Dangerous Fiancee

Chapter 50

"I will do my best to help you not to cause any trouble," said Beatrice, bowing deeply to her.

Beatrice had red eyes with pink hair, as if to prove that she was Colin's sister. They were well known as all famous bookworms, so they were wearing glasses because they had poor eyesight. They looked neat and intelligent. But her tone was rather harsh, so she seemed a bit indifferent.

"Causing trouble? Never say that. You're too humble. I hear that among Sir Simon's four siblings, Lady Beatrice is famous as a wise woman who has inherited wisdom."

"I'm flattered."

They exchanged pleasantries out of courtesy for a moment, and it was time to change the topic. Marianne suddenly shined her eyes and turned her eyes to the side.

"Countess Anelles, I heard that you were the chief maid for the previous empress, right?" Marianne grabbed her hand with an exaggerated gesture. As she heard only a rumor about her, nobody believed her feigned welcome.

Probably they would assume she welcomed the countess for one of the following three reasons.

First, she was trying to curry favor with the countess as she was forced to marry. Secondly, as some said, she would try to control the close aides of the marquis and the emperor after she got married, and lastly, she was just happy as a childish spoiled daughter from the north. But in fact, her attitude was the most prudent and sincere.

"Yes, you're right. I was."

"Oh, what I heard about you was true! I'm happy to hear that. If an experienced lady like you helps me at hand, I won't have to worry at all."

"Thanks. I owe it to the wise emperor's warm considerations."

Countess Renault, the mother of Jed, was calm and modest, unlike her son.

But she felt estranged from her when she heard the countess's replies. She sensed a distance growing in her replies. She felt the countess had been holding back her bad feelings about her, even though she was trying to be polite. She felt sorry for her vigilant attitude. But at the same time, she was burning with more competition against the countess. According to Mrs. Charlotte, no one was more familiar with the history of the court than Countess Renault. Charlotte said once she became a close friend of the countess's, the latter would be the one who would swear allegiance to her.

"Please come on in. I have some sweet hydrangea tea for you. Let's talk while sipping tea."

At her prodding, Ms. Beatrice and Mrs. Renault moved to their seats.

"I think the tea will get cold if you stay here longer. Please greet the rest of the guests after tea time."

The quick-witted Mrs. Charlotte kindly encouraged her to move inside the party hall and supported her arm. Marianne nodded gently and turned around to walk to the head table.

Ha!

Someone burst out a sarcastic lament from behind the guests, as if he thought her behavior was ridiculous. Marianne could guess who he was even without looking back. She felt embarrassed while she was walking, pretending not to have noticed it, but she didn't look back.

* * *

The beginning of tea time was calm.

The principal guests and general guests were all seated. Fragrant flower tea and rich black tea were served in the gold-plated teapots. Pure white trays were filled with desserts, which were pleasant to look at. The chef of the mansion was a master of baking and confectionery. Tender pink pudding contained candied rose petals, and the clam-made madeleine smelled of fresh lemon and rich butter. There were also colored macaroons with fruit jam and buttercream, and eclair with plenty of milk chocolate and vanilla. The souffle in a beautiful porcelain bowl was still hot.