Chapter 9

Suddenly, the bracelet Calvin put on her felt unbearably heavy, like a shackle.

Calvin smiled with satisfaction, as if he understood Rosie’s silence.

“No need to be so grateful. Rosie, you’re still young, so it’s natural to want something like this. I understand.”

‘Young?’

Rosie unconsciously furrowed her brow.

She was the only daughter of the Earldom. Earl Deacon was not stingy with his wife or child, and her dressing table was filled with jewelry for her to wear.

She had never told Calvin she wanted anything like this. She had carried books she didn’t understand just to please him, but never asked for this.

Where did this strange behavior start?

“Rosie, did you forget something?”

Calvin suddenly asked in a stiff voice.

“Huh?”

“There must be something you forgot.”

His eyes, now sharper than before, fixed on her.

“What……”

Calvin laughed lowly at her confusion.

“When you get a gift, you should say thank you.”

“Ah……. Thank you, Calvin.”

His scolding tone, as if teaching someone beneath him, bothered her, but Rosie smiled and thanked him.

Even if she didn’t like it, it was right to express gratitude for a gift.

Calvin’s expression relaxed instantly, and he nodded to himself.

“It’s fine. I’ll teach you, little by little.”

Rosie suddenly felt exhausted. She wanted to leave and lie in bed, and take off this strange bracelet.

“Calvin, I have a favor to ask.”

“Yes, tell me, Rosie.”

He smiled, sipping his tea.

“Well……. It would be better if you let me know in advance before visiting. I might not be at the mansion. I wouldn’t want you to come for nothing. And about us dating again, I think we should be careful……”

Clink!

The sound of the teacup being set down, almost breaking, echoed in the drawing room. Startled, Rosie shrank her shoulders.

“Is it burdensome for you to have your boyfriend visit? I can’t understand.”

“So, about that, I think we should……”

“Doesn’t Young Master Durand visit almost every day? Whenever he wants.”

His face changed instantly, mocking her.

“So it’s okay for some, but not others?”

Rosie was thrown off by Theo’s mention, unable to respond.

Calvin, now flushed and excited, raised his voice.

“Did you think it was a joke when I asked you to keep your distance with him? I even brought a gift!”

Shocked by the sudden turn, Rosie could only blink her big eyes, speechless. Calvin stood up, taking a step toward her.

“Say something!”

Calvin was always gentlemanly. But seeing him gritting his teeth and speaking, Rosie felt fear wash over her. His burning eyes seemed ready to harm her.

She slid sideways, unable to stand, to avoid him as he approached.

Just then—

Knock knock.

“My Lady, Madame is calling for you.”

Mia’s voice came from outside.

Calvin took a deep breath, smoothing his angry face, and adjusted his jacket.

He pressed his chest as if to calm himself, closed his eyes for a moment, muttered something, then opened his eyes with a gentle smile.

Rosie felt chills run down her spine at that smile.

“Sorry, Rosie. I was exhausted yesterday and got overly excited.”

He reached out his hand to her. Even though it was a gentlemanly gesture, Rosie didn’t have the courage to take it.

“My Lady?”

Mia knocked again, and Calvin waved his hand, urging her to take it.

Reluctantly, Rosie took his hand and stood.

She squeezed out a voice that barely came out.

“I’ll go right now.”

Calvin gave her a gentle smile and lightly hugged her, then let go.

“I’ll come pick you up before next week’s party.”

He kissed her cheek and waved as he left the drawing room, while Rosie stood frozen.

“My Lady?”

Mia entered the drawing room, saw Rosie, and rushed over in surprise.

“Oh! Are you alright? Your face is so pale!”

Rosie leaned silently against Mia. She was confused by what she had just seen.

Calvin had always been polite. She had been drawn to his knowledgeable, gentlemanly ways, and he’d never crossed any lines.

But suddenly, he changed. Even though it was brief, it was truly frightening.

She couldn’t understand what had made him so angry.

“Shouldn’t you see the doctor before Madame?”

Mia, comforting her, spoke worriedly.

“Wasn’t that just a joke?”

