ETDO Chapter 40

As Mary responded in a meek voice, Lisa’s still-cheerful voice chimed in.

“He bought it when he accompanied the Duke to his territory during that emergency. He said it was a local specialty. I heard he searched the whole town to find one she’d like! Mr. Richard is so proactive, it’s a shame Mary just…!”

“Lisa! Stop it!”

Mary clapped a hand over the chattering Lisa’s mouth and bowed her head.

“I apologize, Madam.”

Smiling to put Mary at ease, I patted her shoulder lightly and stood up. I draped a translucent organza shawl, patterned like my dress, over my shoulders and slowly began to descend the stairs.

The two men were waiting for me at the bottom of the stairs, dressed in white vests, white bow ties, and gleaming black tailcoats. Their long legs accentuated their tall statures. Both had slicked back their golden hair neatly.

“Oh! Lily!”

Arthur looked at me with an expression of such awe that he seemed on the verge of tears. I lightly placed my hand on his outstretched one.

As Arthur bent down to kiss the back of my hand, my eyes shifted to Ethan, who stood rooted behind him, his gaze fixed on me.

A satisfied smile spread across his face as he noticed the necklace and earrings. I quickly lowered my head, trying to hide my subtly flushed cheeks. Together, we boarded the carriage and set off for the opera house.

It was my first time visiting an opera house. The interior of the building, almost as opulent as the Imperial Palace, was filled with numerous private seat boxes separated by partitions. The royal box was situated directly facing the stage.

Our box was right next to it, but what immediately captured my attention was the latticed screen separating the stage from the audience. It was a kind of wooden window, with relatively large diamond-shaped patterns interwoven, designed to be opened and closed as needed.

Noticing my puzzled expression, Arthur smiled and offered an explanation.

“This is used to avoid unwanted attention. It helps to block the prying eyes of onlookers across the hall who might be using opera glasses.”

“Ah!”

“But you can still see the stage clearly through it, so don’t worry about enjoying the performance. You can use opera glasses.”

I nodded with a smile. While everyone was busy settling into their seats, I accepted a champagne glass from a servant. After a light toast, I took a sip. I sat in the middle, flanked by Arthur and Ethan. Soon, the lights dimmed, and the opera began.

Although my eyes were directed toward the stage, I couldn’t concentrate. I was so conscious of Ethan sitting next to me that I could barely breathe. I could feel his burning gaze on my cheek every time I clapped my hands.

I couldn’t understand why I was so aware of him all of a sudden. What had changed? Whereas before, I mostly felt uncomfortable, now an inexplicable excitement had taken its place.

During the intermission, I hurried to the restroom. I needed to calm myself down. I instinctively chose the farthest stall and finally breathed a sigh of relief.

Just then, the outer door opened, and a flurry of chattering voices poured in.

“Honestly, how shameless! Flirting with one on each side, like some kind of playboy!”

“I’m telling you, she’s truly a woman who knows no sense of shame. She’s always been like that.”

“And what was with that dress today? Like some kind of prostitute, shoulders and arms completely bare! How indecent!”

Listening intently, I finally realized who they were gossiping about. I was the only one wearing such a daring dress today. I frowned, feeling a sense of déjà vu from my time at the Lennox Earl’s residence.

“Exactly! I was so embarrassed for her…”

“It was a bit risqué, but…”

Amidst the angered voices, someone seemed to hesitate before cautiously adding,

“Aside from that, wasn’t she absolutely stunning? Honestly, even as a woman, I couldn’t take my eyes off her. She was truly a goddess…”

“Well… I hate to admit it, but that’s true.”

Another voice reluctantly agreed.

“With that face, that figure, and wearing that dress, it’s no wonder the men were losing their minds to turn and stare at her.”

“Did you see the twin duke’s expressions? I was so surprised, I glanced over, and my goodness, my husband was staring blankly with the same expression!”

“Ha! Men…!”

“And that necklace! Wow…!”

Silence followed in the air for a few seconds. Then, someone continued in a trembling voice.

“I’ve never seen such a large yellow diamond in my life. And how many white diamonds were surrounding it? Good heavens…!”

