Chapter 75
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 75
“Yeah. Why wouldn't I be? I don’t have feelings for Adam anymore, and besides, Bella and I aren't friends.”
Despite Viviana’s faint smile and her nonchalant tone, Harriet could sense the effort she was making to steel herself.
Perhaps she still lacked confidence. Her heart might waver the moment she saw Adam, or she might even be tempted to run away. Viviana likely knew that, yet she had decided to face it head-on anyway.
Harriet didn’t want to see the small spark of courage she’d mustered be trampled.
“Since we’re doing this, let’s give them a real show.”
“Huh? Show what? To whom?”
“To Bella and Adam. They’re probably expecting you to be drowning in tears of regret and fear. Let’s show them exactly how beautiful and radiant Viviana Delus truly is.”
Harriet clenched her fists as if it were her own battle. Viviana, however, just looked at her with a suspicious, amused expression.
* * *
Trisha had no choice but to send a letter of refusal to the Laurel family’s invitation as well.
“If I go there and do nothing but cough, I’ll only make the other guests uncomfortable.”
The medicine had reduced her coughing significantly, but only when she was resting peacefully at home. If she overexerted herself even slightly, the fits would inevitably return.
“So, you go and pay my respects in my stead.”
“That’s no problem at all. But you’ve barely been out lately. Have you really gotten that much worse?”
“More unnecessary worrying. It’s only natural for one's social life to dwindle with age. No one wants an old woman gallivanting about anyway.”
It was a transparent excuse. Considering the invitations that arrived daily despite her absence, it was clear how popular a guest she remained. But instead of arguing, Harriet simply offered a wry smile.
“Count Laurel and Lady Laurel will be disappointed. Regardless, I’ll go and return quickly. Please rest well.”
As she said goodbye, Harriet squeezed Trisha’s thin hand. The corners of Trisha’s eyes crinkled softly.
Roxana, who had recently been staying by Trisha’s side all day acting as her hands and feet, pretended to see Harriet off and followed her out of the room. Harriet had expected as much, turning around the moment the door clicked shut.
“Teacher. Great-aunt Trisha’s health seems to have deteriorated quite a bit…”
“She’s growing weaker by the day. Since there is no specific cure, we are currently focusing on palliative care to manage her pain.”
A heavy silence settled between them.
Harriet was terrified of losing Trisha. Even if her two years of guardianship ended, her feelings for the woman—whom she regarded as both a benefactor and a parent—would never change. That was how much Trisha meant to her.
As if sensing Harriet’s anxiety, Roxana gave her shoulder an awkward pat.
“It’s unlikely she’ll regain her former health, but if we slow the progression and manage the pain, she could easily have another ten years.”
“Are there any effective painkillers?”
“We haven’t found the perfect one for the Madam yet, but pharmaceutical companies have been investing heavily in painkiller development recently. We expect good news soon.”
Harriet nodded weakly.
Everyone dies someday. If Trisha, who was sixty-six this year, lived another ten years, she would exceed the average lifespan of most nobles. She should be grateful for that, but having to realistically contemplate the death of a loved one was agonizing.
“I just wish she could live a long, healthy life…”
As she sighed, Harriet noticed the dark circles under Roxana’s eyes and the heavy set of her lids. Between attending to Trisha all day and handling family affairs while the Madam slept, her fatigue must have been immense. It occurred to Harriet that Roxana, who had been with Trisha far longer than she had, must be even more frightened.
“Teacher. I’m sorry.”
“Miss Harriet, you have more than a few things to apologize for, but which one are you referring to now?”
At the retort, lightly laced with a joke, Harriet smiled bitterly.
Though she was suffering herself, Roxana was trying to alleviate the anxiety of someone much younger. She was a true model of a mature adult. Compared to her, Harriet felt young and self-centered.
“I’ll do my best, too.”
“You’ve been saying incomprehensible things since we stepped out. You don’t need to 'try hard'; just don't cause any trouble.”
The words seemed like a scolding at first glance, but Harriet understood the underlying comfort: You’re already doing well, so don’t push yourself.
As Harriet smiled, Roxana shrugged and returned to Trisha’s room.
I need to be strong. There’s no time to be depressed.
Returning to her room, Harriet picked up the letter she had been reading before being called away.
[…No one else should have to suffer because of Bella Listerwell. I would be happy to assist Miss Viviana. However, if you or Miss Viviana attempt to use Daphne, I will withdraw this favor immediately.]
The sender was Melody Luce, Daphne’s close friend.
As expected, Melody Luce is susceptible to emotional appeals. I didn’t think she’d agree so readily.
Once they entered the Laurel party, Harriet and Viviana would have no social circle to blend into. They could exchange greetings with Annabelle’s group, but they weren't truly part of it. If Harriet were alone, she wouldn't care, but since Viviana was with her, she needed allies.
That was why she had reached out to Melody Luce.
She might dislike me, but I’m certain she loathes Bella even more.
After Harriet explained Viviana’s situation and asked Melody to ensure Viviana didn’t look like 'a villainess who tormented Bella and was ostracized by everyone,' Melody had agreed to cooperate.
Their circle, led by Daphne and Melody, attracted as much attention as Bella’s. If Viviana accompanied them—beautifully adorned and confident—even Adam wouldn’t dare look down on her.
It’s a simple method, but an effective one. Especially for men like Adam Hofner, who are easily swayed by appearances.
Harriet knew well that the right dress, the right makeup, and a confident attitude could fundamentally change how people perceived a person. She had experienced it firsthand. Now, it was Viviana’s turn.
Alright. I shouldn’t be a blemish on Daphne or Viviana either. I need to put in some effort.
Harriet opened her wardrobe, where several dresses tailored by Trisha hung. Scanning them, she pulled out a pink gown she had been saving, wondering if the design was 'too trendy.'
It’s the kind of dress a popular, pretty girl would wear… but I’ll need something like this to fit in with that group.
Harriet pushed away the nagging thought that she might look like a moth among butterflies and hung the dress up.
The party was in two days.
* * *
On the day of the party—the first the Laurel family had hosted in nearly two years—the front of the mansion was a chaotic sea of carriages.
As she stood in line to enter with Viviana, Harriet found herself completely tense.
“I hope Daphne is alright.”
If Daphne showed even a hint of heartbreak or looked gaunt, people would click their tongues. Even if it was pity rather than mockery, it would be unwelcome.
At her unconscious murmur, Viviana let out a small laugh.
“One would think you were Miss Daphne’s older sister.”
“I just don’t want anyone else to get hurt because of Bella. Every time I see people like that, my stomach churns.”
As Harriet huffed, Viviana’s laughter grew.
“Harriet, you should worry more about yourself. There are still many people who consider you a scandal maker.”
“I’m fine.”
“You’re surprisingly dense when it comes to your own problems. I think that’s a kind of scar in itself.”
Harriet was about to ponder the meaning behind those words when it was finally their turn to enter.
Pushed forward by the crowd, Harriet stepped inside. Her eyes widened at the dazzling sight of the hall.
Count Laurel really went all out.
The ornate chandeliers and glass-shaded lamps were blinding, and the paintings lining the walls were magnificent enough to draw admiration even from a layman. Though spring had not yet arrived, vibrant flowers were arranged in abundance everywhere, and the furniture looked brand new.
Perhaps to prove that Daphne was no longer dwelling on her former lover’s betrayal, a massive number of guests had been invited. The crowd felt younger and more vibrant than any party Harriet had attended before.