Unfortunately, I'm an Evil Villainess

Chapter 61 - Blossoming Friendship (I)

I spent the rest of debutante season dancing like I would die tomorrow. Though I wished it never would, February came, and it was time for the next event in the novel.

Originally, Sophia, grateful to Catherine for standing up for her against my bullying at her debutante, invited her to a tea party where they became friends. That wasn't about to happen, given Sophia was across the world and I had made sure Catherine's first impressions and early reputation were damaged enough that no one else had befriended her.

I didn't have to follow the novel, but it was a good opportunity to find out more about Catherine and run thorough tests on her personality. Besides, I had gossip to spread about my dear new friend. Thus, an invitation was sent to everyone who mattered, and we gathered on a lovely sunny day in the garden of my mansion.

"Hello, Lady Valentina! It's so nice of you to invite me!"

"You're very welcome. I'm delighted you could come, Lady Catherine."

Catherine was as cute and sweet as ever, and after knowing her slightly, I couldn't help but like her a little. She was a stupid pet, a toy I might've enjoyed playing with, if she weren't a threat. In another life, perhaps, she could have been one of my minions.

Since almost all respectable young ladies of high society came, we filled up many tables. The most important ones, me, my closest friends, the notorious gossips, and Catherine sat together in the gazebo.

As the guests finished arriving, I stood up and soon had the attention of everyone. I smiled.

"Ladies, I would like you all to welcome Lady Catherine Bryant, who is not only newly debuted, but just recently joined our society after being raised as a commoner. She's certainly quite intriguing!"

My words were pleasant enough that they would appear as a compliment to Catherine, but to a true aristocrat who could take a hint, it was clear they had deeper meaning. This was to arouse the ladies' curiosity, so by the time they left, stories would spread like wildfire.

Catherine blushed and stood up, which was good, given that she couldn't compare to me in the slightest. She beamed like an innocent child.

"Thank you so much, Lady Valentina! I hope to be friends with everyone!"

With that, the real fun began. I introduced Catherine to the people sitting at our table, who furtively gawked at her. Delilah and Annalise were well prepared, and the gossipmongers sat like hungry animals waiting for the first sign of blood.

I started the first order of business: a thorough examination and exposé.

- - -

"So, Lady Catherine, have you read many books?"

Lady Annalise was so fair and graceful that Catherine felt utter admiration towards her. She smiled brightly, happy to possibly make another friend.

"Yes! I used to live in a bookstore, and I really liked reading."

It had been her only source of entertainment, other than watching people go by from her window. Uncle had told her to read as much as she could, because it apparently made her smarter, so whenever she wasn't studying, she did. She liked reading about the lives people had and wondering if one day she could be like that.

"Oh? Have you read all twelve volumes of The Affairs of Abbeyton Manor?"

Lady Delilah was the one who asked this time. She was so elegant that Catherine was in awe.

"I have, though some parts were a little hard to understand. I enjoyed it, overall!"

After making it through a few complicated chapters, she had grown to love the complex characters and the freedom in which they lived. When Uncle was in a bad mood, the fantastic stories especially helped distract her. Often, she dreamt that she was the one doing whatever she wished, riding across a prairie or wrapped up in romances, instead of being a disappointment to Uncle.