Garden of May - Chapter 38
Chapter 38
“Thanks to our mothers’ friendship, the three of us have been together since we were in cradles. All your firsts were mine, and all my firsts were yours.”
Blair’s hand on hers felt damp, stinging, and uncomfortable. Just like the vanished promises, just like their mothers’ shallow friendship that scattered with death.
The promise to marry their children when they grew up had been treated worse than a worn-out shoe since the Somerset name had been dragged through the mud.
The Marchioness of Winchester often looked disapprovingly at them even being together, as if wondering what a young girl could have learned growing up under such a notorious rake of an uncle. As if she were looking at a woman who would corrupt her son.
“I wish we could continue living like this. Even taking holidays together sometimes.”
As Vanessa sat dazed with her hand in his, Blair playfully nibbled on her fingertip. A warm breath spread over the very spot where River Ross’s lips had touched.
Startled by a strange discomfort, she pulled her hand away, and he chuckled. As if her innocent reaction was precisely what he had longed for.
Rosaline frowned at her brother’s behavior, as if disgusted, then quickly composed her expression. “Whatever you decide, you don’t have to do it right away. Just get married and go to university as planned. That will buy you some time. You can postpone married life as long as you continue your studies.”
The problem was whether Count Roden would even allow his wife to attend university. Of course, there was a more practical problem.
“I’ve always wanted to go to university, but it seems difficult right now. I have to save up for the tuition.”
“Tuition? Are you joking?”
“Surprisingly, I’m serious, Blair Winchester.”
“Are you really going to give up university because of money?”
“I didn’t say I was giving up. I’ll go eventually…”
“That’s the same thing.”
After a moment of silence, Blair looked up. “If you need money, why don’t you look for a proper job? A governess, a clerk, a secretary… something like that. It’s more stable than serializing novels.”
“Blair, that’s something for the truly impoverished working class. Vanessa’s situation is different.”
At Rosaline’s haughty words, Vanessa closed her mouth. Her views on labor aligned with those of most Ingram nobles. Even for a member of a fallen family, working to ‘earn money,’ not as a hobby, was considered shameful.
Nobles, regardless of their rank, were supposed to be the ones who provided jobs by employing people, not the ones employed and paid.
“She just wants some social experience. It’s not right to compare Vanessa to those who work to survive.” Rosaline looked disdainfully at the waiters bustling around with trays, then turned elegantly to Vanessa. “Isn’t that right, Vanessa?”
Wrong. In truth, Vanessa longed for the very opportunities they had. Nevertheless, she managed a timely smile and nodded. “Of course.”
Rosaline smiled with satisfaction and took a large spoonful of sorbet. Vanessa followed suit, then touched her lips. It was strange. The sorbet, which had been so sweet just moments ago, now held no flavor at all.
***
As the season deepened, showers became frequent. It was the time, just before the intense heat of summer began, when small flower buds and berries sprouted, showcasing their vitality. A new change had come to Gloucester Castle’s gardens.
The Linus Woods, adjoining the back garden, were teeming with raspberries, apricots, and small wild peaches. Plums, persimmon blossoms, and pale green crabapple buds added to the vibrancy of the fresh season.
The staff of Gloucester Castle threw open the windows, which had been closed throughout spring, to fully embrace this beautiful season.
It was an exceptionally sunny day, feeling like midsummer. The exterior renovations, which had been ongoing since morning, were finally halted, unable to withstand the humid midday heat.
The workmen and servants decided to go fishing and swimming in the river, and the maids excitedly ran to Vanessa, asking if they could postpone the afternoon’s work for a few hours.
“Would that be alright, my lady?”
This deviation occurred only half a day after Count Somerset had departed for the capital with the butler. Rosaline was appalled by their behavior of seeking the “lady’s” permission only when they needed to shirk their responsibilities, but Vanessa readily agreed.
“Alright. Just make sure you don’t stay out too late.”
“What about lunch? We were thinking of having simple sandwiches.”
“Have them pack some in a basket and bring it up. Enough for two or three people, please.”
“Why don’t you come out with me and have a proper lunch? Don’t plan on making that last for dinner as well.” Rosaline, who had been admiring herself in the mirror while trying on a new hat, frowned and turned around. Vanessa shrugged.
“Cece came to see you and Blair. She’ll be uncomfortable if I’m there.”
“She’s so devoted. Coming all the way down here just to see you before setting sail.”
“She’s very fond of you both.”
“She’s far too good for Blair…. So, you’re really not coming?”
“Have fun and tell me all about it when you get back.”
Rosaline’s preparations were complete the moment she selected a hat to complement her gown. After seeing her off in the carriage, enduring her litany of reminders and farewells disguised as gentle admonishments, a profound silence descended.
In truth, the entire castle was eerily quiet. From the youngest footman to the kitchen maids, everyone had excitedly rushed down to the river. His gaze drifted from the empty hallway to the guards patrolling the castle’s perimeter. He stared at their sun-baked faces for a moment, unsure what he was searching for.
