Chapter 10

"Don't worry, the dresses are all ready, and I'm looking forward to the arrival of the jewelry and shoes. Then let's have a tea party, shall we?"

"Uh... y-yes."

I paid attention to my daily grooming and spent my afternoons studying etiquette, having tea, and taking dance lessons with the lady. I enjoyed embroidery and often included handkerchiefs embroidered with images of my work in fan letters, which earned me much praise. As for dancing... well, since I had never danced before as a debutante, after intense training, my posture while sitting and standing has started to improve.

However, I wonder if a tea party is too early for me, given my shyness around strangers. Still, I don't have the courage to refuse.

Feeling down, I replied, "Yes," but I couldn't help but doubt whether I could keep up with the lady's conversations with her friends...

"Don't worry, it's fine. — 'Lift your head, if you have nothing to be ashamed of as a lady. Show the beauty of a lady with a single needle of conviction in her heart through her work.'"

"…! Do you also like it, madam? It's 'The Seamstress's Etiquette' by Alex Cheryl, right?"

"I like it. Because I am the author."

"Wh...?"

I stared intently at the smiling lady, and somehow managed to pull the name of the Chaltry family from the white pages of my mind.

Lord Kate Chaltry, Lady Alexandra Chaltry, and the next Lord Percival Chaltry.

"You can't be... What?! I have all of them! I'm a fan! And the fan letters... oh... that handkerchief..."

The lady, still smiling, placed on her lap a handkerchief I had embroidered with gold and light pink threads on glossy silk, inspired by the imagery from 'The Seamstress's Etiquette' that she had just quoted.

I could tell it had been used with great care. Even now, it was being caressed by the lady's smooth hands, and I never thought I would see it again like this.

"Thank you always for the fan letters. You know, your letters always overflowed with love for the books. Your word choice and handwriting were very meticulous and ladylike, and I became a fan of the handkerchiefs you included. ...That's why I wanted you to come and be my daughter-in-law. I was delighted when you brought all the books to your room."

The lady... no, the great fan of the author, Alex Cheryl, or rather, Lady Alexandra? I can't take it anymore; my excitement is making my head spin.

In any case, it seems I was unknowingly chosen. Not by the next Lord Percival, but by the lady of the house.

"Wh...? Then, why did you initially choose my sister...?"

"Let's discuss that with Percival and me. Come inside, both of you."

The lord and the next lord had come to the salon upon hearing my loud voice. We were having tea on the terrace, but we entered as we were prompted.

What exactly is going on with my marriage...?