If I was Going to Regret It Anyway

Herbert knew about Daryl’s contract marriage with Eleanor, which was conditioned on a divorce after a year. His Lordship never explicitly told him, but he naturally learned of it as he paid attention to everything happening in the mansion.

 

Herbert thought that Daryl’s inability to reveal his true feelings while caring for Eleanor was probably because of this. After all, they were in a relationship destined to end, so there was ‘no reason or need for them to get along well’.

 

However, Daryl’s heart was clearly not in agreement. His sensitive reactions to Eleanor’s topics, his unnecessarily cold treatment of her, and his habit of going out even when there was no particular business, were all due to his denial of his attraction to Eleanor, Herbert thought.

 

Eleanor, as Herbert had observed so far, possessed all the dignity, wisdom, fairness, and mercy required of a duchess. At times she was surprisingly majestic, and at other times she was as casual and lovely as a young girl. It was not unreasonable for Daryl to fall for her unknowingly.

 

Frederick’s will only required them to maintain their married life for more than a year. There was no law that they must divorce.

 

If things went well between them, it was not impossible for Eleanor to remain the duchess for life. Of course, they would face some difficulties as a couple, but Herbert believed they could overcome them.

 

Above all, His Lordship was attracted to her. That fact was the most important.

 

‘I must do something.’

 

Herbert quietly resolved.

 

****

 

It was when Eleanor was reading a book in the library. There was a knock on the outer door by the glass window. When she turned around, Herbert was standing there.

 

“Herbert.”

 

“Good afternoon, Madam. And Emily.”

 

As Herbert entered, Emily hastily rose from her chair, putting down the book she was reading.

 

“Mr. Butler.”

 

“It seems you’ve been influenced by the Madam.”

 

Herbert said with a broad smile.

 

“No, this is…”

 

Emily blushed and hid the book behind her back. It was a fairy tale book about a forest fairy, recommended by Eleanor.

 

“Don’t tease her. I thought she might be bored just sitting around, so I picked it out for her to read.”

 

“I’m envious. If it’s okay with you, could you recommend a book for me next time?”

 

At Herbert’s words, Eleanor gave a small smile.

 

“Of course. But what brings you here?”

 

Herbert cleared his throat slightly and paused.

 

“Actually, if you’re not too busy, I thought we could have tea together.”

 

“Tea? With you, Herbert?”

 

Eleanor blinked and asked. It was the first time Herbert had suggested such a thing, so it was somewhat unexpected. Of course, there was a difference in status between them, but considering his position as the top servant and his experience serving the duke for three generations, it wasn’t an unreasonable suggestion.

 

“I’m well aware that it’s an overstepping wish…”

 

“No, not at all. I’m actually glad you asked.”

 

“Thank you for saying so. We happened to have some good tea this week. Since the weather is nice today, how about having it at the gazebo in the central garden?”

 

“Yes, that sounds good.”

 

“Then I’ll get ready. Please take your time.”

 

Herbert bowed and went outside.

 

A little later, Eleanor went to the place Herbert had mentioned with Emily. In the gazebo, covered with a roof of vine on marble pillars, there were small tables and sofas arranged for a brief rest in case of rain.

 

Eleanor spotted Herbert standing and raised her hand. But the next moment, when she noticed the person sitting next to him, the smile disappeared from her face.

 

Daryl, who was about to bring the teacup to his mouth, frowned. He looked up at Herbert, but he avoided Daryl’s gaze.

 

“So that’s why you brought me all the way here?”

 

Instead of answering, Herbert coughed lightly. Then he went out to greet Eleanor with a smile.

 

“Please come in, Madam. His Lordship has been waiting for you.”

 

“…..”

 

Without a word, Eleanor sat down across from Daryl as Herbert guided her. She smiled out of courtesy, but her eyes were filled with surprise and discomfort.

 

“It’s been a while since I’ve brewed tea myself.”

 

Herbert placed a warm teacup, heated with hot water, in front of Eleanor. Then he started brewing tea by putting new tea leaves into the teapot. Although he said it had been a while, his hands looked quite skilled.

