The Duchess and the Devil

«There is no longer a place to store gifts. What should I do with the remaining ones?»

The last few days have been really crazy, so Judith has completely forgotten about it, but she is sure that there is enough space.

«I’ll check it out myself,» the butler took her to the annex.

Unlike the main building, there was an additional warehouse filled with all the things sent. And indeed-it was impossible to step freely, so many gifts were received by the family. There seemed to be no end to the objects. Judith crossed her arms, looking around and looking very confused.

All the gifts were sent with sincere joy about the Duke’s recovery, therefore they required a mandatory response. So now it was just another headache that Judith had managed to forget about. In addition, it was necessary to write and express gratitude to those who attended the funeral. And the tea party could help in this.

Tea parties are a true gathering place for rumors about the empire. All conversations, even in the Palace, are reduced to women’s tea parties. It has become a real battlefield. And Judith suffered extremely from the eternal scandals around her person and her private life.

But now, even if the Duchess does not like these snake gatherings, she had to take advantage of the situation and get all the information about the Empire. At the tea party, she could learn something interesting about potential candidates who might be Hannibal. Derrick still did not leave the mansion, did not attend any receptions, so the couple could not get any information from him.

Even if Judith finds only some grains – they can form a large, full-fledged story.

«I’m having a tea party soon,» Judith said, looking at the invitation in her hand. She didn’t know if she needed to go somewhere else, because she can only invite those whom she considers useful to herself.

In any case, the tea party will kill two birds with one stone: Judith will learn at least some information and will be able to thank those present at the funeral and those who sent gifts.

Arranging tea parties is a common thing for Duchesses. However, Judith did this only in the first two months of marriage, after which she only accepted invitations from other important people.

The girl decided to make a list of all potential guests. The huge number of thoughts made her head spin: The Duchess had not been doing something like this for a long time, so she felt completely out of place, putting off work every few minutes.

First of all, she made a list based on her own preferences, and Judith did not forget to take into account those who sent a gift, excluding those to whom she was just going to send a thank-you letter. Usually the size of the tea party varied from five to thirty people, but with a large number of guests, Judith will not be able to devote time to everyone, to communicate and learn something important. Therefore, this number was reduced to twelve.

Also, the Duchess immediately excluded from the list of those who do not like to keep secrets, but only come to a meeting for the sake of decency. She needed only those who easily and directly support the conversation, discussing all the latest gossip. Although such people seemed disgusting to Judith, she can not do without them now.

Among them was the Marchioness Dyer, who was called the walking information bureau of the empire. Initially, it did not have a great impact on society, but now a lot has changed. The news that she learned immediately spread through all the noble houses like a river. And most often what was said turned out to be true, and not simple, unfounded rumors. That is why the Marchioness can be useful.

The tea parties attended by Madame Dyer were popular among secular people. This could be both a plus and a minus for Judith.

Invitations were sent out one after another. Judith was also quick to get answers from the ladies. And Madame Dyer was the last to answer. The Duchess cautiously opened the envelope, but, fortunately, the Marchioness accepted the invitation.

After agreeing on the final list, the preparation for the tea party came to an end. After a very long time, Judith was ready to just fall breathlessly on the bed and fall asleep.

Finally, the day of the tea party came.

The weather was favorable and turned out to be sunny, unlike the previous days. One by one, unfamiliar carriages drove up to the mansion. The iron gates, bathed in bright light, remained wide open for some time, waiting for guests. It was the first time since Derrick’s funeral that it had opened in so long.

«Thank you for inviting me, Duchess,» the girls thanked Judith, although the hostess of the evening expressed obvious antipathy to them.

The last to arrive was a carriage with an image of a trumpet symbolizing the noble person. It was the Marchioness Dyer and her maid.

«It’s been a long time, Madam.»

«Yes, this is the first time since the funeral,» Judith never wanted to meet the Marchioness in everyday life and hoped that this would not happen again.

Looking back, the Duchess understood that a really good job had been done in such a short time. A joyful feeling bloomed in her chest. Judith sat at the head of the table, and the maids brought delicious snacks one by one. The tea smelled great, stimulating the appetite. Confectionery filled the table.

Even if Judith was afraid to speak, the ladies began to chatter, asking the hostess about what had happened and how she was feeling. The Duchess pretended to be shocked by such interest. One topic changed after another.

Married women talked about each other’s family life. And the main topic of gossip was the feast in the Imperial Palace, held a month ago. It wasn’t difficult for Judith to follow the flow and keep up the conversation.

«Duchess, did you say that you were at the Imperial Palace recently?»

Seeing a lot of eyes on her, Judith calmly sipped her tea and replied:

«Yes.»

«I also heard that you came with the Duke?»

The noble lady broke into a smile.

Judith knew that sooner or later the topic of Derrick and their relationship would come up, but she did not expect it to be so sudden. Her heart began to beat at a furious speed.

«That’s right, we came together to meet His Majesty,» Judith nodded, smiling gracefully and pretending not to attach much importance to what has happened.

«You know, I also heard that your husband helped you to get to the carriage…»

Judith was really scared the day she met with Sylvia and Derrick really supported her when the Duchess did not have the strength to move. The girl was afraid of how many eyes were watching her, wherever she went.

Beaming, the Duchess calmly replied, confirming the rumor:

Only

«My husband supported me when I pulled my ankle,» although this was only partially true, Judith reasoned that this was the best version and the best excuse in this situation.

The expressions of the women who heard the calm answer were completely different. Some believed it, others did not. However, even those who did not doubt the information seemed really shocked, because the whole Empire was aware of the discord in the Duke’s family.

And no one could ever believe that Derrick would do this to his wife.

«Has the Duke become so good?»

Judith thought that the worst was over, until such a burdensome question came. This time it was the Marchioness of Dyer. The ladies around were surprised at such a cheeky and direct manner of conversation, but they looked at Judith curiously, waiting for an answer.