Anne follows Celeste out into the front courtyard. She takes notice of her lady uncomfortably fiddling with her high neckline and long sleeves.

“The bruises are barely noticeable, My Lady.” They say time heals all wounds. Some faster than others. Taking out the pendant she kindly fixed overnight, she carefully attaches it to Celeste’s gown. “It will go well."

“Thank you, Anne.”

“I will look after Her Ladyship and the young lord while you’re gone.”

Comforted by her maid’s words and actions, Celeste offers her a grateful smile. With one last wave and a promise to return early, she enters her family’s carriage.

*** 

Remembering her mother’s blessing from the morning, she arrives to the social gathering with conviction. Her confidence further blooms at the sight of Emma Grant greeting her. The expression on the young noble lady's face a mixture of surprise and concern. 

“Celeste! How are you?”

Emma wastes no time to hurry over. Taking Celeste’s hands into her own, words rapidly spill from her lips. “I was torn about whether to include the invitation or not. I would have taken no offense if you decided against attending."

“You gave me a perfect reason to leave the manor, Emma.”

“I really do appreciate you for being here.” She softens her next words, afraid others can hear; “Before you agreed, you have been the center of their conversations.”

“I expect nothing less–,”

“Those good-for-nothing–,” Emma mutters the curses underneath her breath. “All they do is speak ill of others. Don't listen to their words.”

“You’re the only reasonable one here,” Celeste jests.

“Quite a scary thought,” Emma replies, a reassuring smile reappearing on her lips. “Let’s head inside together.”

Touching her pendant briefly and smoothing out her gown, Celeste follows on the heels of the young noble lady. Standing tall, she not only ignores the growing anxiety in the pit of her stomach, but also the many pairs of eyes shifting in her direction as she takes her seat.

“Ladies, this is a tea party, where is the socializing?”

He wastes no time, Celeste thinks to herself. Somewhat of a contender and his voice never fails to send Celeste's skin crawling. She likens him to a mad dog that just will not let go once it digs its teeth into flesh.  

“Lady Celeste, I’m glad to see you’re in one piece.” 

Looking between Celeste and Gregory, Emma asks, “You two are acquainted?”

Although Emma is unaware of their previous interactions, she should be quick to catch onto the contrasting reactions.

“I’m not too certain.” Celeste sees his eyes raking over her body and she refuses to shrink away. “I neglect to remember who…,” 

He slips into the empty seat beside her, successfully annoying Emma as he does so. His smile sticks, but it lacks sincerity.

“That gag is getting old,” he remarks.

“Lord Gregory, that seat belongs to another guest,” Emma interrupts him.

“I’ll be sure to yield it when, whoever it is, comes,” he answers before returning his attention back on Celeste. “There is something strange I’ve heard recently.” 

Did she care to know? He continues talking with little regard to what she thinks. 

“I’m almost certain that House Lane does not own a knight order… so, why are there knights guarding a mere count’s home?” 

“Quit beating around the bush, Lord Gregory,” Celeste responds.

It starts to become apparent that others around them are showing interest in the one-sided conversation.

“Are they royal knights?”

“They are ducal knights.”

“Only Duke Ellis and our king deserves that level of security… but a count? we’re witnessing a new precedent.”

The direction his words are taking and what his comparison insinuates become clear. Gregory wants everyone to believe that her father is overstepping his authority. Thus, insulting both the king and the duke. 

Emma shoots a warning glance. “Gregory Smith.”

“What, My Lady?” He feigns innocence. “What are friends for if not to help one another?”

“Lord Gregory, if this is how you treat all your friends, I am worried that you will be left with none very soon,” Celeste responds. “Who else but the duke has the right to order his own knights?”

“Well, it is also said that Count Lane must think he is a king, rather than a subordinate of one.”

The blunt accusation renders Celeste silent.

Taking a step back from the offense, Gregory defends himself. “I am merely passing on what other nobles are repeating. Would you hear anything like this from Lady Emma?”

“Must you encourage unsubstantiated rhetoric, Lord Gregory?” Emma snaps at him, completely horrified by his words.

“You misunderstand my intentions, ladies.”

“What are your intentions? I cannot imagine that Lady Emma would say aloud such misleading information.”

The whispering around them grows louder. If she responds too strongly to his words, it would give way to more suspicion.

“It would be in your best interest to play nice with me,” he says in a quieter voice. “As you can see, high society is all about reputation. And I, for one, draw listening ears rather easily.”

He beams victoriously while she tries her best to abate her anger. 

“You are in my seat, Lord Gregory.”

The voice, full of confidence, rings out and completely pushes Gregory out of the picture and Celeste's ire evaporates. She looks to see who it belongs to as the rightful owner of the seat takes her place.

“How are you, Lady Celeste?” the young lady greets her. “We haven’t met officially, but do you remember me?”

“I do,” Celeste quietly answers. “It is nice to see you again, Lady Maude.”

