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“…SO, I think I’ll just go back to living as a commoner.”
Benoit Lefort gazed at his niece seated before him, his brows knitted in consternation.
“You think? But Agnes…what’s made you think this way?”
“I was dumped in front of the ton at a high-society party. I’m obviously damaged goods now. No one will come to seek my hand in marriage again. So, to avoid being a burden on the household, I feel it’s better to return to common society.”
Agnes spoke cheerfully, but Benoit sighed.
“I heard about last night’s…incident. It does sound awful, but Philip was obviously in the wrong. Besides, the man himself admitted that he’s been carrying on an affair for the past month in front of everyone.”
Yes, he did admit that, didn’t he? Gosh, what a brainless thing to do. Philip really is a royal idiot. Even if that idiocy of his does lend him immunity to the mushrooms…
“I’m certain most people will be on your side,” Benoit continued. “I’m not saying we’ll have suitors knocking down our door, but there’s no need to throw it all away and go back to being a commoner. Even if you never marry, you’ll always be a child of this household, Agnes.”
Agnes had always loved her uncle Benoit’s golden hair and red-brown eyes.
If only I’d been born with normal-colored hair, perhaps all this could have been avoided…
“I’m so grateful to you for taking me in, Father. Even though I am your niece. And I love Kevin, too. I love you both. So, you see, I don’t want to be a burden to either of you.”
“And I’m telling you, you could never be a burden to us. You were hurt the most by yesterday’s…unpleasantness. You should take some time to heal. You can always plan out what to do next later. There’s no rush.”
Philip was only really a fringe member of the royal family, yes, but their engagement had been warmly welcomed.
Her uncle had every right to scold Agnes for losing this key opportunity, which would’ve only led to prosperity for the Lefort household. The fact that he was being so kind, despite this, made Agnes’s heart swell with love for him.
“Please…don’t be nice to me right now. I don’t want to start sprouting mushrooms on you.”
“As long as they’re edible, I say sprout away.”
“For you, Father, I’d sprout the finest edible mushrooms around.”
“You mean…Matsutake? I could go for a couple right now. But listen, Agnes. I want you to take some more time. Think things over.”
“All right…”
Agnes had been so sure that a return to commoner life would solve all her problems, but it was clear she wasn’t going to get the permission she needed from her uncle.
Without Benoit’s approval and support, it’d be hard to get started as a commoner on her own. After all, it was very difficult for a young, single woman to rent a place to stay on her own. Not that she’d any money to pay rent or other living expenses. You needed some money upfront.
…Which means I need to get some funds together.
Up until now, Agnes had always asked her uncle for money, but…that wasn’t an option anymore.
I could always sell some things I don’t need and make money that way.
Agnes returned to her room and pulled out all of her dresses.
They were all simple and sort of drab, at Philip’s request.
Philip had also wanted to tie up and hide her stunning hair so it wouldn’t be so noticeable. After all, the people of Visage tended to turn their noses up at it. He also wanted her to keep her clothing and makeup as plain and understated as possible.
She’d gone along with his demands. She knew her hair stood out in a bad way, and she preferred to fly under the radar to reduce the number of strangers who approached her. She regretted it now, though. Dresses in this sort of boring color palette would be difficult to sell.
Hmm, well…maybe dresses like this would appeal more to older women? I should give it a try, at least…
“Lady Agnes? Have you finished your meeting with His Lordship? The bath is all prepared for you.”
Agnes turned to see her maid, Therese, a plump woman who worked nimbly and speedily despite her stature.
“Thank you. I’ll be heading out once I’ve had my bath. Therese, could you put these dresses together in a bundle for me?”
“Whatever do you plan to do with all of these dresses, my lady?”
Agnes flashed a brilliant smile at Therese.
“I’m going to sell them… The whole lot of them!”
They may’ve been drab, but Agnes’s dresses were finely made and of considerable quality. She was a count’s daughter, after all. She would have no use for them as a commoner. She could start afresh if she got rid of them all at once. She’d sell her jewelry and accessories as well, apart from a few sentimental pieces.
All she needed was a few simple pinafore dresses for everyday wear.
Agnes wasn’t sure what she was going to do with Claude’s handkerchief. She made up her mind to ask Uncle Benoit to dispose of it for her, when she left home for good.
After ruminating in the bath and solidifying her plans, Agnes dried off and slipped her arms through the sleeves of one of her simple dresses.
“Lady Agnes, are you sure you want to do this?”
“Yes, yes, it’s fine.”
“But… But these are all the dresses you own…”
“Eh, they were all Philip’s taste anyway, not mine. Besides, I’ll have no occasion to wear them in the future. I can at least benefit from them if I sell them.”
“But what do you intend to do with the money?”
“…It’ll be put to good use.”
Frowning, Therese fell silent as she carried the bundle of dresses for Agnes.