As we entered the salon, there were two young ladies with the Duchess. One was seated, while the other stood with a respectful posture. The standing lady was clearly the servant of the one seated. From the very first glance, the social divide between them was apparent; the seated young lady wore a beige dress adorned with voluminous skirts and delicate pink lace details, giving her an extravagant appearance. The servant, dressed in a similar fabric, wore a more modest gown, complementing the one seated, yet quietly restrained.
The seated lady's brown hair cascaded in sweet curls down both sides of her shoulders. Fine braids were decorated with pink ribbons, adding a touch of innocent allure to her overall look. When her eyes met the Young Master's, she lowered her head slightly and smiled with a touch of shyness. A faint blush spread across her cheeks, and with an elegant motion, she rose and greeted him with grace. Her movements bore the refined elegance typical of young ladies raised in aristocratic circles.
Without hesitation, the Young Master approached her, gently took her hand, and pressed a soft kiss on her delicate fingers.
"How are you, Lady Livia?" he asked, his voice as soft as a spring breeze, yet confident.
Lady Livia pulled her slender wrist back slightly and delicately clasped her hands together.
"I'm very well, my lord, and I am deeply grateful for your kindness," she replied, her tone equally gentle.
The Young Master nodded lightly and returned her smile with a soft one of his own. "How delightful."
After greeting the Duchess in the same manner, he took his seat. The aroma of tea, rising from silver-embellished porcelain cups, filled the room, wrapping it in a delicate touch of melancholy.
"How are the engagement preparations going, Livia?" the Duchess inquired, taking a small sip of tea before gently placing her cup back on the table.
Lady Livia, with her graceful fingers, reached for her tea. The golden patterns on her cup shimmered faintly in the soft light. At that moment, I thought to myself: So, she's getting engaged. It was unexpected news.
"Everything is proceeding smoothly, Your Grace," Lady Livia replied. "There are no issues so far."
The Duchess nodded softly, a meaningful smile appearing on her lips. "How lovely! When I was your age, I eagerly awaited such a day. My heart raced with excitement. Oh, those days seem just like yesterday..."
As the Duchess became lost in her memories, her delicate fingers gently set her tea cup back down.
"By the way, when will your parents be arriving, dear Livia? It has been a while since I last saw them."
After taking another sip of tea, Lady Livia looked up with a sweet smile.
"They will be arriving tomorrow, Your Grace. I decided to leave before they arrived."
"How delightful," the Duchess said, her gaze momentarily distant, as if lost in thought. "So, did you come here early to visit your fiancé?"
I learned that her fiancé lived in Valleria... How sweet it must be to miss someone so dearly, to leave early just to be reunited.
Just then, my gaze drifted to the Young Master, who was silently stirring his tea at the other end of the table. His lips held the faintest smile. Though he seemed to be listening carefully to Lady Livia and the Duchess, I was certain his mind was elsewhere. But this peaceful moment would not last long.
"Lord Lemi," Lady Livia said, her eyes suddenly lighting up. "I've heard that you've recently taken an interest in the arts. I've also heard that the famous artist Élisabeth Vigée Le Brun will be visiting our port area. I'm sure you'll be pleased to hear this."
An interest in the arts? The Young Master and art... The combination of those two words seemed as odd as seeing a knight in full armor inside an artist's studio. I had never imagined he would be involved with brushes and canvases. Ah, aristocrats and their mysteries! Even a simple tea conversation could unveil unexpected secrets.
"I would be honored to visit her exhibition with you, Lady Livia," the Young Master said, his voice as measured as always, though there was an underlying sincerity hidden within.
Lady Livia smiled gently, momentarily averting her gaze. A brief silence followed. Ah, those enigmatic aristocratic smiles!
"Your Grace, there is a letter for you."
With elegant poise, the Duchess received the letter and motioned to her assistant, who immediately left the room. A letter presented in such a graceful manner could be related to an important matter, or perhaps a scandalous piece of gossip.
As she opened and read the letter, her expression briefly tightened. Her brows furrowed slightly, but then, with the calm demeanor only years of aristocratic training could cultivate, she returned to her composed state. Ah, the aristocracy—what a beautiful mask it is!
"I must attend to a small matter," she said, her voice calm and composed.
This was the Duchess's way of gracefully excusing herself. Whatever the matter was, it would certainly draw attention. Without breaking her poise, Lady Livia rose from her seat, lifted the edges of her gown with refined elegance, and bowed gently.
"Please excuse me, Your Grace."
The Duchess gave a swift glance to the Young Master and nodded before rising and leaving the room with slow, deliberate steps.