Chapter 72
“Just kidding. We’ll reach the post office soon.”
Felice smiled at Claude’s joke, even if she was a little suspicious about why he felt the need to add that last comment.
* * *
After being swept up in Rose’s flurry of compliments, Felice couldn’t refuse when Rose insisted she change into a new dress right then and there. Rose promised to send back the dress she’d been wearing to the Racliffe estate for her.
Since Felice had been invited to dinner, she decided to just go along with Rose’s suggestion. She only barely managed to talk Rose out of giving her some of her own jewelry as well.
On the way back, Felice found herself smoothing down the fabric of her new dress over and over, unable to stop smiling. It had been a long time since she felt such excitement—an elegant dinner, wonderful people, and beautiful clothes.
She paused for a moment at the gates, eyes lingering on the Racliffe family crest. Then, the sound of Annie’s cheerful laughter drifted from beyond the door, and a bright smile bloomed across Felice’s face.
She couldn’t wait to see everyone.
Passing the central fountain and walking along the lovely garden path, Felice spotted the staff bustling about the west garden, preparing for the evening. Although dinner wasn’t quite ready yet, Claude was already seated at the end of a white table, with Annie perched on his knee and holding the book Felice had given her.
Claude’s voice was quiet, but she could hear the words.
“Haha, the little piglet is just adorable!”
He’d barely read a few lines before Annie burst into giggles again. Thomas, no longer in his work clothes, sat nearby with his hair neatly combed back, watching Claude and Annie with a satisfied smile.
Felice stood frozen for a moment, watching the heartwarming scene as if spellbound.
“Miss Felice!”
Annie, suddenly sliding off Claude’s lap, waved her hands excitedly.
Felice waved back and offered a polite nod in Claude’s direction.
Annie rushed over to her, and as she leaped into Felice’s arms, Thomas got up from his seat in surprise, while Claude just chuckled.
“You look so pretty, Miss Felice!”
Annie squealed, hugging her tight.
“Thank you, Annie. You look lovely too.”
Felice replied, hugging the girl close.
“Come this way, Miss Felice!”
Today, even the maids had set aside their uniforms for prettier dresses. Though they still brought out dishes and set the table, everyone had happy smiles.
Felice soon found herself swept up in the cheerful conversation.
“Please, have some, Miss Felice.”
“Thank you.”
The happiness that bloomed in her heart felt like a rainbow—beautiful, yet fleeting and out of reach, always threatening to disappear.
And, like a rainbow, her happiness lasted only a moment.
“Fe… lic… e!”
The cheerful conversation suddenly faltered, Felice’s heart dropping with a thud. Somewhere beyond the garden, she heard a voice she recognized—a voice that cut right through her.
“Felice! You’re here, aren’t you? How could you do this—leave your father in the hospital?!”
The shouting grew louder at the gate, and Felice’s eyelids fluttered anxiously. Annie, sitting beside her, glanced up with a worried look.
“Miss Felice?”
At Annie’s gentle call, Felice managed a wavering smile.
“I just have something I need to take care of, Annie. Could you stay here with your father for a little while?”
“…Master.”
Just then, the butler Ben hurried over.
While Ben spoke quietly with Claude, Felice felt she couldn’t just sit there any longer. The voice at the gate continued to scratch at her nerves, and finally, she couldn’t stand it.
Ben finished relaying his message, bowing his head. Claude turned to watch Felice as she stood up.
“Claude…”
Felice was going to speak, but Claude simply smiled.
“Felice, would you join me for a walk? Ben, please continue with dinner.”
He spoke as if nothing were wrong, patting Ben on the shoulder before offering Felice his arm.
“Huh?”
She frowned in confusion, but he only smiled brighter.
“I’m quite fond of walks. And it seems you’re already up, so let’s take a stroll.”
Before she could protest, he gently took Felice’s arm and led her away.
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