An Unexpected Punishment

"Mrs. Merriweather. Mr. Jameson."

Vivian's voice, clear and unwavering, carried through the office as she addressed the butler and head maid of the Valerion household.

"Yes, Your Grace," they responded in unison, bowing respectfully.

Despite their composed exteriors, both of them were fully aware of why they had been summoned. As senior staff members, they understood that any failure in household management ultimately fell upon their shoulders. Though their years of service had prepared them for many difficult situations, this was an oversight they could not excuse.

By longstanding tradition, it was their duty to receive and properly accommodate guests in the absence of the duke and duchess. However, due to an unfortunate confluence of responsibilities, they had been otherwise engaged when the visitors were directed to the drawing room. Their failure to greet them promptly had allowed Isla to interfere, setting off the chain of events that led to the current predicament.

While they knew they would not escape punishment, the true source of their frustration lay elsewhere. If Lady Isla had not taken it upon herself to receive a package that was neither hers nor intended for this estate, none of this would have happened. It was unthinkable that she would be so brazen as to claim a delivery within another noble's household, particularly when she was merely a guest. More troubling still was the negligence of the dressmaker. Why had they handed the package over without verifying the recipient's identity? Had they mistaken Isla for a servant, or had they simply failed to follow proper procedure?

Although Mrs. Merriweather and Mr. Jameson acknowledged their own lapse, they could not ignore the role Isla had played in placing them in this precarious position. She was already an unpopular figure among the estate staff, most of whom blamed her for the ongoing discord between the duke and duchess. As professionals, the head maid and butler had never openly expressed personal opinions on the matter, but neither could deny the quiet resentment that simmered beneath their composed exteriors.

Vivian regarded them with an impassive expression before finally delivering her judgment.

"For your failure to attend to the guests in a timely manner and allowing such an avoidable error to take place, half of your wages for this month will be deducted as a consequence. I trust that such a lapse will not occur again during the remainder of my time in this estate as the Duchess of Valerion."

Her tone remained even, and soft, yet imbued with the unmistakable weight of authority.

The words, though expected, landed with a heaviness that even their years of discipline could not completely mask. A salary deduction was far harsher than the punishments Vivian had previously dispensed. The original Vivian had always been reluctant to enforce financial penalties upon her household staff, believing that their livelihoods depended on their wages far more than she could ever comprehend. Instead, she typically assigned additional duties as a form of discipline.

Mrs. Merriweather and Mr. Jameson exchanged the briefest of glances but remained outwardly composed.

"We understand, Your Grace," Mr. Jameson replied with a measured nod.

"There will not be a repeat of this incident," Mrs. Merriweather added, her voice steady and professional.

Leonard, Alaric, and Anna remained silent, watching without comment. This was Vivian's domain, and they recognized that it was neither their place nor their concern to interfere in her ruling.

Vivian's gaze remained fixed upon them as she continued.

"In addition, please arrange for Lady Isla to change into another dress before she departs. She will be returning to her family estate immediately. Escort her there personally and explain to the Baron and Baroness what has transpired. I trust they will determine the appropriate course of action regarding compensation."

The butler inclined his head in acknowledgment. "As you command, Your Grace."

"Understood," the head maid added, offering another respectful bow.

Mrs. Merriweather then turned to Isla, her expression unreadable. "Lady Isla, if you would follow me. We shall assist you in changing before your departure."

Isla, who had remained silent throughout the exchange, stood stiffly in place. Her face was pale, her lips pressed tightly together in anger. The humiliation of being dismissed so swiftly, without a chance to defend herself, was evident in the way her fingers curled into the fabric of the borrowed gown.

Vivian, however, merely offered her a polite smile.

"Lady Isla, please cooperate with them. I look forward to receiving word from your family regarding this matter," she said smoothly.

Despite her pleasant tone, there was no mistaking the finality of her words.

The maids stepped forward, gently guiding Isla toward the door. With one last glance at Vivian, whose serene expression betrayed nothing, Isla turned and walked out of the office, the quiet rustling of fabric the only sound that accompanied her departure.

Only once the door had closed did Mrs. Merriweather and Mr. Jameson exchange another glance. Though their outward demeanor remained impeccable, the weight of the punishment, along with their lingering resentment toward Isla, was undeniable.

Without another word, they turned and went on their way to carry out their mistress orders.

"I believe since this matter is settled, I should get going on my way my lady most especially since it seems like you really need your rest considering how you almost dove off in the carriage," Leonard said.

After the butler and the head maid existed, since there was no more excuse for Alaric and Leonard to continue to stay inside Vivian's office with her, so they both decided to make their way out and Vivian really appreciated that since she truly needed her rest and can not bare to have any more interaction with any of the main cast of the original novel.

"Thanks for your consideration your grace," Vivian said with a polite smile on her face before bowing slightly as she watched Leonard and his assistant make their exit.

Just when Leonard is about to open the door, he stops, "Have your lady-in-waiting come down in the evening if you are too stressed to come down, your birthday gift will be delivered this evening" Leonard said leaving both Anna and Vivian in shock, and total confusion even Alaric can not help but wonder if he knows what he is saying because he does not remember him preparing any gift for her birthday or their Anniversary so where is this sudden gift coming from.