Chapter 2.2

The New Year’s Mass held on the first day of the year is not attended by those who aren’t devout believers. Usually, people attend the Year-End Mass on December 31 or the weekend Mass that includes January 1.

However, the Dowager Duchess of the Devon Ducal Household wasn’t attending the New Year’s Mass out of piety. She was avoiding the nobles who flocked to see her, the royal family’s collateral and the eldest of the Devon Ducal Household, wherever she went. If it were just greetings, she could tolerate it, but they also pushed their unmarried daughters or sisters onto her, which was even more bothersome.

But the nobles had no choice.

The Duke himself wasn’t interested in marriage, and the late Duchess rarely appeared, leaving only the Dowager Duchess to discuss marriage prospects. Rumors that the Dowager Duchess, who usually stayed in the southeastern estate, was staying longer in the capital this year to arrange the Duke’s marriage added to the tension.

‘Really, can’t even make proper eye contact.’

When a young lady tripped while curtsying before the Dowager Duchess, she clicked her tongue openly. Not hiding her discomfort afterward, she finally found some peace to attend the Mass comfortably.

The fact that there were no notable figures in the capital was something even she hadn’t anticipated. However, the frequent mistakes made by the young ladies were largely due to the Dowager Duchess. Despite her age, her sharp eyes and stern demeanor were so intimidating that merely meeting her gaze could crush one’s spirit. Even ladies who had been active in society found it difficult to speak, so how much harder must it be for the younger ones?

Yet, in the Dowager Duchess’s mind, such reasons did not exist. How could a child who trembles before the Dowager Duchess possibly face the royal family as the lady of the Devon Ducal Household? 

‘How on earth does the noble society function? It’s an act of devaluing oneself.’

Thus, the Dowager Duchess was once again criticizing the lax education of daughters in noble society. She thought it was only the Earl Rosewood’s Household, but it seemed to be a general trend lately. At least that child had proper manners, unlike many others.

‘In haste, we can’t just let anyone into the Ducal Household. What to do?’

If she could marry off her grandson and, if time permitted, see her great-grandchildren continue the lineage, she would have fulfilled her responsibilities and duties, allowing her to close her eyes peacefully. Yet even this simple goal seemed elusive.

Having nothing more to see, the Dowager Duchess ignored those seeking opportunities and left the cathedral. However, she stopped at the door.

“Oh dear.”

The temperature had dropped sharply during mass, turning the snow from the end of the year into ice covering the roads. Walking with a cane seemed dangerous. Reluctantly, she sent her maid to call for the coachman and sat on a nearby bench.

“Excuse me…”

A voice unfamiliar to her ears spoke.

“Hmm?”

“Are you uncomfortable?”

Turning her head toward the voice, the Dowager Duchess saw Wendy standing there. Leaning on her cane, she frowned.

“It’s not so uncomfortable that I can’t walk without relying on the cane.”

“Oh, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean it that way. I just thought I’d check since you were sitting alone in the cold.”

Wendy’s cheeks flushed red with embarrassment. Seeing her sitting alone with a frown, Wendy had thought she might be unwell. However, fearing that her premature help might have offended the old lady’s pride, Wendy was flustered.

“I’m sorry. I was quite rude.”

Wendy sincerely apologized to the still frowning old lady.

“You are… Wendy Rosewood, aren’t you?”

The Dowager Duchess suddenly realized she hadn’t formally met Wendy, unlike the Earl Rosewood couple or Jayden, who often visited the Ducal Household to meet Lucas.

Wendy had never visited the Devon Ducal Household separately, and at banquets, the Dowager Duchess hadn’t felt the need to be introduced to Wendy, so their encounters were oddly missed.

“Do you know me?”

“…”

Don’t you know me?

The Dowager Duchess almost asked in return.

“I know your parents.”

“Oh, I see. I apologize for the late greeting.”

Wendy bent one knee and greeted politely.

Not bad. 

It was a rather generous evaluation from the Dowager Duchess.

Her posture was straight, and the degree of bending her knee and bowing her head was appropriate. Though still unripe, her movements were free from unnecessary gestures, giving a sense of dignity. The Countess of Rosewood had boasted that she had taught her well without any shortcomings, and it seemed to be true.

‘A pretty child.’

Though still youthful, with a little more refinement, she could attract the attention of many men. Being the daughter of the Earl Rosewood’s Household, her family was decent, the Earl’s business was quite large, and her siblings, Karen and Jayden, were all fulfilling their roles.

That’s why she heard that many families were interested, yet she was curious why a match hadn’t been decided yet.

“Well, nice to meet you. I am Catherine…”

Suddenly struck by a thought, the Dowager Duchess closed her mouth.

The Countess of Rosewood claimed she had no ambition for the Devon Ducal Household, but would this child feel the same? Since this child didn’t know who she was, it was a good opportunity to find out her true intentions.

The Dowager Duchess’s thin lips curled mischievously.

“I’m Catherine Ezni.”

The Dowager Duchess used her maiden name, which she couldn’t remember when she last mentioned.

“So, you said you wanted to help me, right? Then let me rely on you.”

“Oh, yes.”

“Help me up.”

When the Dowager Duchess extended one arm, Wendy quickly helped her up.

“I thought I’d get some fresh air, but the road is too slippery.”

“Is it okay with this cold weather?”

“Why, do you dislike taking a walk with me?”

