One day, as we studied together, Freddie asked, “Adeline, do you already have someone you’re promised to?”
“Huh? No, I don’t,” she replied, confused.
“I see. Since I heard you were to inherit your family’s title, I assumed arrangements might have been made.”
I gently patted Adeline’s back, sensing her unease, and spoke calmly. “Adeline has dreams of her own. The matter of inheritance is… undecided at this time.”
“Will your family adopt a son-in-law, then?”
“That decision is up to our father,” I answered.
Freddie apologized for his intrusive question, lightening the mood with his cheerful tone, and soon we parted ways to head home.
* * *
In the carriage ride back, Adeline looked troubled.
“Sister… is this really okay?” she murmured.
“Your life is yours to live,” I reassured her. “You don’t need to follow Mother’s plans. Preparations are already underway. I’m here for you, so do what makes you happy. Or… am I not enough support for you?”
“That’s not true! Without you, Sister, I…” Adeline began, tears welling in her eyes.
“Let’s focus on getting through graduation first, okay? After that… everything else will follow.”
I continued to gently stroke her head, soothing her as she gazed at me with shimmering eyes and a faint, hopeful smile.
Before I knew it, a year had passed, and Freddie graduated. I thought lightly, “Well, the three of us won’t meet much anymore—how sad.” However, Freddie started occasionally inviting us to museums, art exhibits, and similar outings.
When my mother saw one of these invitation letters, she was ecstatic.
“A letter inviting Adeline from the Duke’s family! As expected of Adeline! Of course, our beautiful daughter would captivate someone at first sight. Oh, we must get her new clothes tailored… and a new hat and parasol, too!”
My sister, wearing a troubled expression, quickly intervened.
“Mother, the letter is addressed to Sister. It says, ‘If your younger sister would like to join as well,’ doesn’t it? If we’re having anything made, it should be for both of us. I don’t want something new if Sister doesn’t get one too.”
“How kind-hearted of you. But this is clearly a roundabout way of inviting you. They must have been too shy to address you directly because of your beauty. Amanda was only invited as an escort, so there’s no need to make her stand out.”
“How… how does the letter say that in any way? In any case, I won’t go if Sister doesn’t get something new as well.”
“My, you’re such a kind child. How impossible to refuse!”
My mother reluctantly relented. My sister, with a playful wink at me, took my hand and promptly began planning new outfits with the tailor.
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