The Ugly Wife of the Shady Duke - Chapter 95
After a moment, a servant poured the drink into a glass, and Lady Charles’s eyes widened as she noticed the small bubbles clinging to the surface.
“This is that water.”
“I was pondering what would be the best gift for you, Lady Charles, and decided on this. I thought it was truly charming, and it was a pity that it was unknown to others.”
Lady Charles sipped the subtly red-hued beverage, admiring the jewel-like fruits within. The delightful flavors, crafted carefully by Grace, were evident – the rich sweetness and tartness of the fruits, the scent of wine, and the water from her homeland she often missed, all brightening her expression.
It was more than just nostalgia; it was genuinely delicious.
‘It seems to be well-received.’
Grace’s reason for choosing sangria was that an imitation wine could never fully capture the essence of the real thing. Since the carbonated water was not widely known, she anticipated that such a beverage would be unique, using the fruits to compensate for any lack in flavor.
Like how she used blending to improve the quality of tea bags.
As Lady Charles showed not just acceptance, but enthusiasm for the drink, the other guests, seeing an unfamiliar beverage mimicking wine, grew interested.
Seizing the moment, Grace gestured, and Sally hurriedly brought in the remaining gift boxes that had been kept on standby outside, distributing one to each guest.
“This doesn’t contain fruit, but you’ll still experience the flavor. Enjoy it chilled. It’s a small apology for my sudden visit.”
This way, it wouldn’t just be seen as a gift solely for the baby shower host. Given the positive response, the drink held much more value than its actual price.
The Charles family wielded considerable influence in social circles, and the presence of these guests implied they were significant players too.
Those at the pinnacle of society don’t just follow trends; they set them. If they liked this sangria, they would use it to lead a new trend.
‘That means everyone will start using carbonated water, and then Lady Charles’s homeland, which has been struggling economically, will see a revival.’
The carbonated water wouldn’t last a lifetime, so Grace knew she’d need to consider other business plans soon. Still, it wasn’t a bad start for funding future ventures. Sensing the intent behind Grace’s gift, Lady Charles looked at her with a slightly moved expression.
“Duchess…”
Grace handed Lady Charles another small box.
“This is another gift. Giving everyone the same thing would diminish its meaning.”
She pretended to hide her intent, which of course wasn’t really hidden at all. Grace knew this wouldn’t actually conceal her motives.
But it was often the ‘unintentionally revealed anonymous donations’ that stirred people’s hearts the most.
“I had to prepare this in a hurry, so I’m not sure if you’ll like it.”
What Grace had separately prepared was a charm made of pink coral.
“Pink coral is said to have several meanings, one of them being safe childbirth.”
“…….”
“I prepared this hoping you will have a healthy child resembling both of you and that you, Lady Charles, can return to your normal life soon.”
“Thank you so much.”
Lady Charles took the small coral charm out of the box and held it in her hand.
“Duchess, I think we’re going to be good friends.”
“…Yes?”
‘What does she mean by that?’
It was as if everyone had always held a favorable opinion of Grace. Caught off guard, she couldn’t delve further into the matter, especially since all eyes were on them.
Among the onlookers was Madam Charles herself, her gaze much softer than before.
Somehow, for reasons unknown, everyone was looking at Grace warmly.
‘Wh-What’s all this about?’
Is this some kind of transmigrator buff?
Was everyone now looking at her fondly just because she brought a drink? Was this really okay? Grace sat dazed, absorbing all the warmth directed at her.
No one seemed to resolve Grace’s unease. Suddenly, everyone appeared more favorable towards her than expected.
‘So unsettling.’
Despite feeling uneasy, the party had begun, and she couldn’t just grab someone to ask why they were looking at her so warmly. Grace decided to just enjoy the moment.
Whether it was the trasmigrator’s buff or something else, there was no harm in using it to her benefit.
While sipping tea and nibbling on the snacks, the conversation eventually turned to Grace.
“I’ve heard a lot about you, Duchess. I’m pleased to finally meet you in person. I hope to see more of you rather than just hearing stories.”
“Right. Meeting you in person is so much better.”
Then, through a few remarks from the other noblewomen, Grace began to form a rough idea.
‘Ah, is that why?’
Grace, known as the Duchess of Felton, had many unfavorable rumors about her. There were probably many more that Grace herself was unaware of.
Novices to the social scene or the generally uninformed may have casually spread and believed these rumors, seeing as they caused no personal harm.
However, those gathered here were different. Despite hearing such rumors, they were the type who could make their own judgments upon meeting the actual person.
‘To be at the heart of society, one must have a good head on their shoulders.’
This place was a kind of political arena, where survival required strong personal convictions and shrewdness.
Their words also implied, ‘We hope that despite the rumors, Duchess Grace, you will be more active in society to dispel them.’
Lady Charles’s positive reaction to Grace’s gift seemed to have won over their hearts.
Not just because of the gift’s meaning, but also because Grace generously shared it with everyone, adding to her favor.
Grace slightly lifted the corners of her mouth.
“Thank you for your kind words. I’ll try to gather more courage to be more active in society. It would be great to meet you all more often.”
Grace’s response subtly hinted, ‘I have the intention to be active in society; will you join me?’
The lack of negative reactions suggested that Grace had indeed made a good impression.
‘But this is just the beginning.’
“By the way, I heard there’s a royal ball coming up. If Duke Felton isn’t with you, come join us in our lounge.”
“Right, Duchess. And you outrank us, so please feel comfortable speaking freely.”
Grace shook her head at a young lady’s suggestion.
“No, I don’t see our relationship as hierarchical. I wish to be friends with all of you. Would that be alright if I continue to speak this way?”
The young lady, slightly surprised, nodded. Usually, ladies from lower-ranking families who married into higher ranks would become arrogant or awkwardly unsuited to their new positions.
Grace, while a bit awkward, wasn’t off-putting. Instead, her deficiencies, while being somewhat liked, made them reminiscent of their own early days, evoking a desire to help.
“By the way, have you prepared your dress for the upcoming party?”
“Oh, don’t even mention it. It’s been really hard to get the latest fashionable fabrics lately. I wonder why…”
“Fortunately, I received a dress fabric as a gift recently, so I ordered a dress based on that. But I’m still worried. If you haven’t prepared yours yet, Duchess, let us know.”
“Right. It’s your first time at such a big event, so you might not be familiar with the trends. We’ll help you. Don’t worry.”
“Oh, by the way, what are your plans for the party, Lady Charles?”
Amidst the conversation about dresses for the party, a lady with a melodic voice inquired.
“I’ll decide based on how I feel. It’s an important event, after all.”
Despite her noticeably swollen belly, her overall condition seemed stable, so she confidently responded.
“It’s just that I’ve swelled up quite a bit during the pregnancy, which worries me. Though my husband assures me it’s fine.”
“……?”
Grace, sipping her tea, looked on with a puzzled expression at the sudden turn in the conversation.
‘She seems quite slender, though?’
For a pregnant woman, or even just in general, she appeared quite slim. Only her belly was roundly swollen, which had initially made Grace worry if she was alright. Yet, Lady Charles was touching her own wrist with a concerned look.
“I’ve been absent from gatherings for a while, and I’m worried about attending such a big event in this state.”
Grace discreetly glanced around at everyone else seated. They all had much thinner frames than her.
‘I thought I had lost quite a bit of weight.’
Time had passed, she had regained her strength and thought she had successfully lost weight. But sitting here among them, she felt somewhat out of place.
