Chapter 3.1 – First Love Does Not Come True

On a day in March when the cherry blossoms began to bloom, the Countess of Rosewood and Wendy went for an outing near the capital by carriage.

“Lucas is such a thoughtful child. He only mentioned it in passing last year, but he didn’t forget and invited us.”

Last year, when the cherry blossoms were in full bloom in the capital, the Countess of Rosewood was in the south taking care of Karen and missed the blooming season. Lucas had promised to invite her to his villa near the capital, famous for its double cherry blossoms, as she regretted missing the usual spring picnic. This year, Lucas kept his promise and invited the Earl Rosewood’s Household during the blooming season in March.

“Wow, it already feels like spring is in the air.”

Wendy leaned her head out of the carriage window and exclaimed in admiration. As they said, there were so many double cherry blossoms that the low hill ahead was entirely pink.

“Be careful, Wendy. Don’t stick your head out.”

“But, Mother, look at those. The double cherry blossoms are so beautiful.”

“You’ll see them enough to get tired of them over the next three days.”

However, the Countess’s scolding was of no use to the excited Wendy. Wendy only settled down quietly after the Countess pulled her arm and forced her to sit.

“Let’s try to behave like a lady this year, Wendy.”

Having spent a whole season in society talking about Lucas without any gains, she couldn’t let it happen again this year. So, she resolved to be strict with Wendy this year, but Wendy wouldn’t listen at all.

‘Did I spoil her too much, as the Dowager Duchess said?’

With futile regret, the Countess glanced at Wendy and placed a bonnet hat on her glossy black hair. She tied the white lace ribbon prettily under her slender chin and adjusted Wendy’s disheveled hair for quite a while before releasing her hand with a satisfied smile.

While Wendy quietly let her hair be arranged, she suddenly asked,

“When are Father and Brother coming?”

“They said they’d arrive before dinner.”

“That’s a relief. Father has been so busy lately, and I was worried.”

“Indeed.”

Though they said they’d come late, the Earl was in a situation where it was hard to find time. But seeing Wendy, who had been drooping all winter, excitedly preparing for an outing, he couldn’t bring himself to say he couldn’t go. Even if he couldn’t go, Wendy wouldn’t wait eagerly if she was distracted by the cherry blossoms. Thinking this, the Earl sent his wife and daughter ahead. Of course, if Wendy didn’t actually wait, she would be disappointed and feel let down.

“It looks like we’ve arrived.”

Lucas’s villa was visible in the distance. It was a three-story wooden building with a blue roof and painted white, similar in atmosphere to the Devon Ducal Household, so it was recognizable at once.

When the carriage stopped and the door opened, it was unexpectedly Lucas who offered his hand to the Countess. Like Jayden, he had apologized in advance for possibly being late due to military duties and assured them of preparations to avoid inconvenience.

“Oh my, Lucas. Were you here first?”

“Yes, of course, I should be here when you arrive, Mother.”

With impeccable escort posture, the Countess took his hand and stepped out of the carriage.

“Thank you for not forgetting to invite us.”

“I was worried because it had been vacant for so long. I hope you like it.”

“The scenery alone is already delightful.”

“Hello, Lucas.”

Wendy, who was supposed to be escorted next, jumped out of the carriage before Lucas could offer his hand. As soon as her white shoes touched the ground, the wind blew.

“Oh my!”

With a short scream, Wendy’s black hair fluttered, and her white dress billowed like apple blossoms in the wind.

“Wendy.”

Lucas supported Wendy’s arm, who staggered while holding the ribbon of her bonnet hat and the hem of her fluttering dress. When the wind stopped, Wendy looked up at Lucas and smiled sheepishly.

“I’ll tie it for you.”

The white ribbon moved around Lucas’s fingers and settled prettily near Wendy’s chin.

“Next time, wait. You should give me a chance to escort you.”

“Yes, I will.”