Rosie looked up and asked.

“No. Madame really is calling for you. The Duchess of Durand has arrived.”

“I see.”

Rosie straightened herself. She realized she needed to seriously think about Calvin, separate from Theo. Mia followed her as she left the drawing room.

“Are you sure you don’t need to see the doctor?”

“I’m fine. I just felt dizzy for a moment.”

Rosie waved her hand. Mia frowned deeply.

“Where did you get that strange bracelet?”

“Huh?”

Rosie looked at the yellow bracelet for a moment, then took it off and handed it to Mia.

“Just put it in the jewelry box for now.”

Mia frowned as she held up the bracelet.

“Did Lady Olanses Noma give it to you?”

Lady Olanses Noma was Rosie’s great-aunt, as Mia said.

Rosie smiled bitterly and stepped into the garden. The sun was warm, and the roses her mother cared for were blooming brightly.

“Rosie! Come here. Phoebe is visiting after a long time and wanted to see you. Has your guest left?”

“Yes, they’ve gone. Hello, Duchess.”

Rosie bent her knees slightly, greeting and sitting down.

“Our Rosie is still so pretty. How have you been? My husband is busy, and I haven’t seen my son for days, so I feel lonely.”

The Duchess of Durand smiled gently. Rosie thought Theo resembled the Duke more, but now she saw that the Duchess’s soft eyes were similar to his. Even his black hair was like hers.

“Where’s Theo?”

Rosie perked up her ears at her mother’s question.

‘Right, where did he go to be so tired?’

“There were some problems in a couple of local estates. Derek was busy, so he sent Theo. I haven’t seen my son for about a week now, since he went down to the estate. Who knows when he’ll be back.”

The Duchess made a face as if she really didn’t like it.

‘He came even though he was so busy yesterday.’

No wonder he looked exhausted. The estate was half a day away by carriage. Even on horseback, it would take quite a while.

‘He didn’t have to go through so much trouble to come.’

All he did was lie quietly by her side and fall asleep. Of course, the end was far from quiet.

She regretted feeling disappointed when she woke up and found him gone.

‘He must have been tired from traveling.’

She felt strange. Something fluttered near her heart, like a bubble popping.

Rosie quickly sipped her tea, trying to hide her smile.

The sunlight and soft breeze felt as usual, but for some reason she felt excited. She tried to calm her pounding heart, taking a small breath. But the scent of roses at her nose flowed into her chest, coloring her heart pink.

Her head spun, and she couldn’t hear the conversation well. Rosie simply hoped her face wouldn’t blush any further.

It was only natural she couldn’t remember any of the conversation at the table that day.

* * *

Rosie crossed her arms and glared at the yellow bracelet.

“I really want to stop you, My Lady. That bracelet is just……”

Mia, tidying up behind her, shook her head.

The bracelet’s design was an issue, but Rosie was more bothered by Calvin. She couldn’t understand his sudden change in attitude.

“How could anyone think that bracelet suits you, My Lady?”

Ignoring Mia’s complaints, Rosie picked up Calvin’s letter and reread it.

<To my beloved Rosie.

Are you well? It’s only been a few days, but I already miss you.

By the way, there will be a small tea party at the book club I belong to.

Of course, I said I’d go with my girlfriend. I’ll make up for last time.

The date is this Thursday. I’ll come pick you up that day. Stay well.

Yours, Calvin.>

Rosie sighed and closed the letter.

At least he hadn’t ignored what she said, as the letter arrived this morning. Although it bothered her that he never asked about her feelings.

And today was Thursday, the day he said he’d come.

Since she missed her chance to talk, Calvin still believed they were dating.

‘What should I do about this.’

She tapped her lips with the folded letter. Even though he’d shown a scary side last time, Calvin was normally quiet and calm.

[Give me a chance to make up for it.]

That phrase bothered her most. She had gone to him asking for another chance, too.

“Eh, whatever.”

Even the calmest person can get angry if they’re upset.

She needed to meet him to clear things up. It might be best to see him at the gathering, then find a quiet place to talk.