A letter arrived at the Stikoff Count’s estate.
It was from Baroness Stephanie Pompfury, the Count’s younger sister, addressed to her eldest niece, Elinor.
Elinor was reading through her aunt’s letter, which began with the usual pleasantries, when her eyes gradually widened.
“I heard the rumors circulating in the capital about you. I worry about how hard it must be for you on your own. Elinor, why don’t you come down to my estate for a while and rest? Take some time to recover your heart and be free from the gossip. I also have things I’d like to say to you, so please come to me.”
Aunt Stephanie was someone Elinor deeply respected and loved. Gentle and affectionate, yet strict and capable, she was Elinor’s ideal.
The only reason she wasn’t quite a role model was because her overwhelming diligence often clashed with Elinor’s naturally lazy personality.
Still, Elinor was overjoyed to receive her aunt’s letter. The thoughtful content touched her heart. Aside from Lisa and Stella, her aunt was the first person who seemed genuinely concerned for her.
‘If I go there, I can be away from Lydia for a while too.’
Even if it wasn’t complete independence, it was a good opportunity to distance herself from the protagonists of the novel, even if only temporarily.
After the disastrous breakup with Edward, it would be a solid chance for Elinor to reorganize herself. Her aunt’s estate was known for its natural beauty—perfect for recuperation.
‘I’ll go.’
After finishing the letter, Elinor made her decision immediately. No matter how she looked at it, going would be beneficial—for both her and the Stikoff family.
It was better for the daughter, currently the subject of capital gossip, to leave for a valid reason rather than remain shut in at home.
So, that very evening, Elinor brought it up.
“I think I’ll go down to Oklama for a while.”
The sudden announcement widened the eyes of the Count, Countess, and Lydia.
Oklama was the southern estate governed by Baroness Stephanie Pompfury. With its mild climate and beautiful scenery, the Stikoff family often visited for leisure.
But to suddenly decide to go there?
“Oklama? Alone?”
“Yes. Aunt invited me, and honestly, it’s hard to go out around here right now.”
The Count and Countess exchanged glances. They looked at their eldest daughter who, though she hadn’t lost weight, looked noticeably paler than before.
“That sounds like a good idea. Stay as long as you want until things settle down. In the meantime, I’ll make sure that Hans bastard gets what he deserves and won’t dare show his face again.”
The Count had secretly been worried about his daughter staying cooped up at home and gave his full support. The Countess also nodded. Since the capital’s high society wasn’t likely to quiet down anytime soon, it seemed better for her to rest freely in the countryside.
“Thank you. I’ll just rest a bit and come back.”
“Good, good. Go get some real rest.”
“Then I’ll go too!”
Elinor’s lips froze just as she was about to smile in gratitude. Lydia had suddenly said she’d go along as well.
“Lydia, you too?”
“Yes. It would be lonely if you went alone. I want to go with you and rest too.”
Elinor forced a smile. She looked gently at her younger sister sitting beside her.
With her hair tied high in a ponytail, Lydia looked bright and fresh today. Her bangs made her seem even younger.
“Lydia, I’m fine. I can go alone.”
Knowing that Lydia’s presence would drag four extra male leads along, Elinor gently but firmly declined.
“Aww, come on! Let’s go together! It’ll be boring if you’re all by yourself!”
Apparently, Lydia hadn’t caught the clear rejection.
“No, if both of us disappear, people will start talking even more. And one of us should stay by our parents’ side.”
A flicker of hesitation passed over Lydia’s face. As Elinor pointed out, if both sisters vanished amid hot gossip, rumors could grow even worse.
And it didn’t feel right to leave the Count and Countess alone in the capital either.
Noticing her hesitation, Elinor kindly sealed the deal.
“Please stay and look after Stikoff in my place, Lydia.”
“Okay, Elinor. You can count on me.”
Lydia nodded solemnly, clutching her tiny fists. Elinor smiled softly, her eyes crinkling.
“Thank you. I’m counting on you.”
“But you have to come back soon, okay? I’ll be so lonely without you.”
“Of course. I’ll hurry back to see you.”
Elinor lied without blinking. Come back soon? She was hoping to stay a whole season, at the very least.
Still, as the heroine’s sister, she had to play the doting older sister and give the right answer.
The rest of the conversation revolved around Lydia, but Elinor didn’t mind.
She had secured an escape, however brief. Who cared if the world still revolved around the female lead?
As she quietly munched on plump shrimp, her mind was already busy planning how to pack.
She is never coming back U ditz