The Duchess and the Devil - Chapter 98.1
With the appearance of just one person, the atmosphere of the tea party instantly became heavy and even lost. People who had recently laughed and talked loudly were confused, which is why they only looked at each other. In contrast, Judith sat at the head of the table next to the Marchioness with a calm face.
“It’s been a long time since our last meeting,” she spoke naturally, to show that she didn’t care about rumors at all.
The atmosphere at the table, like a thin sheet of ice, cracked.
“We were worried because we had heard almost nothing about you.” Oh! Come to think of it… You were at the last banquet.
– How are you?
The ladies tried to find the right words in the conversation, and Judith calmly took a sip of the tea that the maid brought and spoke:
– I’m fine.
After the unexpected appearance, the overly calm answer prevented everyone from speaking, because each of them had a million thoughts in their heads. While everyone was looking at the Duchess, the Marchioness, the hostess of the tea party, whispered to Judith:
“I was so worried,” after that she raised her voice a little. — There were too ridiculous rumors circulating around you.
Some people gasped and sighed when they heard the word “rumors.” And although everyone knew perfectly well what Mila was talking about, they still pretended to be surprised.
– I heard it too… That Madame committed murder.
Judith smiled softly, holding the cup in her hands.
“I wonder if there is anyone here who believed the rumors without any apparent reason?”
It was a thorny issue that touched people.
Marchioness Dyer replied as the Duchess took another sip of tea from her mug.
– Is that possible? Trusting and spreading rumors from third-rate weekly magazines… This is not what people with titles should do.
Countess Murray confirmed Mila’s words. However, she was the one who relied on rumors. And not only this lady. Everyone in the garden was someone who had mentioned the Duchess and the murder at least once. Judith deliberately asked the Marquise to have a tea party with them. The Duchess spoke calmly:
“As you know, Viscount Wirrel was very unfair, so my brother directly entrusted His Majesty with the trial of the murder in the villa. I’m tired of false rumors about something I was never involved in. However… There seem to be many ignorant people who believe the rumors.
It was not just a gentle voice, but a beautiful rose framed by sharp thorns. They desperately tried to pass on all the suffering that Judith experienced to those around them.
“I didn’t kill them,” the Duchess said clearly and firmly, looking at all the guests at the tea party.
Now she really felt better, because everyone sitting at the table no longer looked at her without due respect. This once again reminded me of the correctness of the decision.
“That’s why in the future I plan to deal with everyone who spread these dirty rumors.” My brother is also very angry.
In fact, there was no such conversation with Vincent. However, Judith said this in order to have additional help in getting rid of the rumors in the future, instilling fear in everyone who spread them.
“And we often missed the banquet due to bad circumstances.” I hope to see you more often in the future.
There was no one in the garden who did not understand that bad circumstances mean a miscarriage. However, every word is a warning. Now Judith will keep an eye on everyone who dares to say a word about what happened in the villa.
– My God! This is great news.
— We hope to see you more often!
– If you have a tea party, be sure to invite me, please.
Even the scandal could not bring down Judith’s power. While she’s alive, she’s still strong. And no amount of adversity can change this fact. After some time, the tense and chaotic atmosphere became friendly again. And the Duchess sat proudly next to the head of the table, glancing from time to time at the ruby necklace.
As long as Derrick is with her, she has nothing to fear.