Chapter 90
The Marchioness is coming to the event too? And she knows everything, even supporting through this…
With a sorrowful face, Felice buried her head in her pillow. Tears began to seep out.
“I really didn’t want to disappoint her…”
Felice knew the Marchioness was aware that she made a living as a ‘romance tutor’, helping ladies with their private affairs. But she doubted the Marchioness realized just what sort of work she was doing at Claude’s side.
And even if she did know, surely she wouldn’t want Felice standing next to her nephew at such an official gathering.
No matter how much the Marchioness herself had requested Felice’s presence, the gossip was bound to erupt.
What would people think, when the newly wealthy Baron Racliffe, a man without a single public romantic entanglement, suddenly brought his tutor as his partner to a society event?
If only people knew that Claude and the Marchioness were aunt and nephew—it might have been easier. But that relationship couldn’t be revealed, because ‘nephew’ meant he was a prince.
“They’ll just assume it’s an excuse.”
Felice thought, squeezing her eyes shut.
Claude had genuinely asked for her help, but no one else would see it that way. For a nouveau riche Baron to meet a fallen noblewoman wasn’t so unusual, after all.
“Ha…”
Felice had tried to persuade Claude not to bring her to the event, especially knowing Lady Elise would be there. But it seemed Claude had bigger worries.
“I believe the Count has lost much of his trust in me.”
He’d said sadly, confirming that things had taken a much worse turn than Felice had imagined. Since the matter had been her doing, she had no room to argue.
Even the revelation about the forgery had come from her own lips…
“Ha…If only he had asked some other lady for help instead of the Marchioness…”
Felice wiped away the tears leaking into her pillow and turned over.
“But I can’t very well refuse when it’s the Marchioness. If she asks me for a favor, how could I possibly explain why I shouldn’t help her?”
“Ha…”
Another heavy sigh escaped her.
The Marchioness was someone deeply precious to Felice—she was the one who’d taught her that art could be an escape during hard times.
“How could I face her after disappointing her so much? How am I supposed to explain myself…”
Biting her lip, Felice heaved several sighs before finally sitting up in bed.
The only reason she’d ever asked for help from Duchess Vanessa was because the Queen herself had suggested it. If you ever need help, go to the Duchess.
But…
“Of course, the Marchioness has every right to know about her nephew’s affairs, but my client is the Queen herself…”
Felice splashed cold water on her face several times, trying to clear her mind, but no clever solution came to her. She swallowed back her tears.
Just then, a knock came at the door.
“Teacher!”
It was Annie’s bright voice.
Felice quickly composed herself and opened the door with a gentle smile.
“Good morning, Miss Felice!”
Annie looked up at her shyly, blinking her big eyes.
“Good morning, Annie. What brings you here so early?”
Her heart softened at the sight of Annie’s innocent face. For a moment, all her worries faded, and she knelt down to meet Annie’s gaze.
“I have something for you… a present, teacher!”
Annie extended her small hands, revealing a necklace decorated with an old ruby.
“This…? Annie, thank you, but I can’t possibly—”
“I heard you’re going to an important party soon. Princesses need jewels, you know!”
Felice bit her lip, touched by Annie’s thoughtfulness. Of course, she’d accept the gift now, but planned to return it politely to Mr. Thomas later.
“Thank you, Annie. Truly.”
Felice said, taking the necklace and pulling Annie into a warm hug.
“The storybooks say princesses have to meet their prince to be happy.”
Felice simply assumed Annie had been reading fairy tales about princesses and princes.
“Mom says this necklace is for meeting a prince. But I don’t need it.”
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