Benedict walked slowly towards the drawing room, where he was due to meet Kyla Feilding.

As expected, the sound of rapid piano playing could be heard coming from the slightly open door.

He had heard that she had recently gained quite a reputation as an amateur pianist. She clearly took the instrument very seriously.

Tsk.

Benedict clicked his tongue, unable to comprehend why she would waste her time and energy on such a futile pursuit.

It would have been far more practical for her to devote herself to embroidery or cooking. For a lady of high society, her current level of skill was more than sufficient.

If he were to marry her, he would make sure she gave up the piano completely.

With that thought in mind, he knocked on the door.

However, the thunderous sound of the piano in the otherwise empty drawing room completely drowned out his knock.

Frowning, Benedict stepped inside.

He had to admit that the sight of a woman wholly absorbed in her playing in the spacious, luxurious room was strangely captivating.

He had thought it before: Kyla Feilding’s value lay in her beauty alone.

As if she had finished the piece or finally sensed his presence, Kyla lifted her head.

Her eyes widened slightly and, after a brief pause, she spoke.

“Ah, Mr. Norton. Hello.”

“Miss Feilding. It’s been a while.”

Benedict showed a friendly smile, revealing his teeth—the very same smile that had made the young maid blush just moments ago.

“What brings you to the drawing room…?”

Though she seemed a bit flustered, she quickly rose from her seat and approached him.

“I heard you were practicing the piano here, so I came. There are quite a few rumors praising your skill. Would you play a piece for me?”

He smiled faintly.

“Ah… I see. But as you know, this is the Duke’s drawing room, and I was only given permission to practice here. I don’t think I can invite guests in and perform as I please. I’m sorry, Mr. Norton.”

“Ah, I understand. That was my mistake. Then… that’s unfortunate. In that case, how about a walk instead?”

Of course, Benedict didn’t feel the slightest bit disappointed. Listening to the piano had never been his real objective.

“A walk…? Well…”

She let her words trail off, a faint smile touching her lips.

‘One of those predictable types who thinks accepting a man’s invitation too quickly hurts her pride?’

Benedict narrowed his eyes slightly as he looked at her.

Or perhaps she was simply weighing whether he was a man worth walking beside.

“On a day like this, staying indoors would be a sin. Come outside with me.”

He urged her on gently, his tone deliberately cheerful.

Kyla looked at Benedict Norton with a troubled expression.

Since they first met, he had persistently pried his way into her personal affairs. She had no desire whatsoever to take a walk with him.

However, he hadn’t said or done anything explicitly offensive. Continuing to refuse his requests might be considered impolite.

“Miss Feilding, surely you don’t need the Duke’s permission just to go for a walk?”

“Ah, no. Of course not.”

“Haha.”

She forced a smile in response to his hearty laugh, but it didn’t come naturally.

Following Benedict, she stepped out into the garden. Grey clouds hung low in the sky, as if rain might fall at any moment.

She couldn’t understand what he meant by ‘a day like this’, nor why it would be a sin to stay indoors.

Nevertheless, she found herself quietly hoping that if it rained, she might have an excuse to end the walk early.

Keeping a slight distance between them, she walked at an unhurried pace.

Purple lavender released its rich fragrance, while white geraniums and pink dahlias bloomed in abundance.

Yet beneath the dim, misty sky, Chatsworth’s garden felt less like a beautiful place and more like a lonely, desolate one.

“I must admit, I was quite surprised that a woman as beautiful and refined as Miss Feilding remains unengaged.”

Benedict abruptly brought up the topic of her engagement.

Kyla found such conversations uncomfortable and decided she should look for an opportunity to change the subject.

“I see…”

“Once you become someone’s wife, Miss Feilding, you will surely be a wise and virtuous lady.”

“You’re overestimating me, Mr. Norton. I’m not that kind of person.”

She couldn’t understand why he was praising her so much when he barely knew her.

Besides, words like ‘wise’ and ‘virtuous’ seemed completely irrelevant to her. She had never aspired to be that kind of woman.

Nevertheless, she tried to keep her tone as gentle as possible. She couldn’t afford to be rude to the Duke of Lester’s lawyer.

“No, I’m certain of it. Any man who takes a lady as graceful as you for a wife would be truly fortunate.”

“Mr. Norton, your praise is too generous—I hardly know how to respond. If you don’t wish to embarrass me further, I’d appreciate it if you would refrain from saying such things.”

Though she struggled to maintain a soft smile, her meaning was clear.

“More importantly, Mr. Norton—how is Ashton these days?”

She swiftly changed the subject.

“Ashton is the same as ever. Crowded. Smoke endlessly pouring from the chimneys.”

“It seems you don’t care for Ashton much.”

“How could I? Compared to Ashton, this place—Chatsworth—is paradise. Beautiful, prosperous, and peaceful.”

Benedict cast his gaze over the garden and the estate beyond.

“Don’t you think so, Miss Kyla?”

