54. The Wedding
By Antoinette Vanessa March 24, 2023
Time passed—and at last, the wedding day arrived.
Avril sighed as she stared at the wedding dress displayed in front of the wardrobe in her room.
“This dress is really gorgeous…! As expected of a dress ordered by Lord Dylan.’
“I’m saddened by the fact that this is also the last day Lady Avril will fawn over this dress…”
At Grace’s words, Avril blushed even further.
Indeed, ever since that dress arrived, Avril would admire it every time she got dressed in the morning.
Even though previously she seldom had any interest in dresses and jewelry, for some reason, that dress caught her attention. After all, it was a one-of-a-kind gift that Dylan made with her in mind.
…Oh, and the day we ordered this dress, Lord Dylan, on my forehead, he—…
—Well, to be precise, it was on her bangs. Nevertheless, for Avril who had no immunity to such things, it was the same thing. She tried to dismiss the vivid memory—and at the same time, Grace had finished tying the ribbon around her waist.
“Lady Avril, we’ll be heading to the church for the wedding in a separate carriage from Lord Dylan. Before anything else, please put on this dress in the dressing room.”
“I understand.”
While this is a contract marriage, Lord Dylan still took the trouble to propose to me. Regardless of our circumstances, he still respects me as his fiancée…
I wonder if wishing for this to last would be asking for too much?
When she first arrived at the house of the Duke of Lancester, Avril only planned to fulfill her end of the bargain so that she could receive alimony and repay those who had taken good care of her by securing new workplaces for them. Afterwards, she’d get divorced and lead a peaceful life.
—But now…
Don’t overthink it…!
While caressing her bangs, Avril climbed into the carriage.
However, confusion struck when Avril entered a waiting room near the church with Grace. There stood Carol who seldom wanted to get involved.
“Huh? Will Carol be assisting me today?”
“…Yes, I’ll be in charge of today’s preparations. After all, that’s why the Count of Allingham sent me to accompany you.”
“Ahaha, that’s true. Actually, it’s quite unheard of, to have a wedding ceremony after getting married…”
When Avril smiled in agreement, Grace bowed her head.
“Then, I shall wait here. Please call me once you’re ready.”
“…No, it’s alright. I shall be the one who escort Lady Avril.”
“Is that so…?”
Grace, who seemed baffled by Carol’s reply, was reassured by Avril.
“It’s alright, Carol is my maid.”
With Grace gone, Avril and Carol were left alone in the waiting room. In front of the wedding dress that Grace had prepared, Avril asked softly.
“Carol, how are your mother and siblings doing?”
“…Even on the morning of your wedding, you’re still as airheaded as ever. Why would you even ask that?”
“I mean, it’s written on your face. You look as if you want nothing more than to hurry home.”
“…!”
Carol’s shoulders jumped, but she didn’t answer. Avril continued without missing a beat.
“I’ve heard about the circumstances of the Count of Allingham. The house is in shambles, and Lord Cyril—an assistant from the academy—is working to ensure that the employees will suffer as little as possible. Carol, has Corinna properly paid you?”
“…!? W-why would that matter!?”
“In the Count of Alllingham family, Carol is a special figure. As Corinna’s maid, you status was much higher than mine. As such, it may be inevitable that your fellow servants didn’t inform you.”
“…I-I haven’t heard about the house at all! If the situation is that dire, she should’ve called me back or recommend me to a new workplace…! And yet, she said nothing…!”
Avril spoke slowly as if to calm Carol who was beginning to panic.
“It’ll be fine. If Carol wishes, Lord Dylan can arrange a new workplace for you.”
After all, even if the contract marriage period were to end, Dylan wasn’t the kind of person who’d just dismiss her. But when she was about to say that, Avril shut her mouth.
—Wait, Carol isn’t supposed to know that we’re in a contract marriage.
“…Hey, Carol. What did Corinna instruct you to do? You aren’t really here to assist me with anything, right?” Avril chuckled.
Defeated, Carol admitted in a low voice.
“Uhm, to steal the wedding dress. Other than that, I was instructed to clear the waiting room and wait here with you. Perhaps, she wants to humiliate you for losing your dress.”
“…Is that so?”
Avril was puzzled by the childish scheme.
…Only steal my dress? That’s it? This is Corinna we’re talking about. Since she went out of her way to set something up on my wedding, I don’t think her goal will be that simple…
—Then, the door behind her opened.
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