Chapter 76

Chapter 76

Well, I dont think hes the impulsive type. He might want to take his time and observe.

What are you talking about, Dame Iona? Are you saying you have been waiting this whole time?

What else should I do but wait?

Then, if you miss your chance, who will be responsible? Although it seems the Duke is quite smitten with you right now, you cant be at ease until he formally proposes! You never know when or how a mans heart will change.

Erna hit the table with an excited face.

Overwhelmed by Ernas forcefulness, Iona was momentarily at a loss for words.

Even Claudia, who was sitting next to her, nodded in agreement, as if she couldnt refute the statement.

I had a feeling you werent interested in gathering other suitors... Ah, thats probably why the Duke doesnt feel threatened either.

Erna, who sighed in frustration, continued as if admonishing Iona.

Dame Iona, the next time you attend a ball, dance with other gentlemen. If rumors spread about another suitor, the Duke might get restless, right? Nothing stirs up tension like jealousy.

Dance with another gentleman?

Iona involuntarily recalled a letter from Richard.

Would attending a ball with another man be enough to provoke jealousy?

Both men probably have other plans. Not that they would be jealous.

She chuckled inwardly at the absurdity of her thoughts.

Meanwhile, Claudia and Erna continued their heated discussion.

It is not wrong. I know of cases where men, believed to be on the verge of proposing, backtracked at the last moment. Although I dont believe the Duke is like that...

My sister went through that. He confessed his love, acting like hed bring her the stars, but then suddenly said it wasnt the right time for marriage. Not long after, he proposed to one of her friends.

Oh my, isnt that just too cruel?

Once it happens, its too late. Until the outcome is certain, no one can be sure if theyre that kind of person. Can you imagine how shocking it is to see a man who showered you with gifts and flowers, now courting another woman?

It certainly seemed to be more common than Iona had thought.

As Claudia and Ernas voices grew louder, other ladies joined in, sharing their experiences.

For the married ones, it usually ended with them boasting about their husbands, but their opinions on past suitors were brutally honest.

As Iona listened to various tales of trashy men, her trust in the creature called man began to waver.

While she didnt see Leroy in that light, there was always this underlying fear that he might fancy another woman.

Iona opened her mouth with a rare expression of lack of confidence.

Isnt there another way, aside from jealousy?

Another way?

I mean... to make him feel tense.

Seeing the genuine look in Ionas eyes, Claudia couldnt bring herself to say, Never gift something that could make the recipient suspect malicious intent.

After contemplating for a moment with her eyes closed, Claudia finally made a difficult decision.

Well, Dame Iona. Its not that your skills are lacking, but... its quite challenging for beginners to match the expertise of a professional. You understand that, right?

I did think that my work might be somewhat lacking.

Claudias eyebrows twitched in an instant.

...Somewhat? Uh... No, no, Im relieved were on the same page. In any case, since its a gift, I think it would be best if it were finished more elegantly. Would it be okay if Erna and I helped a bit in completing it? I mean, just a tiny bit.

Iona thought for a moment.

The messy, tangled back of the embroidery was already bothering her.

Both Claudia and Erna seemed skilled in sewing, perhaps they could enhance the quality of her gift.

She hesitated at the idea of resorting to shortcuts, but her desire to give Leroy something better prevailed.

Having made up her mind, Iona gave a slight nod.

Then, Ill be in your help.

You made a good decision! Dame Iona, please take a short break outside.

Erna, with a cheerful voice as if she had been waiting for this, chimed in.

Before Iona could ask why, Claudia continued to urge her.

If you stay and watch, itll feel like being under examination and might make us uneasy. How about taking a stroll in the courtyard for about thirty minutes?

Caught in the odd situation where everything seemed to be decided without her input, Iona furrowed her brow.

However, the suggestion of taking a walk in the courtyard was indeed a welcome one.

She had been wondering how to gracefully excuse herself from the room anyway.

...Then, Ill step outside for a bit.

Eventually, Iona entrusted them with her handkerchief and obediently rose from her seat.

Due to guests crowding the reception room, other areas of the mansion were relatively quiet.

At a leisurely pace, Iona crossed the empty hallway and stepped out into the backyard.

The high walls of the garden ensured solitude, and as expected, it was peacefully quiet.

Still, Iona took the time to check between the bushes to make sure no one was lurking, potentially eavesdropping on her.

It wasnt long before Viviana appeared, opening the back door.

--- End Of The Chapter ----

[ TN: Join Patreon to support the translation and to read 5 chapters ahead of the /YourNoona

Join Our Discord for regular updates, and have fun with other community /invite/SqWtJpPtm9 ]