In the Doghouse - Chapter 109
So, Duchess Wrighton decided to pour all her energy into achieving her goal. It was pointless to simply praise someone from a humble background—anyone with a mouth could do that.
She continued speaking with a respectful but not servile tone.
“Your Highness, if it’s not too much trouble, would it be alright if my friends joined us? They all wish to greet you.”
“Yes, of course.”
At Duchess Wrighton’s invitation, noblewomen approached one by one, as if they had been waiting for this moment. As befitted someone at the center of high society, her acquaintances were all from prominent backgrounds. However, she wasn’t merely showing off her connections.
After each noblewoman greeted the Crown Princess and left, the Duchess added some context, explaining the background or skills of the person who had just departed.
The qualities she highlighted were often things Courtney would find intriguing. For example, the last noblewoman, dressed in a deep blue gown, was introduced with:
“Madam Souldon spent much of her childhood abroad.”
“I see.”
“She knows many fascinating stories about foreign lands.”
The Duchess was promoting the woman’s familiarity with foreign cultures as a strength. Courtney could easily understand the true purpose behind the Duchess’s display of her network.
With the Harvest Festival marking the beginning of her official role as Crown Princess, Courtney would have many duties ahead. Even if not immediately planned, hosting foreign envoys would eventually be one of them.
Duchess Wrighton was carefully introducing useful people, subtly indicating that these individuals, at her request, would be eager to assist the Crown Princess whenever needed.
In the end, it was a demonstration of the Duchess’s own value. Since Courtney had no significant power or connections herself, there was no reason to refuse such favors.
“Stories about foreign lands… I’d love to hear them sometime. Would there be an opportunity for that?”
“I will arrange it.”
“Please invite me. I’ll be sure to make time for it.”
Duchess Wrighton’s face lit up brightly, as if a light had been turned on. The Crown Princess had requested an invitation, which was akin to apologizing for not attending her previous event and putting any old grudges behind them.
“Yes! Please look forward to it.”
Courtney felt a sense of pride for having navigated the social interaction so well. It was something she wouldn’t have even imagined doing not too long ago. Her quiet efforts had paid off, and even Madam Berricker gave her a look of approval.
Duchess Wrighton was equally pleased with the outcome. The flustered woman from their first greeting had vanished, and she had returned to her usual refined self, speaking in an elegant voice.
“I’ve monopolized Your Highness’s time for too long. I shall see you again soon.”
“I’ll look forward to it.”
As Duchess Wrighton moved away, Courtney opened her fan, taking a moment to rest. Duchess Herbert, who had been present throughout the lengthy conversation, offered some advice.
“Maintaining a close relationship with Duchess Wrighton is a wise choice. Her family’s loyalty is beyond question.”
“Yes.”
“The banquet preparations were excellent as well. I’ve already looked around, and everything is flawless.”
The straightforward praise from the strict noblewoman brought a smile to Courtney’s face.
“Thank you.”
However, the pleasant atmosphere didn’t last long.
Suddenly, a woman barged into the conversation. Another Devon woman—one who longed for high society yet lacked the appropriate manners—rudely interrupted.
“Courtney!”
It was none other than her mother, Patricia, whom she hadn’t missed a single day since leaving home.
Courtney frowned at the unexpected intrusion.
But Duchess Herbert reacted first. No matter how close a mother is to her daughter, addressing the Crown Princess by her name in public without permission was unthinkable for someone familiar with imperial etiquette.
With a voice cold enough to silence a crying child, Duchess Herbert reprimanded Patricia.
“Countess Devon, do mind your manners.”
Patricia, who had been rushing over, froze at the sharp rebuke.
Duchess Herbert could easily infer Patricia’s identity based on the improper form of address, but Patricia, having lived in isolation from the imperial court, had no way of recognizing the noblewoman before her. However, she could tell one thing—this imposing woman with a haughty expression was of far higher standing than herself.
“I-I apologize. As a mother, I was just so happy to see my daughter that I made a mistake…”
Courtney let out a small sigh. At least her mother had the sense to realize her error. She had no choice but to step in.
“My mother isn’t familiar with settings like this. Please understand, Duchess.”
Patricia’s eyes darted nervously, clearly curious about the identity of the unfamiliar noblewoman, but Courtney had no intention of introducing them. Her silence was mirrored by Duchess Herbert, who also chose not to engage.
“Very well. I’ll leave you to your conversation.”
Without looking back, Duchess Herbert walked away. As Courtney watched her leave, she suppressed another sigh that was trying to escape.
To think that the strict noblewoman who had been a constant source of stress for the past few weeks was now more bearable than her own mother—her current situation truly sank in.
As Courtney’s attendants, including Madam Berricker, stepped back, Patricia quickly spoke up again.
“Courtney, dear, who was that woman?”
“You don’t need to know. What brings you here?”
“What do you mean? Do I need a reason to speak to my own daughter? Have you not missed your family at all? You should have come to see your mother before greeting all these other ladies.”
Courtney couldn’t find a response.
