Translator: Nox

Chapter 59

~Chapter 59~

Harriet had now become a popular guest at Annabelle Leighton’s tea parties and gatherings.

At this gathering themed “The Charm of Autumn,” Annabelle seated Harriet right next to her.

“Isn’t the weather just lovely these days? The breeze is so refreshing, and the falling leaves are utterly romantic.”

“You have to be careful in blooming spring and this season. You might just fall in love with anyone if you’re not watchful.”

Everyone burst into laughter at the joke.

Thanks to the warm tea and delicious pastries, the girls’ chatter grew even more lively.

They exchanged the latest gossip and intriguing tidbits.

“Oh, have you heard about Viviana Delus?”

“Viviana Delus? Ah! She’s one of Bella Listerwell’s close associates, right?”

When Bella’s name came up, the girls glanced cautiously at Harriet. After all, she was Bella’s cousin, and they worried she might take offense.

But Harriet calmly sliced into her financier as if nothing had happened.

Reassured, the young lady who had brought up the topic continued excitedly.

“They say she’s no longer part of Bella’s group anymore. Apparently, she was kicked out.”

“What happened?”

“At a party hosted by Bella, there was some minor spat. They say Viviana refused to apologize, and Bella hasn’t spoken to her since.”

At that moment, Harriet—who had seemed utterly disinterested—unexpectedly joined the conversation.

“What exactly happened?”

The young lady who had started the story furrowed her brow, searching her memory.

“Bella was handing out La Bonnez creams as party favors, and Viviana apparently said they were nothing special, loud enough for everyone to hear. It was quite rude.”

Another girl chimed in. “Viviana likes a man named Adam Hoffner, but he’s got his eye on Bella. That’s why Viviana was always jealous and picking fights.”

“And they say Viviana was the ugliest in Bella’s group. Bella must have put up with a lot.”

“Still, picking a fight at Bella’s party? She must have had too much to drink.”

The room filled with laughter once more.

Harriet sipped her tea with a faint smile. The topic soon shifted to some noblewoman’s new dress, and everyone forgot about Viviana.

But Harriet couldn’t stop thinking about her.

This story sounds so familiar. A perfectly fine person suddenly painted as jealous and rude? That’s exactly what happened to me.

Harriet clearly remembered Viviana Delus.

She had once come to Harriet personally, confessing that she had a crush on someone attending Bella’s party and asking for more soap.

If she liked someone there, there was no way she would deliberately insult Bella.

It was probably the same situation that had happened to Harriet before.

Returning home after politely mingling, Harriet immediately wrote a letter to Viviana.

“To Lady Viviana Delus,

…I recently heard some troubling rumors at a gathering. But I don’t believe them. I’m certain the story has been distorted to your disadvantage.

I bought some strawberry tea at the Eleanor Suite Room recently, and it’s so delicious I hate to drink it alone.

If you’re ever in the mood for a warm cup of tea, please send a reply.”

Just as she was folding the letter, sealing it with her personal seal, and preparing to send it off, another name came to mind.

She hesitated.

“Should I write it or not?”

She had things she wanted to say, but she wasn’t sure if that person would welcome a letter from her.

After a moment’s hesitation, the tip of her pen finally touched the paper.

“To Lady Daphne Laurel,

How has your health been lately?

As an apology for my past rudeness, I’m sending a gift. It’s Lavender Facial Mist from Saint Clarissa’s herbal soap shop. I hope you’ll accept it.

There’s no other meaning behind it. I simply wish its soothing scent to accompany your day.”

Since Daphne wasn’t someone she could casually chat with, Harriet skipped even the usual pleasantries about the weather.

After rereading both letters, she took out the two bottles of facial mist she had bought after meeting Daphne and carefully wrapped them—one for Viviana, one for Daphne.

If they accepted them, great. If not… well, nothing to be done.

Still, sincerely hoping her true intentions would be conveyed, Harriet called for an errand boy.

A few days later, Harriet received a heartwarming reply.

“To Lady Harriet,

…Your gift and the kindness in your letter touched me deeply. Thank you.

If it wouldn’t be an imposition, I’d love to have tea together sometime soon.

– Viviana Delus”

Harriet had thought there was a fifty-fifty chance Viviana would resent her or welcome the letter. Fortunately, it was the latter.

But there was no reply from Daphne. At least the gift hadn’t been returned.

Normally, one would send a thank-you note upon receiving a gift, and Daphne wasn’t the type to ignore such etiquette. So it was a bit puzzling.

At least she didn’t refuse the gift. I’ll just think of it as some advertising. Harriet comforted herself, brushing off her disappointment.

But in truth, Daphne couldn’t shake off the matter so easily.

What should I do with this?

She fiddled with the Lavender Mist bottle, already half used, and let out a sigh.

When Harriet’s gift and letter arrived a few days ago, Daphne felt genuine warmth for the first time.

The letter was short, but sincerity shone through it. Grateful, she accepted the gift and spritzed it on her pillow that very night.

How should I write the reply?

With a slightly fluttering heart, she pulled out her prettiest stationery and picked up her pen.

She began like this.

“To Lady Harriet Listerwell,”

—But she immediately crossed out “Listerwell” with two thick lines. She wasn’t ready to call that name with affection yet.

Using the discarded paper as a draft, she awkwardly jotted down what she wanted to say.

*…I’m sorry about what happened back then. I must have caused you so much trouble, and yet you reached out first with such kindness… I don’t know how to express my gratitude.

The Lavender Mist you sent is wonderful. I tried it on my pillow, and the scent is amazing. I think I can sleep soundly tonight.

If it wouldn’t be rude, could we meet sometime? I’d love to have tea together.*

After carefully copying it onto fresh paper, Daphne smiled brightly for the first time in ages.

She called her maid to deliver the letter.

But…

I should have sent it via official messenger.

Daphne sighed once more.

That day, as the maid was heading downstairs with the letter, she ran into the butler.

“What’s that?”

“Oh, Butler! The young miss asked me to deliver this letter.”

“I see. Hand it over. I was just about to send the Count’s letter anyway, so I’ll include it.”

The maid handed it over without a second thought.

But the moment the butler saw “Listerwell” on the envelope, he froze and immediately took it to Count Laurel.

Naturally, the Count flew into a rage.

“The name Listerwell alone gives me chills, and of all people, Harriet Listerwell? Why on earth would you get involved with that girl?”

Daphne was summoned, and though flustered, she tried to defend Harriet.

She argued that Harriet had cut ties with her family and changed.

But her father wouldn’t be persuaded.

“Nonsense! You have to choose your friends carefully. Who knows what rumors you’ll get dragged into associating with a troublemaker like her. I’m burning this.”

Without hesitation, he tossed the letter into the fireplace.

From then on, Count Laurel personally checked all of Daphne’s letters, which was why she hadn’t been able to send a reply for over ten days.

She continued using the Lavender Mist every day. It really did help her sleep.

Not replying would seem so rude… What should I do?

Daphne could only let out a deep, heavy sigh.

Meanwhile, figuring that Viviana had truly distanced herself from Bella, Harriet sent an invitation for tea time a week after receiving the reply.

Viviana gladly accepted.

“Inviting a guest to my room for the first time.”

She politely declined Trisha’s suggestion to use the drawing room.

It was just one person, after all, and she didn’t want to give the impression of flaunting the Pellon family’s prestige.

I’ll serve strawberry tea, with raspberry cake and chocolate financiers on the side…

As Harriet personally planned the tea time with care, a soft, satisfied smile spread across her face.