4 | The Invitation

Lydia spent the next month avoiding the places frequented by the high society. It wasn't very difficult since she hadn't received any invitations after the royal ball.

When she went to Madam Emilie's boutique to pick up the fur she had left for maintenance, what she feared happened. There were more women in the boutique than she had anticipated. Most of them were flipping through catalogs of evening dresses. Lydia tried to leave without being seen, but she couldn't manage it.

"Miss Lockhart, I see you're here too! Getting ready for the new ball just like everyone else!"

The loud voice of Lady Humphrey resonated in the room, catching the attention of all the tailors, assistants, and customers present. Becoming a widow at a young age due to the death of her elderly husband, Lady Humphrey had become one of the leading figures in society with the wealth and luxurious entertainments she acquired.

Reluctantly, Lydia turned her head to the approaching woman. Lady Humphrey wasn't alone; she had her usual noble sycophants with her.

"Did you have a fur made for yourself? You seem really interested in old fashion."

Lydia ignored the women who chuckled at Lady Humphrey's words. After losing her family, she had bid farewell to her former glamorous life due to a distant relative's inheritance claim. Although it had been quite difficult at first, she had now grown accustomed to it. Repairing old items and doing housework had become her routine.

"It's my mother's fur."

Lydia's expressionless response caused a surprised expression on Lady Humphrey's face. The woman, who did not appreciate anything that reminded her of her late husband, was suddenly displeased.

Of course, one of Lady Humphrey's sycophants chimed in at this moment. Lydia didn't even know her.

"They say the Reyes estate is cold, you did well."

Lydia looked at the woman in bewilderment.

"I don't understand, ma'am."

Fortunately, Lady Humphrey explained since her mood had improved with this topic.

"We were referring to the event to be held at the Reyes mansion in honor of the foreign princess at the end of the month."

The Duke of Reyes was Damian's uncle. Lydia now understood why they were targeting her.

"I'm not invited to the event, so unfortunately, I won't be able to be there with you."

Lady Humphrey's sycophant interjected before her.

"Actually, neither am I. I'm very disappointed with the Duke of Reyes!"

Lady Humphrey, after giving a stern look to the poor woman telling her to be silent, turned to Lydia with a fake expression of sorrow.

"Oh, really? How come? I heard you were childhood friends with Lord Darrington. Perhaps your invitation is delayed."

"Perhaps."

Feeling like she was suffocating, Lydia managed to leave the boutique after a quick farewell. Still, she had the opportunity to catch some of the whispers that followed her.

"Poor girl..." said one of them, a member of Lady Humprey's sycophant team. "She was immediately sidelined because of the princess."

"She shouldn't have foolish hopes. She should consider herself lucky to have had the chance to dance with Lord Darrington."

What Lydia heard was not unexpected from the high society. She knew them well. However, even when she returned home, these words continued to echo in her mind.

Looking at Lord Darrington's face, talking to him was considered a great favor bestowed upon her compared to the society she belonged to. Yet, during their childhood, Damian would wander around for hours just to talk and play with her. Due to his useless parents, his future was uncertain, and he was just a cute child. Lydia, on the other hand, stood out among the other children with the education she received and the things she owned thanks to her father's power.

Now everything was upside down. Since time wouldn't flow back, she had to forget the old days.

Suddenly, she was startled by a knock on the door, and judging by the voices of her nanny, a letter had arrived. Lydia wiped her moist eyes and sat up straight in her chair, waiting for her nanny to come into the room.

"It's from Lady Cameron, the Duchess of Reyes. I think it's an invitation..."

With her nanny's astonished looks, she calmly took the envelope. While taking the letter opener from the table, she felt her heart racing uncontrollably. Nevertheless, she opened the letter and read it.

When she glanced at her nanny, the woman's excited looks were heart-wrenching. Her nanny was living with her without any compensation, easing her pain of losing her family a little.

"I've been invited for the event in honor of the foreign princess. It will last a week. There will be balls and other things."

After taking a deep breath, Lydia added, "I guess Damian Darrington intends to continue surprising the society."