The white ribbon fluttered as she nodded. Lucas tucked the loose black hair behind her ear and fixed the ribbon once more.

“Thank you.”

“You’re welcome. The wind is strong because of the high ground. It’s better to fasten everything tightly.”

Lucas responded with a smile and turned to the Countess.

“Shall we go inside, Mother?”

Wendy was about to follow Lucas but stopped in her tracks at the sight of the garden. The cherry trees, densely planted along the low waist-high fence, bloomed pink like cotton candy, and every time the wind blew, cherry blossom petals scattered like snowflakes. It was so beautiful, like a delicate landscape painting by a skilled artist, that Wendy was captivated instantly.

“Can I walk around before going in?”

“What’s the hurry? The cherry trees won’t run away.”

“But the cherry blossoms seen today are different from those seen tomorrow.”

Despite the Countess’s dissuasion, Wendy was ready to run into the garden immediately. Though they had just arrived, her cheeks were already flushed with anticipation and excitement.

“I’ll call you when the tea is ready, Wendy.”

Wendy responded half-heartedly and immediately stepped briskly. At that moment, the wind blew, and the white lace skirt fluttered like butterfly wings. Annoyed, she grabbed the skirt and ran, revealing her white slender ankles with each step.

“Wendy is the same as ever.”

“She’s too much the same, that’s the problem. Did the Dowager Duchess return to Porto Heli?”

“Yes, she’s likely to come back up around summer.”

As Wendy disappeared from view, the Countess and Lucas headed to the villa.

“Wendy still hasn’t greeted her, so she might get a scolding.”

“Won’t it be fine? Grandmother already knows Wendy.”

“She knows too well. I’m worried she might not be pleased with Wendy.”

“What did Grandmother say?”

Though it wasn’t very noticeable, Lucas’s tone grew slightly sharp.

“Oh, she didn’t say anything. I’m just worried she might say something about Wendy’s conduct.”

“Wendy hasn’t done anything wrong.”

“You saw earlier, right? If she runs like that in front of the Dowager Duchess, she’ll be scolded immediately.”

Ah. 

Lucas chuckled.

The Dowager Duchess is someone who believes a noble should only run when they feel their life is threatened. When he once asked if it was okay to run when someone had passed away, she scolded him, saying, What’s the point? They’re already dead.

“Maybe it wouldn’t be bad if she got scolded once. After all, her father and I are too lenient with Wendy.”

“Wendy is cute enough as she is.”

“Most men don’t decide to marry because someone is cute.”

“But isn’t she still young?”

“Karen married at Wendy’s age.”

Oh, right.

Karen, who treated Lucas comfortably from the beginning without distinction from Jayden, had a strong impression of being an older ‘sister’ in his mind. So, it was surprising to realize now that Karen at the time of her marriage and Wendy now were the same age.

“See? Lucas, you’re surprised too, aren’t you?”

“Yes.”

“That’s why I can’t help but worry.”

Ha ha. 

While listening to the Countess’s lament quite warmly, Lucas guided her directly to the room where she would stay.

The owner of this villa was Lucas, but he willingly offered the largest, sunniest room with a good view of the garden to the Countess.

“I hope you like it.”

“My goodness, it’s so pretty. Wendy would be envious if she knew.”

Spring breezes flowed through the window left open for ventilation. The bright atmosphere, with white curtains fluttering and warm sunlight pouring in, was quite different from the exterior of this villa and the Devon Ducal Household. This was because, thanks to frequent visits, Lucas knew the tastes of the Countess and Wendy well and spared no effort to hastily change the bedding, curtains, carpets, and even small furniture.

“You’re better than my own son. As I always say.”

“Well, Jayden treats my mother and grandmother well.”

“That’s why I say my son is useless.”

If Jayden were here, he would joke that bringing a friend better than a son isn’t useless.

“Then take your time coming down. After preparing tea, I’ll go fetch Wendy.”

“Yes, please.”