CHAPTER 11
“Oh, my goodness! Lady Althea is so beautiful!”
“Her beauty is really above anything! How come the Crown Prince cheated on her?!”
“If only she was my fiancé, I would dear her more than anything!”
“I ever once saw Lady Althea poured a glass of wine to Lady Priscila in Countess Lea’s tea party months ago, though.”
“Geez, it’s because of the Crown Prince and Lady Priscila’s fault. Look at her now, she looks so warm.”
“I agreed. How come a lovely lady as her dared to do that if there’s no one provokes her. It’s all because of that lowly noble!”
A few minutes after Althea and the Duke came, the family of Marquis Payne made their presence. With that, Marquis Payne’s first daughter’s coming of age ceremony started.
“Athe, I will make some conversation with colleagues and you also need to hang out with your peers. You already remember all of them, don’t you?” The duke said as he stroked Althea’s hair.
“I do, father. Don’t worry, I’ll enjoy my time.” With Althea’s positive response, the duke felt relieved and left Althea.
Right after the Duke left, a group of young ladies approached Althea with excited expressions.
‘Hohoho…I will really enjoy my time, father.’ Althea smirked.
“Hello, Lady Harrigan. It’s nice to see you.” Lady Ria greeted.
“Greetings Lady Harrigan. I’ve been waiting for your presence this whole time.” Lady Jianne greeted as well.
“Lady Harrigan, I am so in love with your beauty.” Lady Donne greeted.
“Just call me Lady Althea. We’re all at the same age after all. I am so glad that I got these warm greetings from all of you.” Althea responded to their greetings with a warm expression and soft voice.
Hearing Althea’s positive manner, the three ladies became more excited for her. They felt more comfortable and believe that the former Althea’s bad temper was caused by the Crown Prince and Lady Priscila.
“Lady Althea, I was so worried when the news of your ambush spread among high-society.” Lady Jianne said in a sad tone.
“Me, too. Also, Lady Althea didn’t reply to any letters and invitations. I am afraid that you were badly injured.” Lady Donne adds.
“Thank you for your concern. I felt so anxious these whole two months. Actually, I got a mental shock because of the ambush and I am too scared to meet with other people outside the Harrigan duchy.” Althea’s expression turned sad.
“Oh my God, Lady Althea. I am so sorry to hear that.” Lady Ria responded.
“I’ve recovered now. Thanks to everyone’s positive wishes.” Althea said and beamed.
In the middle of their conversation, a tall handsome man approached them. Ash brown hair and grey eyes, were Duke Payne’s family characteristics. That man was Alfred Payne, the second son of Marquis Payne. He was two years older than Althea and he was a member of Imperial first order knights.
“Excuse me, ladies. Pardon me for the interruption,” He smiled brightly bewitched the ladies, “Lady Harrigan, can I have my first dance with you?” Alfred asked softly.
The other three ladies threw glances at Althea. They also gave her a sign to accept the dance. Althea, who didn’t expect this kind of offer, felt a bit hesitant. But with the support from the three ladies, she accepts the offer.
“Me? Ah…sure.” Althea answered awkwardly.
“Thank you.”
Althea and Alfred walked confidently to the center of the hall. Alfred bowed and kissed Althea’s backhand. Then, he gave the sign to the musicians to start the waltz. Some guests also joined the dance together with Alfred and Althea. As the music started, they began to dance. In the middle of the dance…
“Are you really the Lady of Harrigan?” Alfred asked.
“What do you think?” Althea asked back calmly.
“I think so. But now, you look so different from before.”
“Such an interesting guess, Sir Alfred.”
“Sir Alfred? Hahaha…this is the first time I heard you say my name.”
“Does it make you happy?”
“Well, it’s just something new I got from you.” Alfred chuckled, “Rather, are you okay with the engagement annulment?”
“Why not? I am the one who dumped him, though. A bastard like him is not worthy at all.” Althea smiled.
“Ppfftt, ahahahahaha…how hilarious!” He laughed, “You’ve truly changed, Lady Harrigan. To be frank, I’ve watched you torment Lady Priscila for the sake of your love to the Crown Prince all the time. I am sorry to say, I once addressed you as a fool back then.” Alfred said lightly.
“Thank you for your concern, Sir Alfred. Well, don’t you ever fall for her warmth? She’s such a warm lady compared to me.”
“That’s only in His Highness Crown Prince’s eyes, My Lady. You’re so much better in many aspects.” Alfred said sincerely.
“You flatter me, Sir Alfred.” Both of them burst into small laughter.
Far from the center of the hall, the Crown Prince stood in silence as he stared at Alfred and Althea who seemed to enjoy their first dance. Lady Priscila, who stood next to the Crown Prince knew that he was staring at Althea from the beginning. She narrowed her eyebrows and felt annoyed.
“Your Highness, why don’t we have a dance? All the guests are enjoying the party.” Lady Priscila broke the silence.
“I am sorry. I think I don’t have a good mood to dance today.” The Crown Prince replied in a flat tone.
“Are you in a bad mood?” Lady Priscila asked.
“Are you not going to make conversation with other ladies? You have some good friends, right?” The Crown Prince said ignoring her question.
“Since the rumor spread, I don’t have time to have a conversation with them. I am scared they would look down on me, Your Highness.” Lady Priscila pretended to look sad.
“You should stay confident. In spite of the rumor, I am here to support you. I am going to make conversation with some aristocrats, I can’t just stand here with you. I will go now.”
Lady Priscila stared at the Crown Prince’s back who left her without even turning back. She clenched her fists. ‘Lady Althea, why don’t you keep treating me like before? Are you playing on something to catch the Crown Prince’s attention? Forget that, I’ll make you treat me like before in my own way.’
After the dance was over, Althea walked to the display table. She took a glass of wine to calm herself. She let out a big sigh. Althea turned her body to the display table. She was busy reviewing the art of the desserts. She has always been this excited when it comes to desserts’ reviewing.