If I was Going to Regret It Anyway

“May I ask why?”

 

“I have something to say before I go to the Duke’s residence.”

 

“I will convey it for you.”

 

“I want to meet him in person.”

 

It was the first time Eleanor had demanded something so strongly. No, she had never made a request before.

 

Philip hesitated for a moment, then cautiously spoke.

 

“Coincidentally, His Lordship is fully booked for about a week, so it might not be easy for him to make time.”

 

“It won’t take long. I can go to Chatsworth House.”

 

At this point, it was hard for Philip to refuse any further.

 

“I’ll see what I can do.”

 

At Philip’s words, Eleanor bowed her head in thanks.

 

“Thank you, Philip.”

 

Philip bowed back and left the Townsend mansion.

 

Thinking about it, Eleanor hadn’t seen Daryl once since the day she signed the prenuptial agreement. On the other hand, she had met Philip five times because of discussions related to the wedding. At this point, it wouldn’t be strange if she was confused about who she was marrying.

 

‘Always nodding obediently, I didn’t realize it, but as a bride-to-be, it’s a situation where she could be quite dissatisfied.’

 

Unfortunately for Eleanor, his master was not the type to blink an eye at such tantrums. Even if this were a normal marriage, let alone when the other party was Eleanor Townsend.

 

When Philip relayed Eleanor’s words that night, Daryl’s reaction was as expected. He faintly furrowed one eyebrow and asked,

 

“Why?”

 

“She didn’t mention why. She said she wanted to talk in person.”

 

Daryl sank deep into his office chair and lost himself in thought. There was no need to question the reason. It was almost certainly because of his aunt.

 

That day, Cecilia stubbornly headed to Loud. Daryl couldn’t accompany her because of work afterwards. After her father passed away, her aunt became even more eccentric. Considering her temperament, it wouldn’t be surprising if something had happened.

 

“What should we do?”

 

It was true that Daryl had been incredibly busy recently. Of course, he could make time if he tried, but knowing that what Eleanor wanted to say wouldn’t be pleasant, he didn’t feel like doing so.

 

“Didn’t you say she’s coming to Chatsworth House in three days?”

 

“Yes.”

 

“Then there’s no need to go out of our way to avoid it, just see her that night. Send someone tomorrow to tell her that. If it’s urgent and she doesn’t want to tell others, tell her to write a letter.”

 

“Yes. I understand.”

 

Daryl signaled with his hand for him to leave. Philip left the office as instructed.

 

****

 

The Duke of Griffith’s Chatsworth House, lived up to its name in grandeur.

 

From the moment she passed through the gate, the garden that unfolded was about the size of a small village, and the mansion that finally appeared was several times larger than the mansion in Loud where Eleanor had spent her entire life. As a result of a large-scale reconstruction a few years ago, the mansion maintained its original elegant and antique style while still looking as shiny as a newly built building.

 

Eleanor got off the carriage with the help of a servant. An hour ago, when she left Loud, she had a tearful farewell with her servants, so her eyes were still slightly swollen. It was fortunate that she wore a veil today just in case. The bruise had faded considerably and was almost unnoticeable with makeup.

 

In front of the mansion, there were only a few servants besides Philip who came in another carriage. It was quite a shabby welcome for someone who would soon be the hostess of this mansion.

 

“Welcome to Chatsworth House. I am Matilda Norton, the head maid.”

 

A middle-aged woman with neatly tied black hair bowed with her hands on her stomach. Her attitude was polite, but her face was cold enough to seem chilly at first glance. However, Eleanor didn’t care and greeted Matilda warmly.

 

“Nice to meet you, Ms. Norton. Please take care of me in the future.”

 

“Please come in. I’ll show you where you’ll be staying..”

 

Eleanor nodded and looked back. While the servants were moving the luggage, Peggy seemed overwhelmed by the size of the mansion and was hesitating while looking around.

 

“Peggy.”

 

“Ah, yes. Miss.”

 

Matilda asked quickly as Peggy ran over.

 

“Who is this?”

 

“She’s a maid I brought from my parents’ house.”

