“Another invitation, is it?”
At Rose’s question, Ariella nodded lightly.
Catalina Lancashire, the eldest daughter of the Lancashire Count. The auburn-haired lady whom I met at the ball not long ago always enjoyed leading these sudden gatherings.
Tea parties, dinner parties, and sometimes even small masquerade balls. She hosted a variety of events without discrimination.
Strictly speaking, sending invitations just a day before a party was not in line with noble etiquette, but Catalina seemed to think that such parties, free from outdated formalities, were rather sophisticated.
Ariella’s fiancé found her way of thinking quite amusing. It seemed he was quite fond of the sudden parties, as if he were a capricious fellow.
When the popular crown prince reacted this way, other nobles also wished to be invited to her parties.
Since most events were primarily held for high-ranking nobles, Catalina’s parties became increasingly coveted.
On the other hand, until recently, Ariella had little interest in the events she hosted. Parties with Aaron were tiresome, and her personality did not quite match with Catalina’s.
Ariella had been friends with Catalina since she was fourteen. However, that was merely on the surface; they were not truly close.
Catalina could be described as either boisterous and straightforward or, negatively, as fiery and someone who had to say everything on her mind to feel satisfied. She was quite different from the calm Ariella.
However, since both were among the few high-ranking nobles and were of similar age, they naturally belonged to the same circle.
Catalina was at least kind to Ariella, and Ariella treated her accordingly.
Thus, their relationship somehow maintained the name of friendship.
‘But that will soon come to an end.’
It was uncertain whether Catalina had been introduced to Lizzy by Aaron or if she had been told the detailed circumstances surrounding Bedford, but soon enough, Catalina would turn her back on Ariella.
There was no way someone who didn’t even inform her friend about her fiancé’s infidelity would treat her as a friend after losing her status.
“It’s a dinner party. It will be held tomorrow evening.”
“Are you going, Miss?”
Rose asked with a blank expression.
Even without needing to hear the answer, it was obvious. She was not one to willingly attend such parties. Especially given the current situation at the Duke’s residence, there was no way she would go.
“Yes.”
“Yes, then I’ll respond right away… Wait?!”
Rose, who had been nodding as if she expected this, suddenly adjusted her glasses in surprise.
“I’m planning to attend this time. I even asked to be invited at the last ball. Plus, it says here that I must come.”
Ariella playfully shook the invitation.
Rose squinted her eyes and quickly read the invitation. Indeed, the elaborately decorated invitation contained such content.
[To Arrie.
How have you been? I was disappointed that we didn’t have a chance to talk properly last time. It seems I have a mountain of things to say to you, as high as the tower of the Juvenile Cathedral. Now that the biting cold has faded and the pretty birds are chirping under the spring sun, it feels like it’s time for us to meet again and chat like those birds.
…
This dinner party will be mixed, but you don’t necessarily need to come with a partner. So please do attend even if you come alone. I have things to tell you and friends to introduce you to. Although it’s a small gathering, many special and noble guests have been invited, so I would be grateful if you could come and grace the occasion.
Your friend, Catalina.]
The news that a partner was not required was delightful. Ariella murmured with a smile.
Rose still wore a puzzled expression, unable to understand why Ariella would want to attend the party.
Although it was written that she must attend, she could easily make excuses to decline. Especially since she didn’t feel particularly comfortable with the lady of the Lancashire family.
There were many questions, but she refrained from asking more and focused on what was necessary.
“Now that it’s spring, it’s about time to get a new dress. Should I call a seamstress from the Corcos tailor?”
“Yes, please do that. Oh, and this time, make sure to bring accessories including a hairpiece. What was that hat…?”
“A small, light hat! Decorated with lace, ribbons, and flowers!”
Amira couldn’t contain her excitement and interjected. Realizing her mistake as the stern head maid’s sharp gaze fell on her, she quickly shut her mouth.
“Cough. Yes, let’s go with what Amira just mentioned.”
A laugh escaped her unconsciously. It was amusing to see Amira, who had been tense since the moment the strict head maid appeared, not willing to give up on the hat.
As Ariella laughed, Rose sighed softly, as if to say she couldn’t help it. She muttered that the young lady was still quite immature, which Ariella couldn’t understand.
“A small, light hat decorated with lace, ribbons, and flowers. I’ll contact them today. Amira, you take care of it and confirm everything.”
“Yes, Head Maid!”
Amira’s face brightened significantly, relieved not to be scolded.
To be able to personally adorn the young lady today was the luckiest day of her life!
She murmured inwardly.
***
A few hours later.
“Today is the unluckiest day of my life.”
Amira murmured in a gloomy voice.
“How can all the appointments be fully booked? This doesn’t make sense!”
The reason for her mood plummeting in just a few hours was simple. She received a response from the Corcos tailor that they were fully booked and could not visit the Duke’s residence in time.
