Chapter 82 - (3)

"My lady, we meet again." she said and the room plummeted into silence.

"You are?" Lady Steinhouse asked, feigning ignorance. Lana stiffened slightly, but continued.

"You would not remember someone such as me, but I was with Walter when you arrived at the shop in upper town?" she tried to remind her. Lady Steinhouse looked at that face and wanted to rip it off. This little thing dared to announce she was with Walter?

"Oh. I usually don't remember people. I'll ask Walter when he comes." she said and the room seemed to freeze. Women around saw there was tension in the exchange and started to wonder.

"Oh, forgive me, then. I thought that since Walter and I were out shopping before you arrived, you would remember me." Lana refused to give up. She did not believe this woman would not acknowledge her after she had said all that.

The people in the room seemed to understand something, Lana was flaunting knowing Walter in public to annoy this lady. But why? Who was this lady to Walter?

"This princess usually shops at Madame D'huile so, forgive me for not taking your identity to heart." Lady Steinhouse said. She was much better at this than a little girl. How can she fight with her and expect to win? If she does not finish her here she would not be satisfied.

"Ah.. forgive me then." Lana retreated, but it was too late.

"Oh, it's you. The girl that was shopping with Mrs. Krain. Do you remember, she and her mother went shopping with you the other day, Mrs. Krain." she turned and asked Walter's mother. Walter's mother was already in an awkward position. So, she nodded and smiled. She understood this lady did not like Lana and she had no objections.

"Yes, myself and her mother are good friends. I did not know you were there, my lady." Walter's mother confirmed. The eyes in the room turned to Lana. Did she not just say she was with Walter? Why did she leave behind the rest that were also there? Lana saw as her words were just used to slap her face and wanted to glare at Mrs. Krain. You see a lady and you have already forgotten friends?

"I met Walter there. I had an appointment with swan Jewellers and wanted to thank him." Lady Steinhouse said.

"Thank him?" Mrs. Krain asked.

"He got me a token there and for Madame D'huile as well." she said as though this was normal. The room froze. If they were not already envious of the Krains, they were now. They knew what a token from these two shops meant.

Mrs. Krain did not know when this happened, but she liked this lady a lot. Did Walter intend to marry her? This was much better than the Fionettes. She smiled fondly at Lady Steinhouse and Lana wanted to disappear. That look from the lady was a clear act of provocation. As if to say, this is how you boast about your man. The lords dared not speak. Women were too dangerous. Lady Steinhouse had but just entered the house, but was quickly loved by Mrs. Krain for her glib tongue. They noticed the moment she sat next to Mrs. Krain that she wanted this woman to like her.

Lana had long been forgotten and her mother gave her signals to sit down, but she had no intention of being embarrassed and running away.

"You referred to yourself as a princess that time as well. I know, Your Ladyship is of great linage, but calling yourself a princess is a bit too much, don't you think?" she said and the eyes in the room returned to her. Lady Steinhouse was now angry. What was it with this girl?

"I may be referred to as Helen Odinuff, Duchess of Steinhouse, as my husband died on my wedding day, but I am still the king's only niece, Helen Jin Ke; conferred the title, Princess Ja Ahn of Juhntt. I suggest you learn you place, little girl." Lady Steinhouse said dangerously and Lana shivered. Her mother drew her aside and bowed in apology.

"Helen." Walter's call doused Lady Steinhouse's anger.

Lady Steinhouse winced at that voice. She wore a guilty look as she bite her lip and looked back at the door way. She lowered her head at the frown on Walter's face.