***

Her Ladyship knew the end of the ruse is near once laying her eyes on her husband. Not only has he unexpectedly return early from the palace, but he is also accompanied by Duke Ellis.

“I wasn’t anticipating… either of you,” she says after greeting the duke.

“There is a matter that needs to be taken care of,” Count Lane answers before taking a look around. It’s as if he’s searching for something to be out of place and unfortunately, he is a sharp man. “On my way from the stable, I saw that the manor’s carriage is gone.”

Her Ladyship hesitates on answering, but soon accepts the defeat. “Celeste took it with my permission.”

Sensing the sudden tension, the maids and servants quickly take their leave from the area. Belatedly, Duke Ellis takes notice, but he loses his chance to excuse himself.

“Where to?” her husband asks. 

“A social gathering.”

His Lordship sighs and rubs his forehead. “She shouldn’t be at some tea party–,”

“Then what should she be doing? Hiding away in the manor?”

“It is not safe out there.”

“We were attacked in here.”

Count Lane falls silent at his wife’s words. He couldn’t deny them, but he also couldn’t agree so simply. 

“We need to do our part as well, Lewis.”

“You do not have to do anything. I want her home."

Refusing to give into her husband’s demand, she counters, “She will be home when the tea party ends.”

Duke Ellis, who has been standing there in silence during the entire exchange, speaks up for the first time. “I can ensure Lady Celeste’s return.”

***

“I’ve been studying.”

Celeste takes a sip of her tea. “Studying what, Lady Maude?”

Prior to slipping away, Emma seemed to have received Lady Maude’s appearance brightly. So, Celeste decides to give the young lady a chance. 

“I had much to think about after our last meeting at the Marquess’ manor.”

“I apologize if my situation ruined the mood at the last party–,”

“Please, do not apologize. It is only right that you defend your father and I wanted to gain a better understanding before our next meeting.”

Celeste has seen Lady Maude in passing, but she knew little of the young noble lady before her. “So, what conclusion have you come to?" 

“Well, we simply cannot dismiss a proposal that was crafted by the same mind involved in ending the war, can we?”

Celeste observes Lady Maude, searching for signs of being deceived.

“I look forward to it, Lady Celeste, for what changes it may bring.”

Surprisingly, just hearing one voice of reason is enough to strengthen Celeste’s resolve once more. It was as if doubt had never hooked its claws into her mind.

“Furthermore, is it truly surprising that the duke is posting his knights at House Lane? A near tragedy occurred.”

Lady Maude seems unyielding even as the other nobles around them share conflicting thoughts.

“I’m afraid you’ll earn yourself some backlash for your words," Celeste warns. 

“I just find it unfair.”

“Find what unfair exactly?”

“You have Gregory Smith bringing up Count Lane whenever he has a chance and you’re also being targeted by Lady Isabel.”

Isabel Fox?

“Lady Isabel’s tea parties are exclusive, they’re usually private and held amongst her closest contacts. Did you not find it strange when she suddenly threw a massive party and invited you? Have you ever spoken to her?”

Celeste knew it was strange when she had received that letter, but nothing out of the ordinary happened–,

Lady Maude watches the recognition cross Celeste’s face. “She orchestrated everything with Lord Gregory that day. She was quick to humiliate you and ensured that everyone witnessed it."

“What do you know, Lady Maude?”

“Isabel Fox had spent weeks pestering the other young ladies into not meeting with Duke Ellis, but she was a step late when it came to you.”

“What grudge does she hold against the duke?”

“Not a grudge, Lady Celeste. She’s in love.”

Lady Isabel was reminding Celeste of her place– not because Celeste responded late to the invitation, but because of her own self-reported claims on the duke.

All because she had an arranged meeting with him?

“Her getting stood up on her own appointment with Duke Ellis sparked the whole tea party debacle. Serves her right, if you ask me.”

What is Lady Maude’s motive for sharing all of this information?

“Are you not interested in meeting Duke Ellis?”

“Not at all,” Lady Maude replies without pause. “Sure– the honor, stability, and the safety sounds like a good deal, but I do not have any interest in joining the fight.”

A knowing smile is shared between them as Emma makes her way back to their table. Their conversations soon turn more light-hearted and time passes quickly. She couldn’t ever imagine socializing to be this pleasant. It almost feels like a shame to end it when she remembers she should be departing for the manor. It would save her a great deal of trouble if she returns home before her father does.

Both ladies kindly send Celeste off.

“Trust me, Gregory Smith will never be invited again.”

“I enjoyed seeing you, Emma. Thank you for sending me the invite.”

“Let’s see each other soon, Celeste.”

"It has also been so nice speaking with you today, Lady Maude.”

“Let’s meet again,” Lady Maude answers in agreement.

Celeste makes haste to her carriage, but only to stop short in her steps.

A strange man is seen speaking to the coachman and she's rooted to her spot, observing for a moment. Upon recognizing him, she marches forward. 

She does everything to restrain herself. “Lord Gregory, what do you think you are doing?”