~Chapter 90~
It was a happy day in the family, the day of the engagement, so everyone had gathered in the dining room.
The mansion’s chef had put in extra effort, and the dinner table was more luxurious than usual.
“Did you two fight or something?”
Isabella noticed the strange tension between Johan and Leah and asked.
“No, we didn’t.”
“No.”
“Hmm, really?”
Both answered right away, but Isabella kept her doubts until the meal ended.
Johann’s attitude toward Leah hadn’t changed.
If anything, he had become more attentive, constantly checking on what she ate or drank.
But Leah had clearly changed.
She was still kind to everyone else, but she gave Johan short, cold replies.
“What on earth did you do to her?”
Isabella couldn’t hold back her curiosity and asked her son after dinner.
“I confessed to her.”
“What?”
Just how badly did he confess for her to act that way?
Isabella wanted to know more, but Johan just said that and went back to his room looking down.
‘…Leah must still be hurting inside.’
It was Johann’s fault, but seeing him like that made Isabella feel a little sorry for him.
—
The next day, Isabella had a light breakfast and called for Leah.
“Leah, starting today, you’ll be learning to dance.”
She brought Leah to the grand ballroom of the mansion, which had been closed off for a long time.
There was a piano in one corner.
The ballroom was so spacious that you could twirl around without ever hitting a wall.
The ceiling was high, and a sparkling chandelier hung above.
“…”
Leah glanced down at her feet.
‘I’m really bad at dancing…’
She sighed.
“Don’t worry. I’ve never seen a lady fail after learning from me.”
Isabella gently lifted Leah’s chin with a graceful hand.
“You’re going to teach me yourself?”
“Of course. I’m better than most dance teachers.”
Isabella smiled softly.
“I may not have many talents, but I’m confident when it comes to dancing.”
She gave a playful wink.
Leah had heard this from Penelope.
‘Her mother danced so elegantly at her debut that even noblewomen asked her to teach them.’
If Johann took after Isabella, he’d be a good dancer too.
“Wouldn’t you feel more comfortable learning from me?”
“Yes, I think so.”
That was true.
She was already nervous about messing up, and it would be even worse with a stranger.
“There’s not much time left until the ball, so let’s just focus on the basics.”
Isabella signaled the nearby butler, who stepped forward.
“Alfred will be your partner for today.”
“Lady Leah, I look forward to it.”
“Same here.”
Isabella signaled to the young woman at the piano, and cheerful music started playing.
“Just watch first.”
Isabella danced a waltz with the butler.
Leah sat and watched from a chair against the wall.
Isabella moved so elegantly, and the butler guided her smoothly.
Clap clap clap
When the music ended, Leah clapped without thinking.
“Do you get the feel of it now?”
“…A little.”
“Alright, now it’s your turn.”
Isabella took Leah’s hand and led her to the center.
She explained where to place her hands, how to look, the basic steps—so many things.
Of course, it was all too much for Leah to remember in one day.
After two hours of practice, she was completely exhausted.
‘Ugh, I didn’t know dancing used this many muscles…’
“You’re sore now, but your body will get more flexible and it won’t hurt anymore.”
Isabella said, seeing Leah rubbing her aching shoulder.
“Do you think so?”
“Sure. I was sore all over the next day when I first learned.”
There was a hint of nostalgia in Isabella’s hazel eyes.
“Get some rest and maybe a massage today.”
“Okay, I’ll head back to my room now.”
Leah dragged her sore body out of the ballroom.
—
At the same time, Penelope was preparing for her tea party at the mansion.
It was her first time inviting guests since recovering, so she felt both excited and nervous.
‘It’s been a while. What if things are awkward?’
She had invited only the noble ladies she used to be close with, but she still felt uneasy.
The ladies began arriving one by one, gathering in the glass greenhouse.
“Oh my gosh, Penelope!”
Her cousin and closest friend, Lady Sabina of House Kreisel, ran up and hugged her.
“I’m so happy to see you looking so well!”
“Thanks for worrying, Sabina.”
“I heard from Auntie, but seeing you like this is such a relief.”
Sabina wiped her tears and held Penelope’s hands tightly.
“Let’s hang out often from now on.”
“Yes, let’s meet often, Sabina.”
Penelope greeted the other ladies warmly.
Once everyone had gathered, the tea party began.
At first, they talked about Penelope’s recovery.
“Lady Penelope, I’ll invite you to my house next time. Please come!”
Said Olivia, wearing a bright yellow dress and brushing off cookie crumbs from her mouth.
“Come visit mine too. It’s been so dull without you and your fun stories.”
Another lady chimed in right away.
“Just invite me—I’ll go anywhere.”
Penelope smiled sweetly.
“With Lady Penelope healthy again, it looks like the Blomhardt family will have only happy days from now on.”
Sabina said, sipping her tea.
“Exactly, especially now that the Duke of Blumhardt just got engaged!”
Olivia added.
“Lady Olivia, how is that something to be happy about?”
Céline, who loved to stir up trouble, made a snide remark.
The mood turned awkward.
“He got engaged to a commoner, so isn’t that actually bad for the family’s reputation?”
Céline blurted out, ignoring everyone’s silent glares.
“Lady Céline, that’s a very rude thing to say.”
Penelope, who had been smiling all along, suddenly looked stern.
“What? I said it because I care about you, Lady Penelope.”
Céline looked hurt.
“You insulted my future sister-in-law. How is that ‘caring’ about me?”
Penelope shot back sharply.
“…What?”
Céline was shocked that Penelope was defending a commoner instead of her.
“How can you call a commoner ‘that lady’? Lady Penelope, why are you taking the side of someone like that and scolding me—”
“Lady Céline! That woman is not only the fiancée of the Duke of Blumhardt, but she also made a magic potion that saved my life. She’s my savior.”
Penelope cut her off coldly.
The other ladies gasped softly—so the rumors were true.
“So I’d appreciate it if no one insulted or disrespected her in front of me.”
“Of course not, she’s the Duke’s fiancée.”
“No one would dare.”
The other ladies quickly tried to smooth things over.
“…I’m sorry, Lady Penelope. I didn’t know. I wasn’t thinking.”
Céline apologized, her face red.
“…Since you’ve apologized, I’ll accept it.”
Penelope’s expression softened a little, but her voice was still cold.
“I heard from your mother, but so the rumor was real.”
“You’ve gained a truly amazing person in your family. Congratulations.”
“No one would ever dare insult her now.”
“She’s the Blumhardt family’s savior.”
The ladies praised Leah to cheer Penelope up.
And thankfully, it worked.
“…I’m sorry, everyone. I got too emotional and raised my voice in front of you all.”
Penelope stood up, embarrassed.
“It’s fine. I’d be angry too if someone spoke badly about my savior.”
“Of course.”
“Thank you for understanding.”
Penelope placed a hand on her chest and gave a small nod before sitting again.
“Lady Céline, you won’t do it again, right?”
Sabina asked.
“Of course not!”
Céline replied with an awkward smile.
The tea party continued peacefully after that.