“It was comparable to the Crown Princess’s necklace.”

“Um… but did you hear that rumor?”

“What rumor?”

Suddenly, their voices lowered. However, due to the space that resonated so well, even the quietest whispers could be heard as if they were right next to me.

“There was a rumor a few days ago that the Duke of Berwick went to Tiffany’s looking for a diamond necklace and earrings similar in size to the ones that woman was wearing. Apparently, it was an order he placed a long time ago.”

“Oh! And?”

“So I thought they were a gift for his fiancée. But Charlotte wasn’t wearing a diamond necklace today, was she?”

“Oh! Now that you mention it… Could she have left it at home because it’s so precious…?”

“Huh? Would she keep such an extravagant gift tucked away at home? With her personality? She’d be showing it off and spreading the word all over town.”

“Hmm…! That’s true.”

“Th-then what could it be? Could that necklace perhaps…”

At this point, I decided to put an end to their speculation. I didn’t want baseless rumors spreading unnecessarily. There was no benefit in letting irrelevant people make their own assumptions as they pleased, regardless of the truth.

I stood up abruptly and flung the door open.

Bang!

“Oh my goodness!”

They clearly hadn’t expected anyone to be inside. The three women, huddled together as if plotting something, jumped in surprise. I approached them with a faint smile.

“My, it’s a bit stuffy in here, isn’t it?”

As the subject of their gossip walked towards them without hesitation, the three women’s eyes widened, and they stepped aside hesitantly. I went to the sink behind them and turned on the water.

After washing and drying my hands, I looked up. The three women were staring, mouths agape, their eyes glued to my necklace. Looking at their reflections through the mirror, I smiled faintly.

“You seem to like this necklace.”

I turned to face them. Given the opportunity to admire the magnificent necklace up close, they moved even closer to me.

“Yes, yes!”

“Goodness! It’s so beautiful!”

Their eyes gleamed like predators eyeing their prey. Standing before them as they huddled together, I lightly touched the necklace, playing along.

“Isn’t it? To be honest, I was also quite surprised. Arthur suddenly gave it to me one day as a surprise gift…”

“Oh my goodness!”

“Was it for your birthday or some anniversary?”

I smiled brightly and shook my head quietly.

“No. Arthur often gives me gifts like this, so I don’t particularly remember the occasion. That’s why I was even more touched.”

“Oh my, oh my!”

They were now so impressed by Arthur’s generosity that they covered their mouths with their hands.

With a smile, I nodded and moved towards the door. With my hand on the doorknob, I looked back at them, still staring at me in a daze.

“It seems that money trumps looks when it comes to an ideal husband. After all, a man’s looks are just a bonus, but financial stability is essential, right? Perhaps that’s why everyone seems to secretly desire to be a bedroom slave to someone rich, even if just for a little while. Of course, I don’t quite understand, since my husband has both looks and wealth, and I’m a beloved Duchess.”

I flashed a bright, sunny smile and turned away.

“What? What is she saying?”

“That’s…!”

Behind the closing door, I could hear their murmuring voices. Stepping out with a light heart, I bumped into Lady Wellington just as she was about to enter.

Her eyes widened at the sight of me. I gave her a curt nod and hurried back to our seat box on the third floor. Although it wasn’t entirely satisfying, I decided to be content with having returned the insult, even if just a little.

A chime sounded, signaling the end of the intermission. As I entered our seat box, Arthur was standing in the middle of the room, frowning, with his head together with his secretary’s.

“Damn it!”

What was his secretary doing here? 

I hurried over to Arthur, who was running his hand through his hair in frustration.

“What’s wrong, Arthur?”

“Oh, I’m sorry, Lily! I just received urgent news that one of the steamship investors might suddenly pull out. So I have to go quickly. I came to see the opera with you after a long time, and now of all times… … .”

“Oh…”

I nodded and replied calmly.

“It’s alright. Business is more important than watching the opera. I understand. Go quickly before it’s too late.”

“I’m really sorry, Lily. But Ethan is here, so don’t worry and enjoy the rest of the opera together.”

“I will. Don’t worry, Arthur.”

“Leave this to me and take care of it.”

Ethan nodded as well.