In the Doghouse - Chapter 23
Finally, the day of the tea party arrived, marking Courtney’s first public appearance as the Crown Prince’s fiancée. Courtney and Patricia rode a new carriage to the Delvin Marquisate’s residence.
Though the tea party was hosted by Marchioness Delvin, it was clear to everyone that the real star of the event was Courtney Devon, the future Crown Princess.
The noblewomen, full of curiosity, had arrived early, eager to gossip about how such a brazen young lady had managed to secure a position by the Crown Prince’s side.
As soon as the Devon mother and daughter appeared in their grand attire, already dressed like royalty, the gathered women turned their interested gazes toward them. The hostess, Marchioness Delvin, hurriedly approached to greet them with graceful courtesy.
“Thank you for coming, Countess Devon. Lady Devon.”
“Oh, it’s nothing. Your garden is lovely, Marchioness. We’re in the process of redoing ours as well.”
“Thank you for the invitation.”
Courtney promptly interrupted her mother’s unnecessary comment, offering a somewhat awkward greeting in return. While she had attended tea parties with her mother before, this was the first time she had been formally welcomed by the hostess.
Of course, the person the Marchioness was truly welcoming was not Lady Devon, but the future Crown Princess. The Marchioness was thrilled that her tea party had been selected out of so many invitations, and her joy was palpable as she smiled broadly.
“I hear there’s good news in the Devon household?”
“Yes, that’s right.”
Patricia replied in a boastful tone, leaving Courtney wishing she could disappear. The new status and wealth that had practically fallen into their laps made her mother’s arrogance all the more embarrassing. It felt like they had become nouveau riche gamblers who had hit the jackpot.
Regardless of how Courtney felt, the Marchioness treated the future Crown Princess and her mother as honored guests.
“Please, have a seat here.”
When the Marchioness gestured toward the central table, the noblewomen who were already seated quickly shifted to make room. In such gatherings, there was a clear distinction between the honored and lesser seats, so the others politely yielded the best spots.
Patricia, beaming, took the seat next to the hostess.
“Hello, everyone,” she greeted, as if she were born to be among royalty.
Meanwhile, Courtney felt uncomfortable and awkward as she sat beside her mother.
At the table were four noblewomen dressed alike in pastel blue gowns, chattering like canaries in high-pitched voices.
“Lady Devon, is the dress you’re wearing today one of Madame Rosie’s designs?”
“My, the light green really compliments your verdant eyes. Of course, the pale blue gown you wore to the last tea party was also stunning.”
“That’s why pale blue fabrics are impossible to find in the capital nowadays! I suppose light green will be the next big trend.”
“We were all wondering why such a beautiful young lady didn’t have a fiancé. Now we know!”
Courtney was bombarded with exaggerated compliments. Had she worn light blue to the last tea party? She vaguely recalled being so cold in a summer dress during the spring weather that she couldn’t remember much else.
“Th…Thank you.”
“Oh, my daughter looks wonderful in any color. She doesn’t need to worry about trends,” Patricia interjected, lifting her chin with pride, as though the compliments were for her.
“Of course! Someone who sets trends doesn’t need to follow them.”
“If Lady Devon desires, I’m sure she can get any color fabric she wishes.”
“By the way, Countess Devon, your cream-colored dress is simply stunning.”
“Isn’t it? It’s a Madame Torres creation.”
The conversation was so petty and trivial that Courtney could barely stand to listen. She wanted nothing more than to plug her ears or leave the table altogether.
Of course, not everyone was thrilled about Courtney Devon being the center of attention. Some of the younger noblewomen, who secretly harbored feelings for the Crown Prince, were seated at a nearby table, muttering under their breath.
“How shameful.”
“Look at her strutting around, full of herself just because of His Highness’s fleeting attention.”
“If His Highness sees her like this, he’ll be so disgusted he might break off the engagement.”
“Exactly. It won’t be long before her true colors show.”
They spoke loudly enough to be heard, but quietly enough to feign innocence if confronted.
Courtney wasn’t the only one who heard them. Patricia’s face, which had been full of smug smiles, hardened instantly. Courtney leaned in and whispered to her mother.
“Just pretend you didn’t hear it.”
The best way to handle provocation was not to react. While Courtney remained calm, Patricia’s face turned red with anger. Unable to hold it in any longer, she finally spoke up.
“His Highness is so smitten with my Courtney that he sends her so many gifts we’re running out of places to store them!”
“Oh, how envious!”
Patricia’s attempt to salvage her pride only made Courtney more embarrassed. What was there to be proud of when they were essentially living off the Crown Prince’s charity? Courtney clenched her skirt tightly, holding back her frustration.
Sensing that their words had hit their mark, the young noblewomen at the other table continued with even more enthusiasm.
“How on earth did she manage to seduce His Highness?”
“Well, I’m sure she used her body… isn’t that how these things always go?”
“It’s vulgar, but there’s no other explanation, is there?”
