Chapter 6

After that, a week later, Mrs. Carrington and Mrs. Muahed arrived for the dinner. Both families had been invited as couples, but only the ladies came. What could have happened? This was certainly rude.

As the dinner progressed, Fiona, while seething with anger at her mother and sister, nervously observed Aloysius.

"Lord Carrington is aware, I believe. He seems to be busy with the restoration of his estate."

With a smile, Melissa shifted her gaze to Eides, who spoke with a smug air.

"Oh, I'm so sorry. My husband was suddenly too busy with work to come. I really wish someone could have taken his place. But it's not the kind of job where you can easily find a replacement, and he is truly capable."

She covered her mouth with a fan and laughed merrily. Fiona was shocked by her lack of decorum and felt her heart nearly stop. Does she even know the difference between a marquis and a duke? Moreover, this dinner was requested by them.

"Well, that's fine. I'll consider this a favor."

Aloysius smiled continuously, speaking in a tone as if it were a joke. However, Fiona sensed something ominous in the word "favor."

"Whose favor is it?"

Fiona quickly confirmed. If it were the Carrington family, it would be a big problem. Aloysius was already shouldering their debts.

"Of course, the Muahed family."

His smile never wavered.

"Well, then, why don't you come to our dinner next time? I want to make it lively with guests. We can invite Roberto's subordinates and acquaintances. Of course, a small, cozy dinner like tonight is also fine. But with a hostess like me, it's hard to make it grand."

"Indeed..."

Aloysius was about to say something, but Fiona was not in the mood to listen. This was the fifth time she had met Aloysius. There was no affection between them. He probably spent most of his time at his mistress's house. However, Eides's remarks were intolerable. He had saved the Carrington family from near ruin. Fiona heard a snap in her veins.

"Sister, that's enough! His Excellency is the savior of the Carrington family. How can you say that? We invited both of you as a couple, but when we called, the husband didn't come. And then, at a dinner where His Excellency kindly attended despite his busy schedule, how can you be so rude?"

She found herself raising her voice in anger.

The dining room fell silent.

Fiona realized she had done it again.

By then, it was too late. Eides shed fake tears and took out a handkerchief.

"Oh, what have you done? Eides was trying her best to liven up the atmosphere. As a duchess, you should be the one to manage the situation."

Melissa quickly shifted the blame.

"It's okay. Mother, it's my fault. I always do this. Fiona is always right."

Fiona's heated emotions plummeted to sub-zero. What kind of performance was this? However, Aloysius's next words pierced her heart.

"Fiona is just tired from the new life. Fiona, go back to your room and rest well tonight."

He showed no anger, his tone was calm, and he smoothly excused her from the dinner. His smile towards Fiona was no different from the one he gave to Melissa and Eides.

Back in her room, Fiona held her head in her hands. She must have seemed impolite. What if she was divorced and Aloysius stopped shouldering the Carrington family's debts? Why did she lose her temper there? She wandered around the room, feeling embarrassed and pitiful, when her stomach growled.

She had not eaten enough, having been dismissed halfway through the dinner. She felt ridiculous for being hungry even at such a time.

Then, the maid Marie brought sandwiches and fruits to Fiona's room, as if on cue.

"Thank you."

She timidly expressed her gratitude, and Marie smiled, breaking her usual stern expression.

"His Excellency instructed me to bring you a late-night snack because he thought you might be hungry."

Fiona blushed, feeling both embarrassed and grateful. She gratefully accepted the food.

It was delicious. She thought the duke was indeed kind, considering he was taking care of the Carrington family. After finishing the delicious sandwich, she took her usual bath and went to bed.

Just before falling asleep, Fiona counted on her fingers that this was the fifth time she had met her husband, Aloysius.

However, her husband was not so lenient.

The next morning, when she went down to the dining room, Aloysius was there. This was the sixth time they had met. Counting from their first encounter, it was more than she could count on one hand.

Fiona apologized for her rudeness from the previous night, and Aloysius nodded calmly with his usual smile, which relieved her. She sat at the table, which was three times the size of the Carrington family's dining room, feeling tense. The gentle morning sun streamed in through the large windows. Apart from the occasional clink of Fiona's cutlery, the only sound was the birds chirping from the open window.

As breakfast was coming to an end, he spoke.

"It's good that you have a good relationship with your family."

"Eh? Ah... yes."

Was this sarcasm? He was certainly angry, but his face remained smiling.

"However, as a member of the ducal family, I expect you to behave appropriately."

"I am sorry, Your Excellency."

Fiona straightened her back, bracing herself for the lecture to come.

"Soon, I will have to take you to the palace for evening parties and tea parties. Therefore, I want you to refrain from playing with your family for a while and focus on your studies."

"Um... studies...?"

She couldn't tell if his soft tone was hiding sarcasm.

"Etiquette, dance, and other cultural knowledge. Chester will give you the details."

Aloysius wiped his mouth with a napkin and stood up. Fiona, who had expected to be scolded, felt a bit let down. He seemed to be leaving immediately again.

When will he return? As Fiona watched his back absentmindedly, he suddenly turned around.

Fiona jumped in surprise.

"Fiona, please don't call me 'Your Excellency.' Call me Aloysius."

Fiona nodded vigorously. He smiled as usual and left.

Fiona realized that his smile lacked genuine emotion. It was kind but felt like a mask. She thought of Eides's passionate and fierce smile. Though her sister was a liar and ruthless, at least she was honest about her feelings and instincts.

When will I see him again...? Thinking about her elusive husband, Fiona fell asleep alone that night.