Chapter 203
âTch, no wayâŚâ
Nina let out a short laugh and shook her head, as if dismissing her own thought as absurd.
Before holding a party, it was standard practice to repair or cover up any visible flaws in the houseâs appearance.
That was precisely why Melanie had come to her earlier, showing her the list of repairmen.
The manor, built some fifty years ago, had aged considerably, and they often hired craftsmen for maintenance.
And perhaps because of the chandelier accident that had occurred a few months ago at the Dunklin marquisal residence, the nobility had since taken to inspecting their estates for safety before any social gatherings.
Having experienced a major accident herself, Nina had grown more concerned with safety repairs than interior design.
An accident.
She suspected that Rebecca might use a repairman to cause one.
âAm I taking this too farâŚ?â
No matter how vile a person was, surely she wouldnât go that far.
âNo, that woman already crossed the line.â
The fact that Rebecca had once used drugs on her meant that she no longer possessed even the most basic decency expected of a human being.
If Rebecca had even an ounce of reason left, she wouldnât dare attempt something so recklessâŚ
âStill, I should be careful just in case.â
After all, there were countless ways to interfere, whether it be trying to sway Ian like Count Azelot had or creating chaos to ruin the party.
It would be best to remain vigilant in every respect.
This was a celebration for Ian, the heir of House Bayern.
Even if the family hadnât hosted a party in some time, this event was of great importance.
HaaâŚ
She shut her eyes tightly and let out a deep sigh.
âFor now, letâs just eat first.â
She could think after that.
Her stomach felt completely empty after running around all morning catching frogs.
* * *
Since the visit from Marquis Crewe, the atmosphere in the Nord ducal estate had been as tense as walking on thin ice.
The servants kept silent, terrified.
For while the Dukeâs tantrums rarely went beyond drunken stupors, the Duchess was another matter entirely.
ââŚHe went out?â
Having just returned from a tea party at a neighboring nobleâs home, Rebeccaâs face twisted sharply at the maidâs words.
Sheâd thought that since her husband had drunk himself senseless until noon, he would at least rest quietly at home today.
Yet in the short time sheâd left the house for the tea party, he too had gone out.
âYes, Madam. A couple of hours after you departed, he woke up and immediatelyââ
Unable to contain her rage, Rebecca swung her arm and sent a decorative vase in the lobby crashing to the floor.
CRASH!
Shards scattered everywhere as the servants shrieked softly.
Breathing heavily, her chest rising and falling with anger, Rebecca asked,
âDid he not say where he was going?â
âTh-that, Iâll ask the butler right away.â
ââŚNo, thereâs no way that man would tell the butler his destination.â
Judging from his recent behavior, he was surely in some tavern somewhere, fooling around with courtesans.
Lately, sheâd noticed traces of cosmetics and unfamiliar perfume on his clothes. It was proof enough, one hundred percent.
âI thought leaving him alone for a few days might straighten him out, butâŚâ
His position as director of the national project had been granted solely thanks to her maternal grandfather.
It was an opportunity to both benefit the Nord territory and earn His Majestyâs trust, killing two birds with one stone.
He hadnât even needed to work particularly hard. Just performing at an average level would have sufficed.
If only the construction hadnât fallen behind schedule, there would have been no problem at all.
Yet heâd ruined even that simple task, and now had the gall to act like he was the victim.
She had dismissed his wandering as a temporary phase, thinking men tended to flee when nagged too much, but his behavior was growing worse by the day.
âCome to think of it, Grandfatherâs letter arrived not long agoâŚâ
[What is that fool Frederick doing right now?
There hasnât been a second threat yet, but this isnât something that can be delayed.
It seems to be the Chief Justiceâs doing, but Iâll have Marquis Dunklin help divert His Majestyâs attention.
You find a way to coax that man and settle this quickly.
Otherwise, donât expect any further support.]
The memory of her grandfatherâs letter made her temples throb in pain.
He suspected the Chief Justice was behind the blackmail, but Rebecca knew the truth.
That it was the work of Duke Bayern.
