THE DUCHESS
863 Words
A small, simple carriage came to a stop before the gates of a magnificent estate.
“Open the gates!” the maid called out.
The enormous, intricately designed gates slowly opened, revealing the grand estate hidden behind them.
After a short while, the maid approached the carriage and lightly knocked on the door.
“My lady, please alight. We have arrived.”
Creak.
The door of the simple carriage slowly opened, and Lilac stepped down gracefully.
She wore a pair of trousers that fit her perfectly, giving her an air of confidence and elegance. Her eyes swept across the estate before her.
This place.
The place that had once haunted her nightmares.
Beautiful and elegant on the outside…
Yet cruel and rotten within.
A faint smile touched her lips.
“Let’s go.”
She walked forward without hesitation, her confidence leaving the maid momentarily stunned.
Lilac glanced back at her.
“What? Do I have to carry you now?”
Her teasing smile caused the maid to lower her head in embarrassment, a faint blush appearing on her cheeks.
---
Inside the main hall, an elegantly dressed woman sat gracefully while sipping tea. Across from her sat a noblewoman, Countess Fiona, the two engaged in pleasant conversation.
When the maid led Lilac into the hall, she immediately bowed.
“Greetings, Duchess. Countess Fiona.”
The maid curtsied respectfully.
“Good day, ladies.”
Lilac’s voice was calm and composed.
Without waiting for permission, she pulled out a chair and sat down. Her movements were neither rude nor careless , instead, they carried a natural elegance and confidence that made it impossible to ignore her presence.
The Duchess’s expression changed slightly.
“Ugh, Lilac, where are your manners?”
She quickly turned toward Countess Fiona with an apologetic smile.
“I am truly sorry, Countess Fiona. As you know, my Lilac has just returned from the countryside. Please do not take offense.”
Countess Fiona smiled gently.
“I understand, Duchess. Since that is the case, I shall take my leave. I believe you and your daughter have many things to discuss.”
Her polite smile made Lilac sneer inwardly.
Hypocrite.
After Countess Fiona departed, silence filled the hall.
The Duchess turned her attention back to Lilac, carefully examining the young girl sitting before her. Her gaze paused briefly on the veil covering Lilac’s face.
Whatever disdain she felt, she quickly concealed it behind a gentle expression.
“Lilac dear…”
Her voice was soft and affectionate.
“You must have suffered greatly all these years. But I know you understand why your father and I had no choice but to make that decision.”
She reached out and placed a hand on Lilac’s shoulder.
“Yes.”
Lilac nodded calmly.
“I understand.”
The Duchess smiled.
“It is good that you understand.”
Lilac lifted her teacup, her expression unreadable.
“Yes, how could I not understand?”
Her voice remained gentle, but every word carried a hidden blade.
“How could I not understand that after my mother passed away, you , a mere concubine at the time , could not even wait a day before clinging to my grieving father?”
The Duchess’s smile froze slightly.
Lilac continued.
“You convinced him to make you his wife. Then, to remove any possible threat to your own children, you sent the late Duchess’s young daughter away to the countryside.”
She smiled faintly.
“You told everyone that I was ill and needed treatment far away.”
Lilac took a sip of tea.
“So yes, dear Duchess… I would truly be a fool if I did not understand.”
The Duchess’s expression remained gentle.
“Dear, I know you have always resented the fact that I married your father so soon after your mother’s death, but the circumstances forced me to make that decision.”
She smiled warmly and placed her hands over Lilac’s.
Really?
Lilac almost laughed.
“Do not misunderstand me, Stepmother.” Lilac said
The Duchess looked at her.
“That is not what I meant.” She continued
“There is no need to explain.” The Duchess looked down at her hands.
The Duchess sighed softly, forcing a few tears from her eyes before quickly wiping them away.
“I know everything was my fault. I will do whatever it takes to earn your forgiveness.” The Duchess said.
Lilac watched the performance silently.
Then, she smiled.
“Dear mother…”
The Duchess’s expression shifted.
“Which way is my mother’s former room?”
“Why are you asking?” The Duchess shifted uncomfortably.
Lilac lowered her gaze slightly.
“It is just…”
She paused.
“I would like to see my mother’s old living quarters. To reminisce about the memories I shared with her.” She said, keeping an innocent expression on her face.
The Duchess studied her carefully, suspicion flashing in her eyes.
After a moment, she smiled.
“Of course. Since that is what you wish, it is this way.”
She turned and began walking.
But inside, her thoughts were filled with doubt.
What exactly is this girl planning?
- Writer
