Chapter 44

Though not openly, subtly showing dislike can drive a person crazy!

Catherine was subtly angry.

Leaving Riena here alone and only worrying about Hugo, her anger was directed at herself.

‘I should pay more attention to the residents of Catherine House from now on.’

“How is Baron Dictron’s leg?”

Catherine asked after sitting in the drawing room.

Baroness Dictron, who was talking about the maid and entertaining guests, smiled at Catherine.

“It’s not a very serious injury. But after a long recuperation, he’s not in a state to show his face here. I apologize on behalf of the Baron’s rudeness.”

“No, I didn’t mean to criticize Baron Dictron.”

Catherine waved her hand as she spoke.

Catherine felt she understood a little about Baroness Dictron.

Baroness Dictron hates being criticized more than death.

Most people do, but some are particularly sensitive to others’ views. Baroness Dictron was the pinnacle of such sensitive people.

Catherine understood Baroness Dictron’s disposition.

Having lost her husband early and raising young Baron Dictron alone, she likely had no choice.

A world difficult for divorced women was also hard for widows.

Moreover, with the wealth of the Dictron family, relatives would have been eyeing the estate.

Amidst that, she would have felt a heavy responsibility to raise her son properly.

Her cautious, suspicious, and criticism-averse personality must have developed that way.

But that was then, and now the circumstances have changed.

Baron Dictron has grown into a gentleman admired by all, and the Dictron family has no particular issues.

Now she could forget the harsh past and soften, Catherine thought, as she sipped the tea brought by the maid.

“This year, gentlemen are lining up at Catherine House again.”

With a clink, Baroness Dictron set down her teacup and opened the conversation.

Catherine responded, looking at the neatly placed hands on Baroness Dictron’s lap.

“The young ladies are so charming, it’s inevitable. Thanks to them, the attendants at Catherine House are busy.”

It was true that gentlemen frequently visited Catherine House, so Catherine didn’t feign false modesty.

As they exchanged a few words about the social scene, the drawing room door opened.

“Baron!”

Riena welcomed the visitor with a bright smile.

“Riena.”

Baron Dictron greeted Riena first and then approached Catherine.

“Coming all the way here shows your exceptional kindness. Thank you, Lady Catherine.”

“I should be the one thanking you. You’ve taken such good care of our Riena. It’s something impossible without special consideration. But please, have a seat, Baron.”

Catherine quickly spoke before Baroness Dictron could chase him away.

The arrival of Baron Dictron was a welcome relief when the conversation topics were running dry.

‘I also want to see how he treats Riena.’

The essence of love confirmed their hearts were connected.

Still, Catherine wanted to see their love with her own eyes.

“Is it okay for me to be here? I’m not interrupting the ladies’ enjoyable time, am I?”

“It would be an honor for you to join us!”

Lillie waved her hand happily.

With a smile, Baron Dictron entered the drawing room, supporting himself with a crutch.

However, he didn’t sit down immediately but looked around.

With many ladies present, choosing a place to sit wasn’t easy.

The sofa where Catherine, Brooke, and Lillie sat was too narrow, so it was ruled out.

Next were the sofas where Baroness Dictron sat alone and Riena sat alone.

Baroness Dictron’s side was wider, but Baron Dictron’s heart leaned toward Riena’s side.

“Aaron, what are you doing? Sit down if you’ve come.”

As Baron Dictron turned toward Riena, Baroness Dictron gestured for him to sit beside her.

At that moment, Catherine realized.

The hearts of the two were easily confirmed, but marriage wouldn’t be easy.

***

“That was scary.”

On the way back from visiting Riena and Baron Dictron, Lillie spoke.

In the carriage passing through a quiet road, everyone immediately understood the sudden, subject-less comment.

“Baroness Dictron doesn’t like Riena, right?”

Brooke asked Catherine.

After Baron Dictron appeared in the drawing room, the atmosphere hit rock bottom.

Every time Riena tried to take care of Baron Dictron, Baroness Dictron blocked her.

Every time Baron Dictron made a witty remark, Baroness Dictron poured cold water on it.

“Lady Catherine, shouldn’t we bring Riena back?”

Catherine knows better than anyone the tragedy of an unwelcome marriage.

Catherine thought the same as Brooke. So she managed to find a moment alone with Riena and asked.

• Riena, let’s go to Catherine House together.

Riena refused Catherine’s offer. She didn’t want to reject the kindness shown by Baron Dictron.

Those in love tend to find even opposition noble.

The stronger the opposition, the more it feels like a love of the century.

Riena’s firm expression showed her determination to stay by Baron Dictron’s side.

Catherine respected Riena’s wishes.

It’s impossible to separate two people who have confirmed their feelings.

If so, the person Catherine needs to persuade is Baroness Dictron.

‘Why does Baroness Dictron dislike Riena?’

She couldn’t understand the reason at all.

‘Was it like this in the past, too?’

Catherine recalled the past of Riena and Baron Dictron.

In the past, Baron Dictron and Riena broke up due to a misunderstanding.

There was a misunderstanding that Baron Dictron was courting another woman besides Riena.

Catherine planned to do her best to prevent situations where Baron Dictron could be misunderstood after they confirmed their feelings.

But an unexpected variable arose.

‘That incident had nothing to do with Baroness Dictron.’

According to Catherine’s investigation, Baroness Dictron wanted her son to marry quickly and establish a stable family.

Why would she oppose Riena, then?

‘What am I missing?’

Nothing seems to be going according to Catherine’s plans this year.

While she’s gathering the essence of love without major disruptions, the plans are slightly off.

A slight deviation isn’t a big problem immediately.

But over time, it could develop into an irreversible issue, so Catherine decided to proceed with caution.

‘Should I meet Baroness Dictron quietly?’

She needs to find out why she dislikes Riena.

“Catherine, when will you introduce me to Brian?”

Lillie suddenly asked Catherine.

Catherine, who was contemplating meeting Baroness Dictron, looked at Lillie.

“You haven’t forgotten about me, have you, Catherine?”

Catherine had two other young ladies to take care of besides Riena.

It’s already the fourth season doing this, yet she keeps missing things.

No, Catherine knew the reason. She had to admit the reason she was ignoring even now.

Understanding oneself accurately is the way to improve the situation.

‘It’s because of Hugo.’

She’s spending the attention she should on the young ladies on Hugo, creating gaps.

‘While Hugo is recuperating, I’ll avoid him except for minimal care.’

She’ll focus on the three women during that time.

It was impossible to persuade Baroness Dictron right away. Someone as cautious and picky as Baroness Dictron would likely build walls if Catherine approached suddenly.

‘Let’s approach the Baroness Dictron issue carefully and take care of Lillie.’

Lillie would do well if the opportunity was provided, but she couldn’t be too relaxed.

“I’ll introduce you to Brian properly at tomorrow’s banquet.”

Brian will come to the banquet tomorrow in place of Hugo.

Brian, who had been avoiding dealing with people and leaving it to Hugo, couldn’t escape tomorrow.

And yesterday, Hugo told her he would send Brian to the banquet tomorrow.

He also asked Catherine to take care of Brian.

Catherine readily accepted Hugo’s request, as she had decided to take responsibility for the marriage of her only former brother-in-law, Brian.

The concern was the onslaught of ladies aiming for the Duke’s only brother tomorrow.

In such times, Lillie must do well.

If she can stay by Brian’s side without making him uncomfortable and fend off the ladies’ advances, Brian will have a good impression of Lillie.

Will Lillie do well?

Watching Lillie, who was just smiling at the thought of meeting Brian, Catherine felt a little worried.