artist. If that was the case, she’d be even more confused by his change in behavior.
“For now, Felice will be staying in the mansion today, so I need to make a decision by tomorrow.”
Suddenly, he caught sight of a flower shop and told the driver to stop. Drawn in, Claude picked out a bouquet of yellow freesias and dandelions.
“These will do.”
He paid and returned to the carriage.
Today was the day for the tea party with Felice and the staff, accompanied with the dandelion tea she’d made.
Looking at the bouquet, a gentle smile crossed Claude’s lips.
“Next time, I’ll have to ask her what flowers she likes best.”
Claude carefully tucked the bouquet into his arm. He was certain Felice would love it.
Discussion
0 CommentsReactions
No comments yet.