Chapter 17
Usher led Eleanor into a women’s designer boutique. She shook her head at the sight of the obviously high-end clientele, but her refusal was useless.
“The Duke of Claven said he’d cover all expenses, so don’t worry.”
Usher smiled and gently pulled Eleanor’s hand. Eleanor, who didn’t have the brazenness to argue in front of the building, was inevitably swept inside. The staff, likely contacted in advance, were already waiting.
“Eleanor has fair skin, so I think a white dress would suit her well.”
Even if Eleanor seemed like a country girl who had never seen such a place, the staff kindly showed her a variety of designs for reference. But when Eleanor hesitated and couldn’t make a decision easily, Usher looked around thoughtfully.
“What about this one?”
A white dress designed by the boutique hung on a mannequin with no arms or legs. The floor-length dress was adorned with layers of lace from the bust to the waist and cinched at the waist with a belt, emphasizing its slim line.
If asked whether it was beautiful, there was no choice but to say yes. The lace threads alone looked exceptionally luxurious.
“I’d like to have this tailored to the lady’s measurements.”
“That can certainly be arranged.”
A person who seemed either a designer or a staff member stepped forward and responded immediately. Soon after, the staff took Eleanor aside to measure her body. They kept emphasizing how this was a one-of-a-kind piece, unlike any ready-made clothes sold in department stores. By the time Eleanor took off the dress, she was covering one of her ears.
“They’re skilled, but a bit chatty,”
Usher whispered quietly into her ear.
“How do you know a women’s designer?”
“I have a younger sister. She always gets her clothes here.”
He added that she shouldn’t misunderstand and think he came with another woman. Even if he had, Eleanor wasn’t in a position to interrogate him—but still, he felt the need to clarify.
“For accessories, it’s better to go to a department store. We’ll be buying pre-made items.”
“Do we really need accessories? I just…”
“This is compensation for helping His Grace. Think of it as payment for your labor—it should be expensive.”
Usher winked. Before Eleanor could come to her senses, he led her straight to the department store.
She had never seen a place like this—it felt like another world. Eleanor looked around the store, dazed by all the glittering, luxurious items. Usher navigated the shops effortlessly, stopping in front of a jewelry store.
“You’ve arrived.”
As expected, they had been contacted in advance. A stylishly bearded man came out to greet Usher and Eleanor.
“We need something suitable for Princess Daphne’s wedding. Recommend something good.”
“We just received a wonderful piece.”
The man in the suit led them inside excitedly. Colorful gemstones sparkled from behind the glass cases.
“What color did you choose for the dress?”
“White.”
“Then this will be perfect.”
With a wide smile, the man opened a velvet case. Inside was a dazzling set of emerald necklace and earrings.
“The emeralds are surrounded by diamonds.”
The eight colors reflected from the small diamond embellishments made the clear green of the emeralds stand out even more. Seeing Eleanor too intimidated to touch them, Usher signaled the staff.
“Let me assist you.”
Eleanor, seated on the sofa, straightened her back—not out of posture, but out of tension. As the clasp of the necklace clicked shut, Usher let out a soft exclamation. Eleanor looked at him with nervous eyes.
“Eleanor, you can move.”
“But…”
Under her skirt, Eleanor’s shoe-clad feet fidgeted. Usher couldn’t help but laugh.
“Relax, Eleanor. It’s going to be yours.”
“My lord!”
Eleanor tried to protest, as if it were outrageous, but Usher casually proceeded with the purchase. The staff removed the necklace from Eleanor and gently returned it to the case, smiling brightly.
“There’s no way the Duke intended for something so expensive. Even now—”
“There’s surplus funds in the duchess’s budget at the Claven estate. A duchess would buy several of these a year.”
Usher answered gently and helped Eleanor up from the sofa. She almost objected that the duchess’s budget wasn’t hers—but gave up.
It was hopeless. No matter what she said, he’d brush it off.
“Oh, and I want to pick up the thing I requested, too.”
Usher carefully placed a reserved item in his jacket pocket and had the rest sent to the Claven estate. Eleanor seemed to be the only one feeling awkward and overwhelmed.
“Relax, Eleanor.”
“……”
“Logan will probably be fine with it. Especially if it’s something Cindy Claven wanted.”
Eleanor’s curious eyes followed the line of Usher’s jaw. Noticing her gaze, Usher looked down and smiled softly.
“Those two don’t get along as much as you’d think.”
He leaned in slightly and whispered. Eleanor had assumed Cindy was just a typical mean stepmother, but now she was surprised. Logan could have sent her away long ago if things were that bad.
“If Olivia had been a boy, things might’ve turned out very differently.”
Usher started walking ahead. Eleanor nodded silently. Even without full details, she could guess. She could see why Cindy had been so cruel to Olivia.
If you had been a son… If you had at least been a proper noble lady…
The disappointment that followed high hopes, the twisted desire—it had all likely been aimed at the child.
Even if Olivia had been a boy, Logan—already being trained as the heir—wouldn’t have lost his place to a newborn.
“Get in.”
Usher opened the car door and gestured. Eleanor gathered her dress and got in.
“Tired?”
Usher sat beside her and asked. Eleanor nodded once. She had been tense the whole time from trying on fancy dresses and jewelry that didn’t suit her. Her whole body ached.
“If you only think of it as exhausting, that’d make me a little sad.”
Eleanor, who had been watching the city pass slowly by the window, turned to Usher. His violet eyes, fixed solely on her, glowed softly in the sunset.
Even those gentle eyes carry fire, she thought in admiration.
“Why?”
Her question came a little late. But Usher didn’t scold her for not paying attention.
“Maybe you don’t think so, but to me, today felt like a date.”
“……”
“No Olivia this time. I got to see you all dressed up.”
He spoke as if lost in a dream.
“Of course, Logan will be the one enjoying that sight on the actual day, so it’s a little disappointing.”
“……”
“But I’m the one who spent meaningful time with you today.”
Only a fool wouldn’t sense the joy and excitement in his voice.
“It wasn’t that tiring. Just… a new environment, that’s all.”
Eleanor tried to explain her fatigue. Usher looked pleased. Why is he so fond of me? Eleanor found herself genuinely wondering.
After all, there was nothing particularly significant about how they met—an accidental meeting on a train platform, a brief conversation, a few interactions as a guest and servant at the Claven estate. Eleanor had never shown romantic interest toward him.
“Eleanor.”
While she was deep in thought, the car glided past the gates of the Claven estate.
“We’re here already.”
Though he said “already,” the sun had long set. They had been together since midday.
“Why are you doing all this for me?”
The question was impulsive. Usher, who had been helping her out of the car, blinked in surprise, then smiled gently.
“Have you ever had that experience?”
“What kind…?”
“When all the world’s sounds disappear, and only the person bathed in light is visible.”
Eleanor shook her head slightly.
“That’s what I felt when I first met you. I couldn’t stop thinking about your face for days.”
Usher’s thumb brushed gently along her ring finger. Only then did Eleanor realize he was still holding her hand. But she couldn’t pull it away. That would be rude, and…
“When I saw your face under the white sheets that day, my heart dropped.”
For some reason, she couldn’t.
“You look delicate but strong, cautious yet confident, always trying to stay grounded… it was charming.”
His voice melted like caramel—slow, warm, and sweet. Eleanor shivered slightly.
“I know you might think I’m just a guy who falls for looks.”
“……”
“Stay by me and see for yourself.”
“My lord…”
“Whether I truly like you or if this is just fleeting passion.”
Through the joined hands, the pounding of a heart echoed vividly. Whose heartbeat it was—neither could tell.
Aww, so cute