Chapter 23: Important Story
“So, how was the all-night ball? Did you enjoy it?”
Mellie froze at Ada’s unexpected question during breakfast.
“Oh, that… …”
She hesitated, unsure of what to say. Then Edric, seated next to her, smoothly intervened.
“It probably wasn’t that great, Mother. The Roxton family’s balls are notorious for being dull.”
Mellie’s mind snapped back to the fabricated excuse for her whereabouts the previous night—she had supposedly attended the Roxton family’s ball.
Ada’s face lit up with enthusiasm.
“But I thought it sounded delightful. I should attend balls more often myself—perhaps I’ll meet some interesting people there.”
“Yes… …”
Mellie lowered her head, her heart heavy with guilt. She couldn’t bear to meet Ada’s eyes.
The soup bowls were cleared away, replaced with plates of grilled truffles drizzled with balsamic vinegar.
“Oh, Mellie,” Ada said suddenly, her voice laced with curiosity.
“Have you given any thought to meeting the nephew of Mrs. Galen, as I suggested? She seemed quite eager.”
Ada’s tone was kind, but Mellie felt the pressure beneath the surface.
“I don’t think it would be polite to keep them waiting too long. I’d like you to give me your answer soon.”
The weight of Ada’s kindness felt like a burden to Mellie. Rejecting such a warm-hearted gesture seemed impossible.
“… … I’m sorry. I don’t plan on meeting him,” Mellie managed to say, her voice barely above a whisper.
Ada, however, was undeterred.
“Then how about Baron Conrad?” she offered without hesitation.
“He’s the second son of a prominent family—a fine gentleman. Despite his first wife’s passing, he’s remained loyal to her
memory. He hasn’t looked at another woman since. Madame Panier even showed me a portrait of his late wife yesterday. She was lovely and bore a striking resemblance to you, Mellie.”
Mellie sat frozen, unable to respond.
“I believe he could cherish you deeply. Yes, it might seem unconventional, considering his previous marriage, but they had no children. This would feel like a first marriage for both of you.”
Ada’s smile was gentle, her words soft but resolute.
“Ultimately, Mellie, the decision is yours. I only want what’s best for you.”
Mellie bit her lip. She knew Ada’s offer came from a place of care, but she couldn’t accept it—not after what had transpired between her and Edric.
She turned towards Edric, silently begging for his intervention, for him to speak up as he had before when another suitor had been suggested. Yet, he said nothing.
His expression was calm, his attention focused solely on his meal as though this discussion had nothing to do with him.
“… … I’ll think about it,” Mellie murmured, her voice barely
audible.
Her heart sank as she glanced at Edric, searching for any sign of acknowledgment.
Why was he silent now?
Was it fatigue from the previous night?
No, she thought, shaking her head. The Edric she knew wouldn’t allow something so trivial to distract him. Perhaps he thought it best to stay out of it, not wanting to upset his mother.
Still, Mellie couldn’t help but compare this moment to when he had adamantly opposed her blind date with Blair. Back then, he’d stood up to his mother without hesitation.
Why not now?
“I plan to visit the Marquis and Lady Adele soon,” Ada continued, oblivious to Mellie’s inner turmoil.
“We’ll discuss the marriage arrangements further when I meet them. Weddings of noble families should always adhere to tradition, don’t you agree, Edric?”
“Of course, Mother,” Edric replied smoothly.
“A wedding should always be formal.”
His polite acceptance stung Mellie deeply. Her confidence, already fragile, crumbled further.
—
Later That Morning
Mellie stared at her reflection in the full-length mirror.
A slender, fragile figure stared back at her—a body she despised.
Was that it? Was I not enough?
Memories of the previous night flooded her mind: his touch, his gaze, his whispered words of longing. For a brief moment, she’d believed those moments meant something more.
Now, doubt gnawed at her.
Had it all been an act?
The thought made her want to scream, to break the mirror, to
shatter the reflection of a woman who had so easily succumbed.
Her chest tightened.
She had allowed herself to believe that even one night with him would be enough. But it wasn’t.
Damn it.
A tear slipped down her cheek.
—
Edric’s Conversation with Ada
“Mother.”
Ada glanced at her son through the mirror as her attendants finished dressing her.
“What is it, Edric? If it isn’t urgent, I’d prefer to speak after my visit to the Marquis.”
“It’s important,” he said firmly.
Ada raised an eyebrow but continued adjusting her gown.
“Go on, then. Our attendants are discreet. You may speak freely.”
“Please leave us,” Edric commanded, his voice low.
Ada sighed but nodded to the attendants, who quickly gathered their things and left the room.
“What is it, Edric?” she asked again, her tone sharper now.
“I’ve broken off the engagement,” Edric said calmly.
The words hung in the air like a storm cloud.
Ada’s expression faltered.
“What did you say?”
“I ended my engagement with Rosalind Adele,” he repeated, his tone unwavering.
Ada’s hands trembled as she set down her hairpin.
“Why? Did Rosalind do something to offend you?”
“Of course not. You know as well as I do that Rosalind is impeccable,” he replied.
“Then why?” Ada’s voice rose, her composure slipping.
“Because there’s someone else I want to marry.”
“Who?” Ada demanded, her eyes narrowing.
“Mellie,” Edric said without hesitation.
“I intend to marry Mellie.”
Ada’s face froze in shock, her carefully constructed elegance cracking under the weight of his words.
—
