Chapter 119
Felice stood under the canopy in the rose garden, reaching her hand out for a moment. Clouds had begun gathering since yesterday, and now raindrops were starting to fall from the sky.
“It looks like it’s about to pour.”
Lisa said, glancing at Felice as she placed the refreshments on the table. She tilted her head up toward the sky, too.
“This time of year, it always rains like this, doesn’t it?”
Lisa added, smiling softly at Felice.
“What about you, Lisa? How do you feel when it rains?”
“The rain? Hmm… Well, it’s nice not having to do laundry, but I don’t like it. Everything gets damp, the floors get dirty, and honestly, it just makes more work for me.”
Felice burst out laughing at Lisa’s answer.
“I don’t like it, either.”
“Really? Why not?”
“When it rains, the sea gets rough.”
Felice answered with a faint, bitter smile.
Lisa nodded, recalling that Admiral Paul Mellon, in his lifetime, had led the navy’s fleet.
“And, well… like you said, there’s just more to do. Clothes get damp and uncomfortable.”
“Oh, I know! Especially in summer, I hate when it rains. It’s hot and muggy—just awful.”
Lisa hugged her arms around herself and shuddered.
Felice giggled and nodded in agreement, then thanked Lisa for preparing the refreshments and took her seat.
“Miss Felice.”
Lisa called gently, looking around before coming closer and reaching for Felice’s hand under the table. Lisa’s warm hand covered Felice’s, sharing a bit of comfort.
“Let me dry your hand.”
Lisa said softly, and gently wiped the rain from Felice’s hand with a handkerchief.
“And… I don’t know what the master did wrong, but I’m sure he didn’t mean any harm.”
Lisa said, hesitating slightly.
“He’s a good person, really. Sometimes he’s just… you know, a bit awkward.”
Felice gave her a bright smile.
“Of course, Lisa. If Claude wasn’t a good person, there wouldn’t be so many good people around him. And I’ve received so much kindness from him myself. Really, there’s nothing to worry about.”
She thanked Lisa again for drying her hand, and Lisa nodded, stepping back to give Felice some space.
Felice listened to the sound of the rain hitting the canopy, steadying her heart. Even though it hurt to think that Claude might have brought her into this knowing how the story would unfold, she tried not to resent him for it.
If it was all part of his plan, she wouldn’t complain.
A few days ago, she had found out by chance that a letter had arrived from the Roberts family. Her feelings at the time were complicated—sad, exhausted, and, she had to admit, a little bitter.
But now, she was determined to see things differently. Her grandfather had always admired the Buford royal family. He had given his life defending the empire. What Felice was enduring for the royal family seemed trivial by comparison.
And, there were political reasons she couldn’t fully understand; she knew Claude had his own reasons for wanting to keep Elise close.
So, there was only one thing left for her to do.
Recalling the embarrassing command from her school days, Felice calmly reminded herself of her role. According to Claude’s information, Lady Elise definitely seemed drawn to people like him. If she was just an ordinary young lady, she would have been frightened off by now.
“Felice.”
At that moment, Claude’s voice sounded.
Felice lifted her head to meet his eyes. It took her a second to greet him; he wore the same clothes as he had when receiving guests that morning, looking a little tired but with a gentle smile on his lips.
“Thank you for coming out.”
“It’s nothing.”
Felice replied, shaking her head.
There was a brief silence, but the sound of the rain kept it from feeling too awkward.
Felice finally let go of her teacup, gathering her resolve.
“Claude…”
“Felice…”
Both spoke at the same time.
“May I speak first?”
Felice said, giving him a shy smile. Claude nodded readily, and Felice, clutching her skirt under the table, spoke up.
“I was hurt by the articles, yes. But I don’t want to complain about your choices. I feel bad for worrying everyone so much, too.”
Discussion
0 CommentsNo comments yet.