Garden of May - Chapter 87
Chapter 87
“In one’s youth, living simply, just the two of you in a quiet place, has its own romance. Why, even Her Majesty the Queen spent time on an island when she was carrying the princess.”
Rosaline spoke as if the island where the Queen had spent her honeymoon was some deserted rock, when in truth it was a rather large resort island with a population exceeding 400,000. This skewed perspective was undoubtedly gleaned from the older women of Lyndon society.
“One must experience hardship to appreciate the value of what one has now.” Rosaline, barely past her coming-of-age, spoke with the weary wisdom of someone who had seen it all—a habit picked up from her mother, the Marchioness. Sometimes, these echoes of parentage were startlingly clear.
Vanessa stifled her discomfort with a listless laugh. “I suppose so.”
“That child truly hasn’t grown up yet.” When Rosaline spoke like this, she was the spitting image of the Marchioness of Winchester. The realization always made Vanessa uneasy. Children, after all, tended to resemble their parents. And she had only her uncle to serve as a parental figure.
Do others see a similar strain in us? Have I unknowingly adopted his mannerisms and speech? The thought occasionally chilled her, leaving her feeling wretched and small. Regardless of his unfair treatment, she had to be grateful for his provision, especially for supporting her education in Saint Louis. Even if that decision wasn’t entirely altruistic, but rather a way to keep her tucked away in a boarding school until she was old enough for marriage negotiations.
“Vanessa, come stand over here.” Rosaline, holding a long veil she’d removed from a ribbon-adorned box, gestured toward a full-length mirror. Somewhat dazed, Vanessa allowed Rosaline’s maids to lead her.
Her hair was styled as if for a wedding, and a bouquet of white flowers materialized in her hands. A light touch of makeup graced her cheeks and lips.
“You look beautiful.”
“Just look at her!” The maids, having meticulously smoothed the wrinkles from her dress, stepped back with a collective gasp of admiration. Nudged before the mirror, Vanessa finally lifted her gaze. A pale-faced woman stared back. A monster who had thrown away friendship, her uncle’s expectations, and her parents’ honor.
Are you happy now? the woman in the mirror seemed to ask. As Vanessa reached to steady her trembling hands, Rosaline stepped forward with the veil.
“Lift your chin… Good, stay still.” Emerald eyes, so like her brother’s, shone with a serious light. A diamond tiara, a gift from the Count of Roden, was placed upon her head, followed by the delicate drape of a pure white veil. Rosaline, her hands trembling, lifted the lace that covered half of Vanessa’s face.
“Oh, Vanessa.” Rosaline’s eyes, swirling with complex emotions, welled up. She embraced Vanessa tightly, struggling to speak. “Truly…you’re so…”
“Are you alright?”
“…I want to murder the Count of Roden this instant.”
Vanessa held her friend close as Rosaline wept against her cheek. Rosaline cried, then laughed softly, reminiscing. Vanessa, initially mirroring her friend’s sorrow, felt a faint smile touch her lips.
She had never expected happiness. Her lot in life was simply to struggle against utter despair.
And perhaps, this was enough.
- Protected: Garden of May Chapter 152 - Jun 16, 2026
- Protected: Garden of May Chapter 151 - Jun 16, 2026
- Protected: Garden of May Chapter 150 - Jun 16, 2026
