The Wicked Wife's Dark History Keeps Coming Back To Haunt Her - Chapter 120
The official beginning of the ball was marked by the first dance of the debutante.
Unmarried men were expected to dance at least once with the hostâs daughter, as per high societyâs rules, but married men had no such obligation.
For that reason, Ash toured the ball with Nina, receiving greetings from the guests.
Though the true protagonist was the daughter of this house, it felt as though they themselves had become the center of attention, which was uncomfortable.
This was one of the reasons Ash hadnât wanted to attend such a small-scale ball.
The reversal of host and guest.
Had she sensed what he was thinking?
His wife seemed equally uncomfortable, and she whispered in a low voice,
ââŚIt seems like we should move elsewhere soon, doesnât it?â
âIf you donât want to ruin the ball, that would be for the best.â
They had made an appearance. Surely it was about time they could take their leave.
When Nina spoke as if they were about to go, the sharp edge that had been in Ashâs mood ever since they encountered the young artist she had taken interest in began to soften slightly.
Nina nodded, excused herself from the others, and approached Henry, who had been pushed to the back by the crowd.
âIâd like to look at your artwork a bit more. If it wouldnât be a bother, may I ask you for that favor?â
But werenât they about to leave?
At Ninaâs words, Ashâs dark brows twitched ever so slightly.
âAh, Iâve displayed my paintings in the Long Gallery⌠If itâs alright, Iâll guide you there.â
âThank you for agreeing so readily.â
âNot at all. If itâs your wish, Madam, youâre welcome to stay as long as you like. The Long Gallery is open to guests anyway.â
Ash frowned as he watched Henry, who smiled with a faint blush.
The boy wasnât even trying to hide his blatant affection toward Nina.
âŚEven right in front of her husband.
Should that be called bravery, or just recklessness?
Thinking about how best to handle Henry, Ash followed behind the two.
âThis is the Long Gallery.â
A room as long as a corridor.
Henryâs exhibition was quietly laid out within.
Since the guestsâ primary goal was social mingling, most remained in the ballroom, but eventually, couples who hit it off would come hand in hand to this place.
Ash cast an indifferent eye over the paintings hung on the walls.
ââŚâŚâ
He didnât consider himself particularly knowledgeable about art, but even to him, the works displayed here were undeniably skilled.
With this level of talent, surely he should have heard the name at least onceâwhy hadnât Henry gained recognition until now?
Though Ash disliked the young man, there was no denying the quality of his work.
If his wife werenât currently speaking with Henry, Ash might have liked to appreciate the paintings at his leisure.
Just then, at Ninaâs quietly spoken words, Ash sharply turned his head.
âIf you donât mind⌠Iâd like to become your patron.â
âP-PardonâŚ? Patron⌠truly?â
Art supplies and materials were incredibly expensive.
It would have been difficult for the second son of a modest viscount to fund his own artistic pursuits.
If Duchess Bayern became his patron, it wouldnât be a small amount of support.
He might truly gain the freedom to create.
At the thought of such a possibility, Henryâs blue eyes shimmered like waves.
And the name âBayernâ carried immense weight. If he made a name for himself as an artist, having the Duchess as his patron would be a tremendous honor.
Greedy as an artist and eager to bring pride to his family, his heart raced.
How had such a stroke of luck come to him?
âIn return, Iâll buy all of these works. Is that alright with you?â
âM-Madam⌠may I have a moment to think?â
But there was no guarantee that his future works would continue to satisfy her.
Though receiving his first patronage offer thrilled him, it also felt like a heavy burden.
ââŚYou donât need to answer right away. But⌠if someone is to become the owner of your works, Iâd like it to be me.â
Ashâs brows furrowed deeply as he watched the two.
That comment just now.
And the way their eyes sparkled⌠It was almost too much.
Before he realized it, Ash stepped slightly between them and said to Henry,
âIf itâs about patronage, wouldnât it be better under the name of House Bayern?â
âHoney?â
âIf youâre trying to make a name for yourself as a new artist, wouldnât support from the Duchy carry more weight than a personal sponsorship from my wife? What do you think?â
Was it that the offer felt too extravagant for someone from a viscountâs family?
Henry flinched with a flustered expression.
âHoney, Iâm the one whoâs going to be his patron. Iâm the one who discovered him.â
Henry glanced at Nina, who was tugging at Ashâs sleeve in distress, then, as if he had made up his mind, spoke with a firm expression,
âYour Grace, I appreciate your offer⌠but people like me are loyal to those who first recognized the value of our work. I apologize.â
In other words, he was boldly rejecting the name of House Bayern in favor of receiving personal patronage from Duchess Bayern.
Er_amaral26@
lol it seems Ash has completely forgotten that in just a few months they are supposed to basically become strangers. Nina wants to become his patron as a source of income after the divorce, Ash hasnât even realized that yet. Heâs so focused on the young men around his wife that heâs completely forgotten that she may not be his wife at all soon. Seems they need to have a more in depth conversation before he continues to come between his wife and other men. Not that Ash is smart enough to initiate the conversationâŚ