Chapter 77
After finishing her water, Felice wiped her chin with the back of her hand. Maybe it was because she was sick, but she didn’t feel embarrassed about her unladylike behavior—not even about spilling a bit.
A little dazed, she managed a smile for Claude and asked about his upcoming meeting with Lady Elise.
Claude’s face seemed to flush a little, but Felice just assumed the room was warm.
“I’m planning to attend the sponsors’ gathering. Lady Elise will be there as well.”
Ah, right—this was the season for the sponsors’ event. Felice nodded, already wondering how much she could help Claude prepare before he met Elise.
That’s when Claude surprised her with an unexpected suggestion.
“How about coming with me?”
“…Me? To the sponsors’ gathering?”
Felice stammered, startled.
But the conversation was cut short as the doctor arrived and knocked at the door.
* * *
“Baron Racliffe visited Prudence Hospital, you say?”
Elise set down her teacup, repeating the news. The young lady who brought up the subject was all aglow—society had been abuzz lately with talk of Elise and Racliffe, claiming theirs was a true Romeo and Juliet story.
“Yes! He suddenly showed up there at night. My younger brother works at the hospital, so I know for sure.”
“…I see.”
Elise gave a polite smile. For some reason, Felice Kelton flashed through her mind—her father had been a long-term patient at that same hospital.
“By the way, I hear Baron Racliffe will be attending this year’s sponsors’ gathering, too. They say the only reason is… because of Lady Elise.”
The young women exchanged knowing glances before bursting into laughter.
Elise simply met their speculation with a gentle smile, sipping her tea and hiding her expression behind the cup.
In high society, it was a point of etiquette to never directly address such rumors.
Of course, it wasn’t likely that Baron Racliffe was attending only because of her. …Or maybe he was. He was a man who always reacted in ways she didn’t expect.
Perhaps the reason he’d turned down her invitation was because he wanted to play a little tug-of-war with her—unlike the other men.
He certainly had a way of getting under her skin.
“And apparently, the painter who caused such a stir last year will be there as well!”
At that, all the young women’s eyes sparkled.
Elise was the only one at tea that day who’d actually be attending the sponsors’ gathering, so everyone’s attention focused on her.
“You mean the mysterious artist from last summer? I heard about him too. Just a few days ago, when I saw Count Legrand, he couldn’t stop praising him. I’m looking forward to seeing what he’ll show us next.”
Elise made a point of mentioning Count Legrand
“Count Legrand?”
Their eyes grew wide. They knew who’d first started the gossipy rumors about Elise and Racliffe at his own party.
“He invited me, saying he’d take responsibility for the unpleasantness that happened there.”
“Oh my! Then you must have seen Baron Racliffe that day as well?”
“…Yes.”
Elise offered a soft smile.
Now it was nothing but “Racliffe, Racliffe!” all over again. She’d never had a single scandal until now, but once she became the subject, everyone was positively delighted.
Elise didn’t mind the attention—it only raised her value on the marriage market. And besides, Baron Racliffe wasn’t bad at all. He was, quite possibly, the most handsome man she’d ever seen.
She couldn’t help but wonder what he was like at night.
Was he perfect in that regard, too?
An impish smile appeared on Elise’s lips as her thoughts wandered.
“I also heard that the artist is attending the sponsors’ gathering this year—which is rare for him. He’s known for avoiding such gatherings.”
The excitement at the table grew as Elise mentioned the award-winning artist from last year.
“What if the painters all fall for you, Lady Elise? And you already have Baron Racliffe!”
“Oh, that would never happen. Besides, there’s nothing going on between the Baron and me.”
Elise replied with a gentle smile, politely drawing a line.
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