Chapter 84
A short while later, Luisa entered the lounge with Laura Clarence and Berni Linton.
“Iella, what on earth is going on? You’re as pale as a ghost,” Laura said, brushing her niece’s cheek with a worried expression.
“I must have been nervous. I’m sorry.”
“I’ll take Iella back with me. You should stay a little longer with Luisa. I was hoping to leave early anyway—today’s been exhausting.”
“Mother, I think that’s a good idea.”
“Are you sure, dear?”
“Of course.”
When Iella smiled reassuringly, Laura finally exhaled in relief and nodded.
“Then I’m at ease. Please take care of her, Aunt.”
“Don’t worry. Come along now, Iella.”
“Yes, Aunt.”
After leaving polite farewells to Andrew, who stood beside Luisa, Iella turned away without hesitation.
Once she climbed into the carriage, she finally felt as though she could breathe again. Overcome by a wave of fatigue, Iella leaned back and let her eyes drift shut.
“You don’t look well, dear.”
“I think it’s just nerves.”
“You must have been tense—this was your first time being in such a spotlight.”
“Probably. These kinds of events really don’t suit me.”
“Don’t say that. You were radiant tonight—no one shone brighter than you.”
“Maybe someday I’ll look back on it as a good memory.”
“Didn’t you enjoy it? I worry that something might’ve happened.”
“No, nothing happened. Aunt…”
“Yes, Iella. Go on.”
“The Felix National Academy of Arts you mentioned before…”
“Ah, have you thought about it?”
“Yes. I want to go. Please take me there—to Felix.”
Iella nodded firmly, her expression resolute. Lady Linton blinked in surprise; she hadn’t expected the girl to actually take her offer seriously.
“But are you sure? What about Prince Franz?”
“There’s nothing between us. And…”
Within the limits of what she could reveal, Iella explained how she’d ended up painting the prince’s portrait.
When Lady Linton learned that the rumors about Iella and the prince were nothing more than idle gossip, she was surprised but also strangely understanding. She simply listened in silence and didn’t press for details.
If Iella had made up her mind, there must be a reason. Even if misunderstandings existed, she trusted the girl’s judgment.
Emotional matters were things only the two involved could resolve. All Lady Linton could hope for was that Prince Franz wasn’t foolish enough to ignore his own heart.
“The schedule was moved up—we’ll be leaving on Wednesday. Is that all right?”
“Already? That soon?”
Wednesday was less than four days away.
“The preparations finished earlier than expected, so our departure was advanced.”
“Oh…”
“Is that too sudden?”
“A little, but it’s fine. It’ll be tight, but I can manage.”
It was an impulsive decision, but not one she regretted. Deep down, she had perhaps anticipated this outcome all along. Though her heart ached, a quiet acceptance settled in.
There was no use clinging to emotions that wouldn’t help her anymore. How fortunate, really, that a new path had opened before her.
“Just bring the essentials. Fashion in Billen is different anyway, so we’ll have all your clothes tailored there. You can buy new art supplies too.”
“Yes, Aunt.”
“Everyone will be shocked when they hear this tomorrow.”
“Do you think they’ll oppose it?”
Now that the decision was made, Iella’s main concern was her family’s reaction.
“I’ll convince them. Don’t you worry.”
“Thank you, Aunt.”
The next morning, when Betty entered Iella’s room, her mistress was already fully dressed.
“My lady, you’re already up? I thought you’d sleep in after coming home so late last night!”
“There’s a lot to do, Betty. The next few days will be hectic.”
“Why? Did something happen?”
“Betty, I need to tell you something.”
At Iella’s serious tone, Betty immediately tensed.
“Yes, go ahead.”
Part of her even felt excited—had things gone well with the prince? But the words that followed were nothing like what she expected.
“I’m leaving for Felix with my aunt.”
“What? I—I don’t think I understand. What do you mean?”
“I’m going to Felix with my aunt.”
“For a trip?”
“No. Not a trip.”
“Then what?”
“She’s helping me study art at the Felix National Academy of Arts. I can’t enroll right away, but it’s a wonderful opportunity.”
“How long will you stay in Felix?”
“I don’t know.”
Betty just stared blankly, unable to find any words.
“What about the prince?”
“The prince…”
Iella dropped her gaze, unable to continue.
“He said no?”
Still looking down, she nodded. Betty’s eyes filled with tears. She couldn’t bring herself to ask anything more about the prince; no words could offer comfort.
“Then what about me?”
“Betty, I’d love for you to come, but I won’t force you. You can stay here if you wish.”
