The Duchess and the Devil - Chapter 35.2

The weather favored and turned out to be sunny, unlike previous days. One by one, unfamiliar wagons drove up to the mansion. The iron gates, flooded with bright light, remained wide open for some time, waiting for guests. It was the first time since Derrick’s funeral that it had lasted this long.

“Thank you for inviting me, Duchess,” the girls thanked Judith, although the hostess of the evening expressed clear antipathy towards them.

The last to arrive was a carriage with an image of a trumpet, symbolizing the artist. It was the Marchioness Dyer with her maid.

– Long time no see, Madame.

“Yes, this is the first time after the funeral,” Judith never wanted to meet the Marquise in everyday life and hoped that this would not happen again.

Looking back, the Duchess understood that a really good job had been done in such a short time. A joyful feeling blossomed in his chest. Judith sat at the head of the table, and one by one the maids brought delicious snacks. The tea smelled great, whetting the appetite. Confectionery filled the table.

Even if Judith was afraid to speak, the ladies began to chirp, asking the hostess what happened and how she was feeling. The Duchess pretended to be shocked by this interest. One topic changed another.

Married women talked about each other’s family life. And the main topic of gossip was the feast at the Imperial Palace held a month ago. It was easy for Judith to follow the flow and keep up the conversation.

“Duchess, you said that you were recently in the Imperial Palace?”

Seeing many eyes on her, Judith calmly sipped her tea and replied:

– Yes.

“I also heard you came with the Duke?”

The noble lady burst into a smile.

Judith knew that sooner or later the topic of Derrick and their relationship would come up, but she didn’t expect it to be so sudden. Her heart was beating at a breakneck speed.

“That’s right, we came together to meet His Majesty,” Judith nodded, smiling gracefully and pretending not to pay much attention to what was happening.

– You know, I also heard that your husband helped you get to the carriage…

Judith was really scared. She met Sylvia that day and Derrick really supported her when Duchess didn’t have the strength to walk. The girl became afraid of how many eyes were watching her, wherever she went.

Beaming, the Duchess calmly replied, confirming the rumor:

“My husband supported me when I sprained my ankle,” although this was only partly true, Judith reasoned that this was the best version and the best excuse in this situation.

The facial expressions of the women who heard the calm reply were completely different. Some believed, others did not. However, even those who did not doubt the information seemed really shocked, since the entire Empire knew about the discord in the Duke’s family.

And no one could ever believe that Derrick would do this to his wife.

“The Duke has become so good?”

Judith thought the worst was over until such a burdensome question arrived. This time it was Marquise Dyer. The ladies around were surprised at such a casual and direct manner of conversation, but they looked at Judith with curiosity, waiting for an answer.