Chapter 98
“I’ve been well, Marchioness. Thank you for asking.”
“Oh, that’s good to hear. And how has Lord Racliffe been? How’s Annie these days?”
“Thanks to your kindness, Annie is enjoying some of the happiest days of her life.”
The Marchioness smiled gracefully, seamlessly joining in the little charade. Then, after exchanging a polite greeting with Count Legrand—who, for once, acted with perfect courtesy—she prepared to excuse herself with Felice.
“I do hope I haven’t put Lord Racliffe in an awkward position. He’s unmarried, so I feel a bit sorry for asking him to look after Lady Felice.”
“Not at all.”
The Marchioness, aware of all the watchful eyes, subtly let it be known that Felice was at the event as her own request. She was just about to lead Felice away, when—
“Madam.”
Claude spoke up, cutting her off before she could say another word.
Felice looked at Claude in surprise. This had been her chance to quietly slip away to the Marchioness’s side, but now, thanks to Claude, the moment was lost.
With an easy smile, Claude turned to the Marchioness.
“Thanks to you, Lady Felice was able to attend as my partner today. I’ve heard this is her first time visiting the Royal Academy of Arts. Annie is a child from my household, and since Lady Felice has taken such good care of her, I wanted to show my gratitude by giving her a personal tour.”
Both Felice and the Marchioness froze at his words.
If there were a reporter in the room, their pen would have been flying across the page by now.
All the noblewomen and young ladies nearby began to murmur amongst themselves.
At that moment, Julian stepped in.
“In that case, perhaps I could give the tour instead? After all, this is a patron event—Baron Racliffe, aren’t you busy enough just admiring the artwork?”
Claude tilted his head, as if he hadn’t even realized Julian was still present.
“As an artist, don’t you need to stay and explain your paintings to the patrons? I imagine you’ll be busy.”
“Not at all. I have plenty of time. My paintings are well-known—there’s hardly anyone here unfamiliar with them. And I don’t think there are any guests today who don’t know me.”
An odd tension settled over the group. It was starting to feel like a contest between two men—over Felice.
Felice couldn’t understand why this was happening or why it had to be about her.
“I’m all right. There’s really no need for a tour.”
Felice quickly interjected, turning to the Marchioness.
“Actually, I was hoping to discuss Annie with you, if you don’t mind, Madam?”
But Claude didn’t even give the Marchioness time to respond, jumping in again:
“Oh, Lady Felice. Didn’t you say you were looking forward to seeing the school? It must have felt a bit overwhelming to have a stranger suddenly jump in the conversation.”
Wait, when did I say that? Felice stared at Claude, her eyes wide and flustered. In fact, this wasn’t even her first visit to the school! Caught in Claude’s web of half-truths, she could only fidget uncomfortably.
Claude didn’t stop there. Turning slightly towards Felice, his eyes narrowed in a way only she could see.
“I imagine Lady Felice is just a bit overwhelmed, being new to these patron events. It’s not uncommon for artists to cross the line in hopes of gaining a sponsor, after all.”
Really, Claude?
Felice truly had no idea what he was trying to do.
In the end, the Marchioness stepped in to smooth things over.
“I’m always happy to talk about Annie, but since it’s Lady Felice’s first time at the Academy, I’m sure she must be curious about it. If there’s time later, I’d like to join you, but for now, I’d like to ask Julian a bit more about his painting.”
With that, Claude smiled politely, thanked the Marchioness, and led Felice out of the gallery.
The moment they were far enough away, Felice turned to Claude, ready to protest—
But just then, a faint moan could be heard nearby.
Felice froze, glancing sideways at Claude, who only shrugged his shoulders.
Could that moan possibly be… Lady Elise?
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