Chapter 64
It really was a pity.
If she were to be coldly objective, Duchess Vanessa knew that in the end, she would have chosen Elise’s side after only brief deliberation.
That was why she had suggested Felice move to her country house. The sweet, perceptive girl understood immediately. Still, nothing was ever certain until the results came in.
Duchess Vanessa stole a glance at Queen Nelleys’s expression.
Her furrowed brow hadn’t eased since they’d started talking about the prince.
“Your Majesty, if you were to sing your second son’s praises, you’d never run out of things to say. You know better than anyone how bright and capable he is. I’m sure the matter of announcing his status as a prince will work out just fine.”
Vanessa gently brought the subject to a close.
“That’s true. It is Claude, after all. If it’s him, he’ll handle anything that comes his way. I suppose I must be getting old—worrying about every little thing.”
As Nelleys spoke, Duchess Vanessa found herself nodding in agreement.
She too realized something in that moment: Claude was the kind of person who could withstand any choice he made.
Calculated love might produce better results than a fateful romance, but whatever path he took, she would support him.
After all, he was Prince Claude.
Feeling unexpectedly at ease, Duchess Vanessa offered the Queen a reassuring smile.
The very next day, Duchess Vanessa received written proof that her worries had been unnecessary.
A letter arrived from Felice. She wrote that Claude was in love with Lady Elise, and that she’d be staying at his estate a little longer because of that.
Felice sounded confident that everything would progress smoothly, and Vanessa couldn’t help but smile at the earnest apology in her words for declining the Duchess’s offer. The determination to do her job perfectly shone through.
Still, the Duchess had her own thoughts.
“If only she could realize how beautiful she is herself from time to time… But I suppose that’s just part of her charm.”
Duchess Vanessa wrote a reply, telling Felice she could always call for help if she needed it.
“Admiral Mellon once saved my younger brother’s life, after all… I only hope none of this leaves a scar on Felice’s heart.”
And with that, Duchess Vanessa decided to leave everything else to the heat of summer.
Perhaps, she thought, things had already slipped out of her hands.
* * *
Felice breathed a sigh of relief when she received the Duchess’s reply.
Thinking back to the look on the Duchess’s face, her gentle tone, and her offer, Felice had been nervous about how her refusal would be perceived.
Thankfully, the Duchess had assured her it was all right.
Still, Felice couldn’t help but feel her conscience prickling as she set the letter aside and let out a string of deep sighs.
It was true that she’d have to stay at Claude’s estate a while longer because of the new ‘lessons’ he’d requested, but she had nothing to say about the Duchess’s other concerns.
The only thing that gave her some comfort was that Claude was in love with Elise. Felice might be awakening to her own desires, but as long as she was careful, the Duchess’s fears would never come to pass.
So Felice made three solemn promises to herself:
First, the 10,000 francs.
Second, her grandfather’s sword.
Third, Duchess Vanessa’s concern.
But even with all three promises etched into her heart, she was worried she’d be shaken again by Claude’s physical presence.
“Haa… No, that’s not it.”
Felice shook her head firmly.
She had to keep things in perspective.
“These are just the lessons Claude requested—nothing more. This isn’t about my own desires or selfishness. And besides…”
As Felice spoke, her words trailed off for a moment. But then she nodded, trying to convince herself.
“Claude… he’s in love with Lady Elise.”
With that, Felice shot up from her seat. She walked to the window, pulled back the curtains, and opened it.
Gripping the windowsill, she leaned out and closed her eyes, taking in the fresh morning air and hoping it would drive out her muddled thoughts.
And that’s when she sensed someone’s presence.
“…Claude?”
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