“I’m not sure about calling it paradise… but it is certainly a beautiful place.”

“Perhaps Chatsworth is beautiful because you are here, Miss Kyla.”

Benedict regarded her with a suggestive gaze.

His sudden compliments, coupled with the way he carried himself as though he were courting her, left her feeling uneasy and slightly irritated. She couldn’t fathom his intentions.

It was hard to believe that he was sincerely interested in her when they had only met twice. She even began to wonder if he spoke to all women in this way.

All she wanted now was to return to the manor as quickly as possible.

Just then, something cold brushed against her face.

She lifted her hand and a drop of water fell softly into her palm.

“It’s raining.”

At last—she could end this tedious conversation. Kyla nearly let out a cheer.

“It is.”

Yet Benedict made no move to avoid the rain, merely frowning as he looked up at the darkening sky.

“Mr. Norton, I’m sorry, but I think it would be best if we go back inside.”

Judging by how dim the sky had become, it seemed that a heavy downpour was imminent.

Deciding that she had shown enough courtesy, she turned towards the manor. As she quickened her pace, Benedict finally followed her.

Fortunately, the two of them reached the entrance just as the rain began to fall properly.

They had just brushed the raindrops from their clothes and stepped inside when Penelope approached them with a smile.

“Miss Feilding, so you were with Mr. Norton. I’ve been looking for you.”

“For me? Is something the matter?”

“You could say that. Mr. Jayden Feilding is here right now.”

“My brother?”

A smile bloomed across Kyla’s face. The discomfort and restlessness she had felt just moments ago seemed to wash away like rain.

“Yes, he’s waiting for you in the drawing room, having tea with His Grace.”

Penelope smiled as her gaze moved between Kyla and Benedict.

As Kyla turned toward the drawing room, the door opened—and Jayden stepped out.

“Brother.”

Kyla approached him with a bright smile.

“Kyla.”

Though his voice was gentle, his face was unusually stiff.

“Did you wait long? I was taking a walk in the garden with Mr. Norton. If I had known you were coming, I would have stayed and waited.”

“Yes… I should have sent word in advance. Then you wouldn’t have gone out for something like a walk.”

Jayden’s cold blue eyes passed over Kyla and settled on Benedict Norton, who stood there with rainwater still dripping from him.

‘A lawyer… taking Kyla out for a walk. Alone, at that.’

Jayden was dumbfounded. He could barely stop himself from swearing.

He looked at the man, who was completely soaked and almost laughable in his appearance.

Jayden knew Kyla well. She would never have suggested a walk.

She had always been indifferent to men so much so that she wouldn’t even spare a glance for someone far more suitable.

Clearly, this so-called lawyer had approached her with intent.

How dare he!

“Good afternoon. You must be Miss Feilding’s brother.”

The man spoke without even bothering to wipe the rain from his hair or clothes.

“Yes.”

“Pleasure to meet you. My name is Benedict Norton.”

“I see. I’ve heard you’re a lawyer.”

Ignoring the hand Benedict subtly extended for a handshake, Jayden merely gave a brief nod.

For a moment, he felt an urge to strike the smug, smiling face of the man called Norton.

“Then I’ll take my leave. Kyla, let’s go.”

“Yes, brother. Mr. Norton, I’ll see you again.”

Kyla gave a small bow to Benedict before following Jayden toward the drawing room.

Penelope, who had been watching the scene, shifted her gaze to Benedict.

His dazed expression remained fixed on the siblings’ retreating figures.

“Mr. Norton, did you enjoy your walk in the garden? The gardens of Chatsworth are the pride of the Duchess of Lester.”

Penelope smiled sweetly.

“Yes, Miss Rothermere. They are certainly worthy of pride. It’s a shame I couldn’t fully enjoy their beauty because of the rain.”

There was a distinct note of regret in his voice.

It was clear—Benedict Norton had taken an interest in Kyla.

“Indeed. That must be quite disappointing.”

“It can’t be helped. There will be other opportunities for a walk in the garden.”

He let out a light laugh, but it was clear that he was suppressing his displeasure towards Jayden.

Jayden, who always wore a gentle smile and treated everyone kindly, had just given him an unusually cold response. It was clear that he did not approve of Benedict Norton’s relationship with his sister.

Perhaps the refined young man from the Feilding family did not fully understand her circumstances. He couldn’t possibly be under the illusion that a mere orphan and piano teacher like her would ever be accepted into high society.

Not a single noblewoman in Ashton would consider her as a potential daughter-in-law.

As always, Jayden Feilding seemed naïve, like a boy who had yet to grasp how the world truly worked.

In truth, Benedict Norton believed himself to be the most suitable husband for Kyla.

It was almost regrettable that Jayden failed to see something so obvious.

With her brother showing such clear resistance, the situation would undoubtedly be difficult for Benedict.

Penelope therefore resolved to help the lawyer overcome the obstacle that was Jayden.