 

Although they were sitting face to face, there was no conversation between the couple. They were not even looking at each other. Herbert narrowed his wrinkled eyes.

 

‘The situation is worse than I thought. It was good to call them together today, even if it was forced.’

 

Herbert poured tea for Eleanor.

 

“…Thank you.”

 

Eleanor said in a small voice. However, she only lightly touched the teacup with her hand and did not drink.

 

“Were you in the library again today?”

 

Daryl suddenly started a conversation. Eleanor gave him a fleeting glance, then looked away again.

 

“Yes.”

 

“It seems you really like that dark and musty place.”

 

Eleanor showed no reaction to Daryl’s sarcasm. Herbert sighed inwardly.

 

‘He starts with such a sour remark on the rare occasion they sit together…’

 

The irony was that Daryl looked more uncomfortable than Eleanor, who realized the words he had uttered.

 

‘Surely the His Lordship doesn’t mean it.’

 

It must be the same as when young boys tease the girls they like. It was a lamentable fact that a man who was old enough and even had a wife was still at that level, but what could be done? He was still the master.

 

“Madam, have you been drawing these days?”

 

At Herbert’s question, Daryl seemed more shaken than Eleanor, who was actually asked the question. For some reason, he looked restless and rolled his eyes, then gulped down his tea.

 

‘Why is he acting like that?’

 

Herbert glanced at Daryl with a puzzled look.

 

“No, I haven’t been drawing much lately.”

 

“According to the rumors I’ve heard, you’re quite skilled in painting. Have you ever shown your work to His Lordship?”

 

“Me? Why is that?”

 

Herbert flinched at the overly sharp reaction.

 

“No, I was just wondering if the Madam had shown it to His Lordship…”

 

“There’s no reason for that.”

 

“…Right. I’m not skilled enough to show it to others.”

 

At Eleanor’s words, Daryl’s lips twisted slightly. For some reason, he was looking at Eleanor with a look of displeasure.

 

Herbert coughed loudly.

 

“Actually, I heard a story. A few days ago, Viscount Scofield had another exhibition.”

 

Viscount Scofield was a well-known art lover and collector. He regularly held exhibitions to showcase the paintings and sculptures he collected.

 

“Lord. How about taking Madam to see it this time? Since you’ve also learned painting in the past, I think it would be a good topic for conversation…”

 

“Don’t talk nonsense, Herbert.”

 

A blunt reply came back to his cautious suggestion.

 

“Even so, it would be a change of pace for both of you to go out together…”

 

“That’s enough. There’s absolutely no chance of that happening.”

 

“……”

 

Herbert looked at Daryl with a puzzled expression. It couldn’t be just because he didn’t feel like it. Even today, it was clear that he was conscious of Eleanor after she appeared.

 

If Daryl didn’t like Eleanor or wasn’t interested, he wouldn’t have sat here in the first place given his personality.

 

“Lord.”

 

At that regretful voice, Daryl clicked his tongue.

 

“Even if I were to go, Madam wouldn’t be interested.”

 

At that remark, a glimmer of hope sprang up.

 

“Why would that be? I’m sure Madam would be interested.”

 

“…I don’t know.”

 

Daryl shrugged as if to say, see for yourself.

 

“Don’t be like that, go and take a look. I’m sure once you see the exhibition, you’ll think it was a good decision to go. I don’t know much about it, but I’ve heard that there are many rare works by famous artists.”

 

Herbert looked at Eleanor with a desperate look in his eyes. Eleanor looked down with an awkward expression.

 

“…But…”

 

“Don’t force her, Herbert.”

 

Daryl cut in with a cold voice.

 

‘Just be quiet and don’t say anything unnecessary…’

 

Herbert struggled to hold back such words.

 

“It’s not that I don’t want to. It’s just that I’m a bit… reluctant to go to crowded places…”

 

At Eleanor’s words, Daryl let out a scoff.

 

“Crowded? Is that all you can come up with for an excuse?”