In the Doghouse - Chapter 66
Just then, one of the targets Courtney had in mind appeared. Madam Berricker leaned in and whispered again.
“The woman in the red dress by the fountain is Marchioness Carrington.”
Courtney’s gaze followed toward the fountain. Among a group of noblewomen, one tall woman stood out, extravagantly dressed. She was a well-known figure in high society, familiar to many. Known for being well-informed on all kinds of gossip, she was equally notorious for her loose tongue.
She was a suitable target for another plan Courtney had in mind for the day.
The marchioness seemed to have noticed the crown princess’s attention as well. When Courtney gave her a subtle glance, the marchioness immediately gathered her entourage and approached.
“It’s an honor to meet you, Your Highness the Crown Princess. I’m Evelyn Carrington.”
“Pleasure to meet you, Marchioness Carrington.”
There was no need to start on hostile terms, no matter who the other person was. When Courtney greeted her with a wide smile, the marchioness, delighted, introduced her companions. They included Countess Willington, Viscountess Moore, and her daughter. After exchanging polite greetings and a light conversation about the concert, they gracefully withdrew.
Once they left, Courtney leaned slightly toward Madam Berricker, who promptly supplied the information Courtney desired.
“It’s well known that Marchioness Carrington holds some leverage over the entire Moore family. However, no one knows exactly what the weakness is.”
“They seemed quite close…”
“In high society, appearances are rarely the full story.”
Courtney nodded seriously at her aide’s advice. This was a different world from her days as a Devon. Her actions could now affect the reputation of the imperial family, and any missteps could tarnish the crown prince’s authority. Determined not to appear weak, she straightened her neck and shoulders.
More guests arrived. Those who entered the garden all stared at one spot with wide eyes—the crown princess, making her first public appearance. Even the ladies who had once looked down on her, and gentlemen with whom she had never interacted, were eager to introduce themselves.
Courtney had no intention of holding grudges, though. Apart from those who had openly slandered her, avoiding people who had merely subtly ignored her would leave her with few allies.
In a quiet voice, audible only to Madam Berricker, she asked,
“Is there anyone I should greet first?”
“Well, it’s been a while since Viscount Baldwin has made an appearance. He’s highly respected.”
Courtney immediately turned her attention to the elderly man Madam Berricker pointed out. The distinguished old man approached and greeted her with grace and poise.
Afterward, she greeted a few others, choosing them based on reputation alone. Those who didn’t receive a direct invitation from her sought introductions from others who had, following proper decorum.
By the time the concert was about to begin, Courtney had managed to meet most of the guests.
“Huu…”
“Tiring, isn’t it?”
A handmaid hurriedly brought her a refreshing drink. Courtney lifted the champagne glass to her lips as she carefully observed the gathering once more.
Although the guests were scattered in groups, chatting amongst themselves, it was clear that everyone’s attention was focused on her. The ladies who had once spread rumors about the Devon family averted their eyes as soon as Courtney caught their gaze.
Most, however, looked at her with friendly eyes, ready to engage if she called upon them. They were clearly eager to offer conversation should the crown princess seek it.
But Courtney had no such intention. If she tried to engage too much, the more experienced noblewomen would undoubtedly manipulate her. She muttered to herself,
“I’m starting to see how things work now…”
“Indeed. It’s not like they’re trying to hide anything,” Madam Berricker agreed.
Courtney’s gaze shifted to the seating arrangements. She had once thought seating was determined purely by the ranking of families, but she now realized it was far more complex.
Some women, who clearly didn’t get along, were seated next to each other, unwilling to concede the higher status seats. There were also gentlemen whose political stance didn’t align with the hosts’, and thus, they were seated in more obscure spots despite their status. Even those standing and chatting were subtly divided into cliques.
Her observation of everything led Courtney to one thought—everyone seemed to be living in unnecessarily complicated ways, especially in a time of peace without wars.
“It seems like it’s about to start.”
The musicians, dressed in polished formal attire, took their places. After a brief introduction, the concert began. Courtney, who had little interest in music and couldn’t even read sheet music, pretended to be absorbed as she listened.
During the short intermissions, she exchanged polite greetings but refrained from any deep conversations. Her goal today was simply to familiarize herself with the faces and the atmosphere. She had no intention of building connections too hastily or revealing too much about herself. After all, aligning with one side too quickly or exposing her thoughts would only be to her disadvantage.
And everything seemed to be going according to plan, but then—
“Your Highness…!”
