The Duchess and the Devil - Chapter 68.2

As the competition approached, Judith held three tea parties. She was no longer afraid to meet with noble ladies, because they could not accuse her husband of having an affair, as before. Moreover, sometimes it was embarrassing to talk about Derrick’s current – extremely shameless – behavior in public and in banquet halls.

“These hunting competitions will be held in Beosan, right?”

– Yes, I heard about it too! I’m worried that there are too many ferocious animals there.

The Rossiu forest, where the competitions usually took place, was too peaceful and calm, which made it even boring. And, of course, as the tournament itself approached, all the talk revolved around it.

“The Duke is already feeling great, are you going to attend?” – one of the guests suddenly asked.

Judith just nodded, surprised.

“Yes, most likely,” Derrick attended competitions every time until he was cursed.

And there was no reason to stay away. Moreover, the Duke has already appeared at the consecration ceremony and at the birthday banquet. Therefore, the spouses had no excuses. Now the candidates for Ganniables have been reduced to only two people. And they needed to be carefully studied again: Vincent and Sylvia would also be present at the tournament.

Judith’s brother usually attended competitions in the spring and fall, and the girl received instructions from her father to find a good husband.

— What pattern do you want to put on the scarf this time?

-Have you already decided, Marquise?

– No… Although it doesn’t really matter, I’m worried.

Hunting competitions were mainly held among men, with women acting as chaperones and spectators. In such competitions there was a banal practice: to give a handkerchief embroidered by yourself to your beloved. Married women give them to their husbands, and unmarried women give them as objects of desire so that they return without injury.

And although this is a common romantic practice, Judith, when she came hunting with Derrick, never gave him a scarf. Of course, she embroidered it, but she gave it to her brother, Vincent. And the husband was not happy with this.

— Should I prepare a scarf? – Judith asked herself.

This time the husband was not the one whom the Duchess hated with all her heart. And although the demon took on Derrick’s appearance, he was completely different on the inside. And if you give it as a gift, what pattern should you choose? Judith had thought about this several times already, amazed at her thoughts and worries over such a small matter.

Taking a sip of her favorite tea from a mug, Judith realized that today its taste was more like medicine than a sweet drink. Surprised, the Duchess broke off and ate a piece of the pie. The terrible feeling in her mouth made her feel nauseous. And the nausea gave way to ordinary disgust.

Having barely taken a bite of dessert, Judith asked the maids to bring a glass of water. After drinking it, the Duchess hurriedly looked around the table, worrying about the spoilage of the treats. However, the ladies did not cause any concern and the only one whose stomach hurt was herself.

Sighing, the Duchess felt strange and new.