“No. Actually, the mass was a bit boring…”

Wendy quickly closed her mouth and watched the Dowager Duchess’s reaction.

Her cheeks, which were red, were clearly not just from the cold, causing the Dowager Duchess to chuckle inadvertently.

“You ran away?”

“Oh, well… I’ve been a bit resentful of God lately.”

“What? So you’re rebelling?”

“I usually attend mass diligently, so I believe He’ll forgive this brief rebellion.”

“My goodness.”

The Dowager Duchess looked at Wendy with disbelief. However, Wendy smiled cutely, enough to show wrinkles at the tip of her nose, and loosened her scarf.

“Are you cold?”

She carefully wrapped the white scarf, adorned with a blue gemstone brooch, around the Dowager Duchess’s neck.

Had I ever received such warm consideration? 

The Dowager Duchess, feeling both bewildered and embarrassed, stroked the scarf wrapped around her neck. She disliked cumbersome things and rarely wore necklaces, but the soft touch was quite pleasing.

“Though I’m grateful, it feels like you’re tying me into your conspiracy.”

“Oh, that’s not it. If I must be scolded, I’ll take full responsibility, so don’t worry.”

“Worry…”

Wendy linked arms with her, causing her to close her mouth.

How could there be a child so unreserved? Should I call her bold or thoughtless?

Well, Jayden had also been affectionate, calling me ‘Grandmother’ from our first meeting, so it must be a family trait.

“I’ll hold the cane for you, so would you like to lean on me?”

“Could you?”

Caught off guard, the Dowager Duchess handed over the cane and leaned on Wendy as they slowly entered the narrow path behind the cathedral. It was short but designed as a Via Dolorosa (Way of the Cross), so it wasn’t easy to walk.

Wendy, supporting the Dowager Duchess, walked slowly and carefully.

“Did you see the outside scenery when it snowed heavily last year? It was so beautiful.”

“Well, I think I didn’t have the leisure to enjoy it as walking becomes inconvenient when it snows.”

“Oh, that’s a pity. It was really beautiful. I wandered the garden alone at night. Strangely, I always wanted to step on untouched snow first.”

The Dowager Duchess listened quietly to Wendy’s words.

In fact, she didn’t particularly like talkative people. But Wendy’s chatter, with its clear and cheerful voice, was not bothersome. Sometimes, the content was so unexpected that it made her tilt her head.

“Did you hear? The Dowager Duchess of Devon is here.”

“I saw the Countess of Rosewood greet the Dowager Duchess earlier. Oh, but Lady Wendy wasn’t there? I definitely saw her get out of the carriage together.”

“She must be looking for the Duke of Devon. Doesn’t she do that every time? Without any pride.”

Simultaneously, the Dowager Duchess and Wendy stopped in their tracks.

Someone was talking about Wendy, but it was hard to see who it was. Hidden by the corner of the cathedral, only a part of their dress was visible, and by their voices, she guessed there were a couple of them.

“She’s not a child, yet she makes it so obvious. The Duke must find it quite awkward.”

“He treats her well because she’s his friend’s sister, but she doesn’t know her place and keeps following him. Lady Wendy really is a bother, isn’t she?”

“Just that alone shows she doesn’t fit with the Ducal Household. I’m sure the Dowager Duchess doesn’t approve either.”

Feeling a grip on her arm, the Dowager Duchess glanced at Wendy. The face that had been cheerfully chatting just moments ago had hardened.

“Don’t worry too much. People who like to talk about others are never decent.”

Wendy made a small sound of contemplation and nodded.

“I can’t help it if I hear such things. It’s not untrue.”

“…”

“It’s just that what weighs heavily on me has become a light mockery for others, and that’s sad.”

Seeing Wendy forcing a smile, the Dowager Duchess gently patted her hand holding her arm. Then she led Wendy in the opposite direction of the ladies.

But for a while, there was silence. The Dowager Duchess glanced at Wendy’s expression.

“So, you like… ahem, the Duke of Devon? But the Duke isn’t interested in you?”

It was more embarrassing than she thought to bring up her grandson.

The Dowager Duchess awkwardly finished her question with a cough, but fortunately, Wendy didn’t notice anything strange.

“Um, yes.”

“So what do you plan to do?”

“In the future? I’m not sure.”

Wendy lowered her head gloomily. If she could have decided quickly, she wouldn’t have spent days worrying.

“I guess I’ll have to give up.”

“Are you going to give up?”

“Well, I can’t keep going like this. What if I’m a bother to Lucas, like those people said? Plus, he’s very close to my brother, so I don’t want things to become uncomfortable because of me.”

“…”

The Dowager Duchess still remembered Wendy from her debut, perhaps because she had carefully observed her since Lucas had been her dance partner. The vibrant youth typical of her age, the freshness of a young lady just stepping into the adult world, had been quite impressive. She even briefly recalled what she was like at a similar age.

But the currently troubled Wendy was very different from that first impression. Her emerald eyes, like the southern sea reflecting summer sunlight, were now overshadowed by thick lashes, losing their brightness.

What was it about love that could make such a bright child so gloomy in an instant?

“What do you like so much about the Duke?”

“Well, he’s kind and takes good care of me.”

“Hmm? What did you say?”

“He’s kind and takes good care of me.”

“Who?”

“Lucas.”

“…”

The Dowager Duchess remained silent for a moment.