The Dinner Party (3)

The woman who arrived escorted by her older brother was Sharon Murese, with bright blond hair and large, charming eyes.

“It’s been so long! At the wedding, we barely even got to speak.”

“Yes, truly.”

The two clasped hands and rejoiced at their reunion.

After Marguerite lost her mother and her appearance began to decline, the young ladies she had thought were friends gradually drifted away. Amid all that, only Sharon continued to exchange letters with her unchanged, worrying about Marguerite’s circumstances.

She was, for Marguerite, her one and only true friend.

“Lord Lucien, this is Lady Sharon of the Murese count’s house.”

“Oh. It’s a pleasure to meet you. …I’ll go fetch some new wine.”

Having only exchanged brief greetings, Lucien—who had just returned—said that and quickly left the spot.

‘He must have been trying to be considerate.’

That was what Marguerite decided to believe. His manner had been curt, but Sharon did not seem to have taken a bad impression either.

Sharon, who was already acquainted with Maurice and Isabella, understood at least that Lucien had no intention of hurting Marguerite with his behavior.

“Judging by appearances alone, he’s a fine husband. And Marguerite, you look like you’ve filled out a little. You seem much happier.”

“Hee-hee, you can tell?”

Having her situation understood by her one true friend, Marguerite nodded emphatically.

“Your sister is the same as ever, though…”

With a voice loud enough to cross the rift between the two factions, Isabella was spreading nasty rumors about Marguerite.

Deliberately shrugging her shoulders with exaggerated gestures unbefitting a proper lady, Sharon turned a smile toward Marguerite.

“So, how is it with Lord Lucien? Do you think you’ll get along?”

“I think we will. He’s a kind person.”

“It doesn’t look that way from what I saw just now… Still, invite me to a tea gathering sometime. As your friend, I need to judge him for myself.”

“A tea gathering… I don’t know if that will be possible, but…”

Recalling Yumila’s face, Marguerite’s words trailed off.

Salons and tea gatherings were the wife’s responsibility. However, at present, all such events in House de Broy were entirely overseen by Yumila.

Lucien had told her that if she fulfilled her role properly at tonight’s banquet, she might be acknowledged—but…

“Come to think of it, weren’t members of the royal family supposed to be here today?”

“That’s what I heard as well.”

Marguerite and Sharon exchanged glances.

Nearly an hour had passed since the banquet began, yet there had been no announcement of a royal arrival. If they had come, both houses would surely have made a greater show of cordiality.

‘Hm? But Richard isn’t here.’

“Marguerite.”

As Marguerite tilted her head in puzzlement, a low voice called out to her this time.

Looking up, she saw Lucien standing there with a glass in hand. His expression seemed tense, and his gaze was sharp.

“Lord Lucien.”

Before she could even process the surprise of being called by name for the first time—

“Lady Murese, forgive me. Marguerite, come with me.”

Handing his still-filled glass to a servant, Lucien took Marguerite by the hand.

“Come.”

Neither Marguerite nor Sharon asked what was wrong. It was clear that something serious had happened, and that it was not something that could be explained on the spot.

Waving back to Sharon, who smiled and gave a small wave in return, Marguerite followed Lucien.

They left the grand hall and descended the stairs.

Their destination was a reception room.

Standing before the door was Richard, his face pale.

Lucien’s expression tightened.

When the door was opened, Marguerite understood the reason.

Seated there with elegant smiles were Queen Emilenne Filienne and Third Prince Noel Filienne.