My Wonderful Second Life

Chapter 21- A gift for a Duke

In that dark, and now purple, room, I heard Emmanuel's long strides as he came to our side. His face drowning in sweat and in worry while he glanced from me to Lady Sargosa, giving her a questioning look laced with a hint of anger.

It seemed like my visit to Lady Sargosa's memory hadn't been aligned with him. Or at least not all details. She raised herself and met his eyes. And I watched them in utter silence while they faced each other. There were words hanging in the air, though never spoken. The fireflies grew in number once more, and their buzz became unbearable.

I took it then, Emmanuel's hand and squeezed it softly. He turned to me, and I saw his gut wrecking sadness and worry. The image of his despair cries was tugging my heart, yet I smiled. At least I thought I did when I said "I saw grandmother. I think she was a better climber than I."

His purples eyes shook and his lips thinned in a straight line. A moment passed before he bent his knees and let himself breathe, allowing a small and sad smile on his face. "She was a talented climber, indeed."

He gave me a pat on my head and I felt those foreign images come back. All those memories that didn't belong to me. I took my eyes off him, glanced past the silent and attentive Lady Sargosa and concentrated on the paintings hanging in the room.

"Why so many?" I blurted out, realizing right away it was a stupid question to be thrown out at such a tense moment.

But better a stupid question to break the silence than to live under those sad lilac eyes.

Lady Sargosa chuckled and looked around, the pressure on her shoulders disappearing with the effort. "Well, it's custom for the ladies of society to have a painting of them made right after they do their second blessing."

Emmanuel had by now raised himself as well and nodded sharply.

"Why only after the second blessing, and not at any other time?" I tilted my head, thinking how arbitrary it all sounded.

There was another chuckle, this time more vigorous than the last. Lady Sargosa was enjoying herself, though I had yet to understand the reason. It couldn't be just because I asked a stupid question.

"That is when the ladies are eligible for engagement." My heart dropped. I turned to Emmanuel for some kind of denial, though deep down I knew Lady Sargosa could never get it wrong in the matters of society's rules. When he nodded in agreement, my shoulders sagged. Even if I didn't marry, I would have to do fucking annoying shit... I am already tired just thinking about it.

But Lady Sargosa hadn't finished. "After, the portrait would be sent to the most popular candidate and he will keep it until the engagement is official and the lady has married him. He then will send it back to the lady's family."

I looked at her in disbelief. What a strange fucking shit of a custom... Why... Why... forget it, I would never understand it.

"The boys can also send a portrait of themselves to the ladies too..." she continued.

I hope not. I would burn that shit if Joshua sent something like that. If not me, I am sure the Duke would. Nevertheless, I shuddered at the thought of receiving unsolicited portraits of idiotic boys.

"Though I was made aware, Lady Lucreatia, of your highly respectable candidate." I shivered again at the thought. However, I recovered when I heard the quiet cough from Emmanuel, trying to hide his enjoyment. Well, maybe a kick on his leg would bring me the same satisfaction. "But like many, I know it is nothing but a shamble. Except maybe for the family of the North." There was a sharp intake of breath when she completed. "They are special in a sort of weird way."