Chapter : 10
A week had already passed since arriving at the duke’s mansion. Though each day had felt uncertain, time had a way of flying by.
After lunch, Diana refreshed herself with Earl Grey tea prepared by Daisy.
“What is His Highness doing?”
She asked about Ersivan, who had skipped lunch, claiming to be busy.
“He is probably helping with the knights’ training,” Daisy replied.
As expected, whenever he was absent, he devoted himself entirely to the knights’ training.
Over the past few days, Diana had noticed how much he cared for the Valencia Knights. If he had no special administrative work, he would immediately rush to the training ground.
There was a reason their military strength was so formidable. With such management and effort, how could they not improve?
“I see. I want to do something too. Can you tell me my schedule for the afternoon?”
“You are scheduled to meet Madame Henshu today!”
Madame Henshu?
Diana recognized the name faintly. She was the second wife of the Marquis Henshu, after he lost his first wife.
“For what reason?”
“You have a lesson with her. His Highness personally requested her guidance for you.”
Less than a week since moving in, and already a lesson. Diana had expected lessons to develop the duchess’s manners eventually, but not this quickly.
She recalled the harsh schedule at Count Mernard’s house. Looking back, it seemed impossible to endure.
Early mornings were for lessons with multiple teachers, lunch was followed by dance to wake the body, and evenings required self-study and reading as review.
Excluding meals and sleep, only studying remained.
If she said she had slept well fewer than five times in the past year, people would think it an exaggeration.
If a count’s daughter’s schedule was that demanding, what about a family led by a royal direct male line?
Diana felt nervous without realizing it. She did not dislike learning, but such a grueling schedule was exhausting.
“The lessons won’t be too difficult, so there’s no need to worry too much.”
Knock, knock.
Soon, a knock echoed through the room.
Daisy checked the time and was surprised.
“Madame has arrived. Shall I bring her in?”
Daisy ran off, exchanging brief words with a stranger outside. Soon, she returned and asked permission to enter.
“Come in.”
The door opened, and Daisy entered with Madame Henshu into the sitting room.
Straight posture and long legs. Even a few steps carried a distinct presence.
Before the lady reached her, Diana stood from her seat.
“Nice to meet you. I’m Liliane Mernard. Please call me whatever is comfortable for you. I look forward to today.”
“Oh my, Lady Mernard! I’ve heard of your reputation, but I never imagined someone so beautiful and elegant. Please call me as you like too.”
Madame closed her fluttering fan.
She looked at the tea table with a slightly excited voice.
“Would you invite me to this small tea gathering as well?”
“If even a small party is fine, of course.”
“Oh, what an honor!”
Madame sat eagerly, and Daisy asked her preferred tea.
“I’ll have Earl Grey too. No milk or sugar, but please add lemon juice.”
“I’ll prepare it for you!”
“Thank you. How kind.”
Daisy poured the tea and placed thin lemon slices on top. Madame squeezed the lemon and stirred carefully, avoiding any mess.
She held the cup elegantly, pinky finger down despite the narrow handle.
“The tea is very good. The aroma is wonderful.”
The way she savored her tea reflected the proper etiquette of someone raised nobly.
Diana, having only lived as a noble for less than a year, felt the difference in their poise immediately. She felt embarrassed trying to match her.
“Lady Mernard, you don’t look well. Are you okay?”
“I’m fine. Meeting someone as noble as you makes me a bit nervous.”
Diana waved her hand, signaling it was unnecessary to worry. But feeling Madame’s intense gaze, she quickly changed the subject.
“I heard you have a private lesson today.”
“Yes. I fear I am intruding on your personal time, Lady, but it’s necessary.”
“Not at all. I’m glad for the company. Will the lesson start today?”
“The sooner the better. If Lady Mernard agrees, we can begin today.”
“Of course. There’s no reason to refuse.”
“Good! Let’s go then. Since it’s outdoors, waiting too long would expose you to the cold wind. We cannot let Lady Mernard shiver.”
“…Excuse me, outdoors?”
“Daisy, didn’t you inform her?”
Daisy clapped her hands apologetically, her face showing regret.
“Oh! I’m sorry. I forgot.”
Madame lightly scolded Daisy.
“To begin with, I’m here to teach Lady Mernard horseback riding.”
“Horseback riding?”
It was the sport of riding and controlling horses, usually learned by knights. Diana had only seen it briefly and had no theoretical knowledge.
“I’ve never learned horseback riding before…”
“You are here to learn, and I am here to teach. What is there to worry about?”
“Then that’s a relief…”
“Now, change your clothes quickly. The weather is perfect for riding!”
Diana got up and headed to the dressing room.
“Wow, so beautiful!”
“Really as the lady said! You look like a sculpture!”
Daisy and Madame admired Diana in her riding outfit, showering her with compliments. Diana blushed, but she secretly liked her reflection.
Her dark blonde hair was neatly tied, and the white short shirt with long pants and a black jacket completed a classic riding look.
The outfit, painstakingly prepared by Madame over months, looked like it had been made for her from the start.
“Shall we go?”
Madame also wore her riding outfit. Though worn, it had a vintage charm rather than appearing shabby.
Diana followed, anxious about her steps, fearing Madame might judge her.
They rode in the carriage from the first day toward the riding ground.
Madame spoke enthusiastically about the joys of horseback riding, hoping Diana would become interested.
“Horseback riding is always thrilling. I struggled when I first learned, but now it is my only hobby.”
“If you say that, I am excited. But is there a reason I must learn riding? I don’t dislike it, but I’m curious since it’s not a typical lesson.”
Madame explained that it was a special request by His Highness, though she did not know the exact reason.
“I didn’t know riding would be a duty for a duchess. I should have learned sooner. Then you wouldn’t have to work so hard teaching a beginner like me.”
Diana truly meant this. She had no knowledge of riding and had to learn from a stranger, under strict expectations.
She feared failing, as the world expected the perfect Lady Liliane Mernard, not a novice.
End of Chapter 10