 

“I’m Margaret Miller. Please call me Peggy.”

 

Matilda silently looked Peggy up and down as she bowed.

 

“Will you be staying with Miss Townsend tonight?”

 

“Pardon? No, she’ll be with me all the time. Didn’t Philip tell you?”

 

“…”

 

Matilda, without answering Eleanor’s question, just looked at Peggy and then turned her head.

 

“Let’s go.”

 

****

 

The inside of the mansion felt even larger than it looked from the outside. It was not an exaggeration to say that one could easily get lost. Matilda led Eleanor through the long and winding corridors to a room in the deepest outskirts of the mansion.

 

The room was about twice as large as the reception room in the Loud mansion. The furniture filling the room was clearly top-notch at a glance. But even though it was a much more luxurious and nice room than the one she had lived in before, there was no excitement at all. Rather, perhaps because it was too spacious, it felt strangely chilly. If it were a painting, it would definitely be monochrome. Why is that? There was no problem with lighting or drafts.

 

‘….It’s probably a mood thing. Perhaps because it’s still unfamiliar.’

 

Eleanor hid her feelings and gave a small smile to Peggy, who she caught sight of. Peggy seemed to have a similar feeling and shivered a little.

 

“You will be staying here until the day before the wedding. Emily?”

 

At Matilda’s call, a small young maid who had been standing behind came forward. She must have been in her teens. She had brick-colored hair and freckles of the same color around her nose. She gave Eleanor a sideways glance.

 

“Emily will be dedicated to serving Miss Townsend. Please call her whenever you need something. You can also ask Emily if you have any questions.”

 

“I understand. Thank you.”

 

“Then rest comfortably.”

 

“Ah, wait a moment.”

 

Eleanor stopped Matilda who was turning around after finishing her words.

 

“What is the schedule for the rest of today?”

 

“Viscountess Jennings will visit in the afternoon, so rest until then. Lunch will be brought to your room, so you can eat comfortably.”

 

“…I see. Got it.”

 

“Oh, where should I stay…”

 

Peggy started to speak, but Matilda left as if she hadn’t heard. Eleanor bit her lip and gently touched Peggy’s shoulder.

 

“Excuse me, Emily?”

 

“Yes.”

 

“This is Peggy, someone I brought from my parents’ house. It seems the head maid wasn’t informed. Can you check where she should stay from now on?”

 

Emily looked at Peggy with her head bowed. Like Matilda, she seemed somewhat strangely displeased.

 

“…Yes.”

 

Soon Emily also left the room.

 

“The room is really spacious and nice, right? With a mansion this big, the room for Peggy should be quite good too. But if you don’t like it, tell me. If there’s anything uncomfortable, that too. You got it?”

 

Eleanor spoke brightly to change the atmosphere. But Peggy clenched her fists and didn’t answer.

 

“Why are you making that face? Did the maids here upset you?”

 

Eleanor approached Peggy and asked in a gentle voice.

 

“It’s not because of me. I don’t care about someone like me. Rather, it’s you.”

 

“Why me.”

 

Peggy clenched her mouth shut. Her lips trembling with a reddened face as if holding back her anger. Eventually, Peggy vented her complaints as if vomiting.

 

“Miss is someone who is going to marry His Lordship. You’re going to be the hostess of this house soon, but what kind of treatment is this? There were only a few people who came out to greet us in this huge mansion, and they were all servants! Even if His Lordship is busy, what about his siblings?”

 

“…Peggy.”

 

“What about meals, they’ll bring it for you to eat comfortably? What does that mean? Sending you to such a remote place, it’s not like you’re being exiled to a small room? They should properly serve a full meal at a place where all the members of this house gather! Even a guest who just sleeps and goes doesn’t do this!”

 

“The head maid only talked about lunch. It could be because His Lordship can’t attend. There will be such occasions like this, whether it’s dinner or whenever.”

 

“Then they should have asked for understanding in advance! That woman didn’t have a hint of an apologetic look! From the beginning, she was too rude to you! What is Miss Townsend, the soon-to-be Duchess? It’s Madam! They should call you Madam!”