Chapter 1.20
* * *
“I’ve heard so much from Leslie. It seems my daughter has been quite a nuisance to you all this time, hasn’t she?”
“Mom!”
As Leslie shouted in embarrassment, the Lady Count Sufferd let out a light, airy chuckle.
“It was a joke, Leslie. But today, it truly does look like you’ve been a nuisance.”
“Yes. That’s why we have to give Cathy new clothes quickly.”
“New clothes?”
The Countess’s eyebrows arched. Caitlyn hurried to speak.
“I brought a change of clothes. I only came because the Lady insisted that I leave the laundry to the Count’s household, so you needn’t worry about it…….”
“Oh, Miss Hardick.”
The Countess shook her head.
“What am I to do if even Miss Hardick cannot take my jests? Leslie really did bring a friend exactly like herself.”
“That’s a compliment, right, Mom?”
The Countess smirked.
“She’s much taller than Leslie, so wearing Leslie’s clothes is out of the question. Leslie, when is your sister coming back?”
“Hmm…….”
Leslie tilted her head.
“Won’t she come up only after winter is over? She’s always grumbling that it’s colder here than in the South.”
The Countess smiled warmly.
“Then it’s settled. Borrow the dressing room of my eldest daughter, Marianne.”
“I’m really fine with—”
As Caitlyn opened her mouth to refuse, Leslie pulled on her arm from beside her.
“Cathy! You aren’t supposed to refuse a gift given by a friend.”
“The Countess isn’t my friend.”
Leslie didn’t back down for a second.
“Then you aren’t supposed to refuse a gift from a friend’s parent!”
The Countess, who had been quietly listening to their bickering, finally spoke.
“I understand that you feel burdened. But how about thinking of it this way? Think of it as the price for being Leslie’s friend.”
Caitlyn’s eyes widened. To be honest, it was a situation where Leslie should be the one receiving a price, not her. There were people everywhere who wanted to be friends with Leslie Sufferd, but everyone was reluctant to even go near Caitlyn Hardick. Everyone except Leslie. Surprisingly, Leslie seemed to truly believe the Countess’s words.
“Cathy was originally reluctant to be friends with me. Think of it as a reward for that.”
“For a reward, it’s a bit too…….”
“Besides, we’re going to be going out to many places from now on, and I hate for Cathy to be worried because of clothes.”
Caitlyn weighed the situation for a moment. It was clearly an offer born of goodwill, but it was no different from an act of charity. However, that fact didn’t make her feel bad. Because those who had shown her kindness in any form until now were few enough to count on one hand.
“……I will only be in your debt for this winter. Truly…… thank you.”
“No need for such thanks.”
The Countess smiled broadly.
“Don’t think of it as too much of a burden. It’s better for us this way.”
Leslie grabbed Caitlyn’s wrist and led her toward the dressing room, almost dragging her. The dressing room, which was even larger than Caitlyn’s bedroom, was filled with luxurious clothes, and Leslie enjoyed taking out clothes as she saw them and holding them up against Caitlyn.
“I knew it. You look good in whatever you wear. Which of these do you like best?”
Caitlyn chose the simplest dresses possible, but Leslie shook her head and handed her several dresses with flamboyant and provocative designs. Being the clothes of a Count’s daughter, they weren’t exactly vulgar, but they were evening gowns that one would only wear to a free-spirited ball, with deep necklines and backs fully exposed.
“His grace the Archduke will love it.”
Caitlyn stared blankly at Leslie. Did Leslie know? Just how unwillingly she threw herself into Archduke Akbar’s embrace.
‘……She wouldn’t.’
Perhaps she suggested such a dress thinking that Caitlyn wanted to get closer to the Archduke. Caitlyn chuckled.
“Leslie, you said earlier you’d lend me clothes to wear when we go out together.”
“Those clothes are separate! You’ll need this one too, Cathy.”
In the end, Caitlyn couldn’t refuse Leslie’s suggestion and ended up having seven dresses sent to her home. Was it a relief that she at least managed to block the expensive fur coat? Leslie accepted Caitlyn’s words that she wouldn’t even be able to wear it because it was too burdensome, and instead picked out flashy dresses mostly suitable for balls or banquets. It was while she was immersed in her chatter for quite a while.
“Lady Leslie, Mrs. Van Weber is here……”
“Oh, I completely forgot.”
A crease appeared on the bridge of Leslie’s nose.
“I’m sorry, Cathy. Mother won’t tolerate me skipping my lessons……”
“Don’t worry about it. I was planning to head back anyway.”
“Head back? No way!”
Leslie made a piteous face and grabbed Caitlyn.
Discussion
0 CommentsNo comments yet.