Chapter – 5

– Willow Street –

Two days had passed since the secret meeting with nobles and informants, and only a few changes had occurred anywhere. That morning, Jacob received a note stating that one of his informants had obtained new information, and so they decided to meet at Willow Street that day.

Plumette, on the other hand, had a rather rough day to begin with. Her lessons had started sooner after the small break her teacher had taken, leaving her exhausted. Still, by the end of the day, she was finally free. Tonight, she was going to spend time with Dorothy and Grace. She put on a simple dress suitable for walking around the market, informed the estate butler, Jonas, and boarded the carriage with her maid, Kate.

As the carriage began to move, with her personal knight trailing behind on horseback, Kate spoke up.

“My Lady, remember — you absolutely should not run away from us like last time. And even if you do, take me along so I can protect you.”

Plumette gave her maid a small nod, pretending to consider the request.

After a while, they arrived at Willow Street. Dorothy and Grace were already waiting near the fountain. Plumette ran toward them, with Kate following behind while holding Plumette’s bonnet.

“Sorry, classes took longer than expected,” Plumette explained, while Dorothy and Grace were simply happy she had made it. Kate placed the bonnet on Plumette’s head under the scorching sun.

They dismissed their maids and knights with flimsy excuses so they could have some privacy, though their knights still followed at a safe distance, careful not to disturb them. The girls entered a newly opened dressmaker’s shop, where Plumette and Dorothy urged Grace to try on some new dresses.

While Grace was being fitted, Dorothy sat closer to Plumette and spoke quietly.

“Plumette, when is the best time to break the news of my relationship to Grace so she won’t get too angry at me?”

Plumette glanced at the fitting room and replied, “Best time? Never.”

“Come on, I’m asking seriously,” Dorothy insisted.

“But I am serious, Dorothy. Grace is currently in the best mood she can be, but…” Plumette paused, thinking. “Maybe tell her while we’re walking — after taking her to her favorite restaurant.”

Dorothy’s face brightened. “Yes, that sounds great, Plumette—”

Just then, Grace stepped out of the fitting room, looking absolutely beautiful.

“Grace, you look stunning!” both girls exclaimed, stepping closer to admire her.

“This just needs a little jewellery, and it’ll be perfect,” Plumette added, but Grace stopped them.

“I think we need to eat something first. I’m starving.”

The suggestion was quickly agreed upon, and they moved on to the next part of the plan — bribing Grace with her favourite food. Dorothy had originally planned to visit Grace the next day after meeting Plumette, but Grace had been busy with family matters. Today was finally the day they could all spend time together.

After dinner at Maison Verelle, Grace’s favourite restaurant, Plumette and Dorothy walked on either side of her along Willow Street.

“Grace, what do you think about Ronan Crowyn?” Plumette asked casually.

“Who?” Grace replied, confused.

“Viscount Crowyn’s second son,” Plumette explained. “Though I suppose there’s no point asking if you don’t recognise the name.”

“Well… what about him?” Grace asked, unsure of where this was going.

“I started dating him,” Dorothy said suddenly.

“What?!” Grace exclaimed, startled, shaking Dorothy’s hand off. “What do you mean you’re seeing someone? And a viscount’s second son I’ve never even heard of?”

She paused, then took Dorothy’s hand again and sighed. “Listen… I’m not sure if you made the right decision. I was just shocked. I’m sorry for reacting harshly.”

Dorothy shook her head and began explaining everything — how she met Ronan at a salon gathering, how they started going on dates, and how kindly he treated her. Grace listened quietly, taken aback by how deeply in love her friend seemed. Not wanting to hurt her, she took a calming breath.

“I understand. Just… don’t make reckless decisions again without telling us, alright?”

Dorothy nodded enthusiastically, smiling brightly.

“Since the issue seems settled,” Plumette intervened, “how about we get some desserts?”

They all agreed.

They soon arrived at The Hearth, one of the most popular dessert shops among nobles visiting Willow Street. Plumette, Grace, and Dorothy took their seats and ordered their favourite desserts while chatting.

Just a minute later, Jacob stepped out of one of the inner rooms of the shop, where he had met his informant. As he was about to leave, he caught sight of Plumette out of the corner of his eye and stopped. After a brief pause, he removed his cloak and approached their table.

“I didn’t expect to run into you here, my lady,” Jacob greeted her.

“Oh, Lord Jacob. That is unexpected… are you here to eat desserts too?” Plumette asked.

Jacob chuckled. “No, I was meeting one of the old employees who works here now.”

Plumette nodded as their desserts arrived.

“Nice to meet you, Lord Jacob,” Grace and Dorothy greeted him.

Jacob acknowledged them politely. “I’ll be taking my leave now. Enjoy your desserts.”

He left shortly after, having already taken note of Plumette’s favourite dessert. Instead of returning home, he waited outside the shop. It was getting dark, and he decided it wouldn’t be safe for her to leave alone.

When Plumette and her friends stepped outside, they stopped upon seeing Jacob still there.

“Lord Jacob, why are you still here?” Plumette asked.

“I was visiting a nearby shop and noticed you were just leaving,” Jacob replied, quickly coming up with an excuse. “Let me accompany you to your carriages.”

He escorted the three ladies, eventually walking Plumette to hers.

“Did you have a nice time today, Lady Plumette?” he asked, breaking the silence.

“I did. Thank you for asking.”

“There seem to be more stars than usual tonight,” Jacob added.

Plumette looked up at the sky. “Yes, they really are beautiful.”

Her gentle smile caught Jacob off guard, leaving him momentarily lost. Plumette noticed and lightly shook his arm.

“Lord Jacob, are you alright?”

He snapped out of it, realising her hand was still on his arm. “Yes — yes, I’m fine. Thank you for your concern.”

She noticed how cold his arm was.

“We’re almost at my carriage. I can drop you off at your estate,” Plumette offered.

Jacob nodded silently, still aware that she hadn’t let go of his arm.

Ian, her personal knight, already stood by the carriage door. Jacob helped Plumette inside, and she accepted his hand. They both entered the carriage.

“You should have worn warmer clothes, Lord Jacob. You’re freezing,” Plumette said, pulling out a small blanket from the basket Kate had brought. Jacob accepted it gratefully, having forgotten where he left his cloak.

As the carriage began to move, Kate sat beside the coachman, and Ian followed on horseback.

“Thank you for the blanket, Lady Plumette,” Jacob said. “Do you always carry one?”

“No. Kate brings it most of the time — I tend to get cold easily.”

“I still have your coat. I’ll return it next time we meet,” Plumette said with a smile. “Though I suppose I’ll have to carry it with me until then.”

Jacob chuckled. “You don’t have to. I’ll visit your estate when I’m free.”

They continued talking until they reached his estate. As Jacob removed the blanket to return it, Plumette stopped him.

“Keep it. You can return it when you visit.”

“See you again, Lady Plumette,” Jacob said as he stepped out.

Plumette leaned out slightly. “Make sure you wash it well — it’s my favourite blanket, Lord Jacob.”

The carriage pulled away, leaving Jacob standing there, watching it disappear with a smile he barely recognised as his own.

Inside the carriage, Plumette smiled to herself, lost in her thoughts, replaying the silly conversations she and Jacob shared throughout the ride.