Chapter 16

"Thank you all for gathering here today. As Alexandra Chaltry, I will first introduce the girl who will become my daughter. — Come, Mimosa, over here."

The salon, facing the garden, was bathed in sunlight, and three round tables were draped with tablecloths of my own making.

Today, I wore a dress inspired by the "Etiquette of the Seamstress" by Mrs. ... no, Alex Cheryl, in a light pale green with abundant golden roses embroidered on it.

I approached the older lady's friends with a tense expression, my posture improved thanks to my ladylike education, but my tendency to be nervous seemed impossible to change.

I bowed timidly and smiled awkwardly, and the lady placed her hand on my shoulder and said to everyone,

"Today's tablecloths are inspired by Alex Cheryl's book, and she embroidered them herself. Mimosa is also a fan of mine. From now on, please enjoy it as a regular tea party hosted by Alex Cheryl."

With that, the lady and I took our seats at the table with the "Star Lantern Shop" cross-stitch.

The chatter began, and everyone picked up the edges of the tablecloths, exclaiming, "Oh!" and "How lovely!" I felt relieved.

Even though it was with the author's approval, the interpretation of a book can vary from reader to reader, and I was indeed anxious about how it would be received.

From then on, it was a delightful time of tea, pastries, and conversation.

People asked me questions like, "Which book is your favorite?" and "Have you always been into embroidery? You could sell them." I listened and did my best to respond politely. It was a relief that I didn't stutter, and I was happy to be able to talk freely about things I liked.

As I gained more confidence, I could also observe the people around me.

There was a beautiful woman about my age. I remember her name being Lady Medea Ralton, the daughter of an earl.

She looked very sulky and refused to join in the conversation. Wondering why, the lady sitting next to me whispered to me,

"Lady Ralton was in love with a son. She was apparently saved by him when she was harassed by a drunk during a town patrol. The boy doesn't remember it because it was part of his job, but ever since then, he's become like a prince to her."

The lady's troubled explanation was in a very low voice, almost drowned out by the others' talk about recent trends, but I frowned in concern.

Our eyes met, and she glared at me fiercely, causing me to quickly look away.

"Oh, no!"

A voice rang out, and tea spilled onto the tablecloth embroidered with glossy white roses.

The voice and the deliberate act of knocking over the cup were clear.

For the first time, not out of dislike as I had felt in Casablanca, but out of anger, I stood up abruptly.

"Lady Ralton!"

"What? I was just careless, I'm sorry!"

She snapped back, quickly averting her eyes, and I knew she was lying. It was very similar to how Casablanca would avert his eyes when he was putting on a show.

"Regardless of me, please do not defile Mrs. ... no, Alex Cheryl's work! You were invited because you are a fan of Alex Cheryl, were you not?!"

This incident, later referred to by the lady as the "Mimosa is in love with me" event, was recounted to the earl and Percival.