“There’s nothing to think about. I’m going with you.”
“Felix is far away. Are you sure?”
“Yes. I told you, I’ll serve you all my life. Wherever you go, I’ll follow.”
Her voice was suddenly full of strength. The more powerless she felt, the more determined she became to sound strong.
“Thank you, Betty. I’ll tell my mother myself.”
“Then we’d better start packing today.”
“I’ll only take a few clothes. We can buy new ones there. You pack only what you need too—and write a letter to your family.”
“Yes, my lady.”
“And this.”
Iella placed an envelope on the desk.
“What’s this?”
“Money. For the household expenses and anything else we need to prepare.”
“My lady!”
“I’m just glad this isn’t a final farewell, Betty.”
Her warm smile carried quiet affection, and Betty’s eyes welled up again.
“Don’t you dare leave me behind, you hear?”
“All right, all right.”
When Iella patted her back, Betty finally burst into tears.
Now all that was left was to speak with her parents and Luisa.
The family gathered in the tearoom after lunch, still weary from the previous night’s ball. The moment Iella announced her decision, the peaceful atmosphere shattered.
“What about the prince?”
Laura asked the expected question, and Iella answered firmly.
“He has nothing to do with this. There’s nothing between us.”
“Nothing? I thought he was about to propose!”
“He told me he doesn’t intend to marry. Please don’t blame him—I wasn’t expecting marriage either.”
Laura’s eyes widened.
“What? He said that?”
“Yes. So please don’t get your hopes up.”
“What! So he led you on all this time, let the rumors spread, and now says he never meant to marry?!”
Laura’s anger flared, and Nigel Clarence quickly tried to calm her.
“My dear, please, let’s not get carried away. It was a difficult situation.”
“How can I not be? Fine, say that’s true—but Iella, even if not the prince, there are plenty of good matches for you! Why would you suddenly decide to go to Felix? Nigel, say something!”
She turned to her husband with a look that demanded support.
“Ahem. Well, it is rather sudden, Iella.”
“I’ve been thinking about it for a while. I love painting, but at the Lapland Royal Academy, women face many limits. At Felix, there are more female students and even established women artists. It’s a better place for me.”
“Can’t you be satisfied here? If you want, I can arrange private lessons with the best painters.”
Nigel offered, but Iella shook her head. She didn’t want to stay in Lapland—not when the prince was here. She wanted to go far away, somewhere his shadow wouldn’t reach.
“I’ll do well, Father. I want to give it my all this time. I don’t want to bring shame to our family anymore.”
That one sentence revealed the depth of her wounds.
“I know you’ve been through a lot. But Felix is far away. Even if Aunt Sylvia is with you, can you stand being apart from us?”
“I’ll write often. Please, trust me and let me go.”
Iella didn’t yield. Maybe leaving like this wouldn’t bring peace, but just this once, she wanted to make a choice for herself.
“Very well. If you’re that determined, you may go.”
As soon as Nigel spoke, Laura exclaimed, “Dear!”
“Iella’s an adult now. She can decide her own life.”
“Even so! Felix isn’t just a few hours away!”
“I’ll be fine. I’ll write often and come home during breaks.”
At last, Laura reluctantly agreed—though all her frustration turned toward her husband, it wouldn’t last long.
As Iella climbed the stairs, Luisa followed close behind.
“You’re really going to Felix? I still can’t believe it.”
“I’m sorry I couldn’t tell you sooner.”
“Can’t you stay? Things were going so well with the prince! You’re just going to end it like this?”
Luisa tried to persuade her, but Iella only sighed quietly.
“Luisa, I know it’s sudden, but this is my decision. You have your own life to think about now.”
“I know. I’m just sad, that’s all…”
“I understand. Maybe I’m just being overly sensitive right now.”
“Can I help with anything?”
“There’s not much to pack. Father said to keep my departure quiet, so please don’t tell anyone yet.”
They agreed to keep her leaving a secret for now, to prevent gossip and wild speculation from spreading in society papers. It would all come out eventually, but by then, the rumors would die down quickly.
“Okay, I won’t say a word. But what was that about earlier? Did the prince really say he didn’t intend to marry you?”
From what Luisa had seen, Prince Franz clearly had strong feelings for her sister. How could this have happened?
“Yes. And I don’t want to talk about him anymore.”
“What? Then what was all that before? I don’t get it! Did he just toy with you or what? Ugh, unbelievable.”
Following their mother’s lead, Luisa fumed in frustration, pacing the room angrily, too upset to sit still.
