Chapter 4
“Is it true that woman—Selma, or whatever her name is—is coming to the memorial dinner?”
“It’s true.”
“Good heavens.”
“It’s the thirteenth anniversary, Aunt. Father has been alone long enough.”
“I’m not blaming him for that. Of course the Viscount can remarry. But that woman…”
The Baroness paused and looked at her. In that brief moment, Rosalyn felt a strong sense of kinship with her.
“Mrs. Selma is a commoner, dear.”
Someone with no titled relatives. Someone with no direct noble lineage within six degrees of kinship. A commoner.
Times had changed. There were many commoners who had become celebrities or wealthy figures. Yet even they sought to enter society by serving the Imperial Family to earn knighthoods or by taking noble-born wives. Thus, Rosalyn believed there were still values in the world that gold could not buy.
Some might dismiss it as pathetic class consciousness or an outdated custom, but as the eldest daughter of a viscount, status was a matter she could not ignore. The Viscountess of Andover would be the mistress of Fairfield House and her mother’s successor. Was it truly too much to ask for such a woman to be a dignified lady?
“Anyway, that is for the Viscount to handle. I shall focus on your affairs. From now on, I will take charge of you.”
“Are you planning to be my chaperone?”
“Who else is there? The Viscountess is gone, and your aunt lives far away.”
Margaret’s younger sister, Liana, had married a nobleman from the central region and lived on her husband’s estate. Having successfully married off both of her own daughters, the Baroness was the most suitable person to serve as a chaperone. Rosalyn also needed a chaperone if she were to look for a husband as a noble lady. After all, she would have to find a match someday.
“I’ll look for social gatherings to take you to. I shall be very selective, of course. You are my niece, but even so, Rosalyn, you are such a refined young lady. You have a lovely face, a graceful figure, good health, and an upright character. You would be perfect even as a Duchess.”
“Thank you for your high praise, Aunt. And for offering to be my chaperone. But please don’t be in such a rush. As I mentioned, I’d like to stay here for another year or two.”
“I’m giving you sincere advice, child. Think of your father as well,” the Baroness said in a suggestive tone.
“When men fall in love, they lose their sense of judgment. They become desperate just to be near the woman, no matter their age.”
For a moment, Rosalyn felt a slight tightening in her chest.
“Alfred likely wants you to leave Andover. He’s just too soft-hearted to say it. He knows better than anyone how you’ve managed this household all this time.”
The conversation halted there, and both women fell into their own thoughts for a moment. It was after some time had passed that the Baroness broke the silence.
“I should be going now. It would be a disaster to miss the performance.”
When she rose from her seat, Rosalyn followed suit. She did not forget to show her affection by personally helping her aunt into her coat. The Baroness responded by warmly patting her shoulder.
“You should start getting into the habit of going out more. Go to performances, visit the dressmaker, or even browse the department stores. What fun is there for a young lady in this backwater? It takes less than an hour to get to Windburg by train.”
“Thank you for the advice. I’ll keep it in mind.”
“You’re always so quick with your words.”
The Baroness gave her a playful, knowing look, then made a firm suggestion.
“Since we’re talking about it, let’s make an appointment. Come out tomorrow afternoon.”
“Tomorrow?”
“Why so surprised? You were only going to kill time tomorrow with embroidery and the piano anyway, weren’t you?”
Rosalyn fell silent. Besides embroidery and piano, her routine included reading novels and tending to seedlings, but mentioning those would only invite further scolding.
“Let’s go to a department store together. We can visit a café too. Have you ever tried coffee?”
“I prefer tea, Aunt.”
“Look at this old-fashioned girl. Even noble ladies all drink coffee these days. It won’t do to stay so out of touch with the trends, Rose.”
The Baroness clicked her tongue and laughed.
But her face held a glimmer of genuine pride. Older nobles liked young women like Rosalyn. It was only natural for them to find a young person who followed their traditional ways more endearing.
“I’ll see you at Windburg Station at two o’clock tomorrow. You know how to take the train, don’t you?”
“Aunt.”
“I’m joking.”
As she laughed lightly, Rosalyn smiled along with her. The Baroness looked into her niece’s gray eyes—calm eyes that lacked even a hint of the flightiness typical of youth.
“Don’t forget, two o’clock. See you tomorrow.”
“Yes. Have a wonderful time today.”
“I will. Next time, let’s go see an opera together.”
“I look forward to it.”
With impeccable manners and the perfect amount of warmth, Rosalyn saw off her guest from Fairfield House with grace.
To meet at two in the afternoon, she would need to leave here around one. Contrary to her aunt’s assumptions, Rosalyn visited Windburg quite often, mostly to buy embroidery supplies or books, or to take her siblings to exhibitions or concerts. She simply didn’t go often out of concern that Andreana might become too swept up in the city’s bustling atmosphere.
After mentally organizing tomorrow’s schedule, she checked the time. Her father and Victor, who had gone to check on the farm, would be back soon. There was less than thirty minutes left until dinner.
“I intend to hold a ball.”
The Duke’s declaration brought a hush over the room. Even the servants attending the meal held their breath. Victoria, still clutching her cutlery in both hands, stared at the head of the table.
“It is a classical method, but since marriage itself is a classical institution, I suppose it is fitting to use a means suited to it.”
His tone was serious, yet it was laced with Jared’s characteristic cynicism and sarcasm, leaving Victoria more confused than ever. Was he being serious?
“This is the only method I can think of for finding a bride, but if there are more sophisticated and modern ways, feel free to advise me.”
Having said his piece, he cut a piece of food and put it in his mouth. He chewed lightly, then raised his eyes to scan his dining companions. The moment she met those green eyes, Victoria realized it.
He was serious. He intended to hold a ball at Maxville. A so-called ‘Duchess Selection’ to pick his bride.
Victoria was flabbergasted by the idea, which sounded like something out of a fairy tale. To summon all the women who hoped to be the Duchess to one place? What, was he planning to see if there was a lady with a glass slipper?
What on earth is he doing?
“That is a wonderful idea.”
Victoria, who was about to say the exact opposite, turned her head. The speaker was, of course, the Dowager Duchess.
“When were you thinking of holding the ball?”
“The sooner the better. I must marry as quickly as possible to secure an heir.”
“Indeed.”
Diane Glenn nodded and set her cutlery down on her plate. She reached out for her wine glass and took a slow sip, showing no sign of excitement or joy. Even though her son had finally declared his intent to marry after four years of succession—a declaration she had waited so long to hear.
“However, we cannot hold a ball immediately. The young ladies will need time to prepare. And women are at their most beautiful when spring is in full bloom. Since we are doing this, let us make it a grand affair. May would be best; what do you think?”
“Do as you see fit, Mother. I don’t think I have the capacity to worry about the details.”
“Very well. I shall prepare it.”
“Yes.”
The conversation between mother and son ended there. It seemed the decision to hold the Duchess Selection had been finalized.
Victoria was simply stunned by how quickly the situation had unfolded. She hurriedly exchanged glances with her husband across the table, but there was nothing he could do either. They were merely the Duke’s maternal cousins, not even a branch of the Glenn family. Even if they frequented Maxville as close relatives, they had no right to interfere in family matters.
What in the world is going on?
Suddenly feeling as if she were about to suffer from indigestion, Victoria endured the uncomfortable dinner, blaming the maid who had tightened her corset far too much.
