Anastasia took a deep breath. She was already prepared for unexpected situations at this party, so even with so many gazes on her simultaneously, she remained composed. Her expression stayed calm as she elegantly picked up her cup and took a sip of water.
It was as if those curious and disdainful gazes had nothing to do with her. On the other hand, Elisabeth was smitten with anger; her face turned red, and it took a gentle reminder from her nanny to stop her from storming off.
Elisabeth glared daggers at the lady who had spoken a few moments ago. If only this fool had kept her mouth shut, Miss Maria wouldn't have continued making things clear, she thought bitterly.
"Lady Anastasia, congratulations on your engagement," one lady spoke up. She had a crush on the crown prince. Although she knew she might never have the chance to become his wife, she couldn't accept the fact that someone beneath her, at least in her opinion, would marry him.
She only has a beautiful face. What right does she have? The lady was furious, though her expression remained politely composed.
"Thank you. I am overwhelmed by the emperor's favor," Anastasia replied. She could tell that, despite the lady's gentle smile, it reminded her of Duchess Anita when she pretended to be a good mother in front of the duke or guests.
The lady became even more furious at Anastasia's response. She had planned to ask Anastasia how she had captured the prince's heart. Of course, she knew this was the emperor's decision, but while knowing the truth was one thing, acting ignorant was another.
She had hoped to make Anastasia uncomfortable. Many of the ladies present would have been delighted to see her embarrassed, but Anastasia refused to play along and instead brought up the emperor's favor.
The crown prince was so handsome and gentle that any woman associated with him would usually blush at his mention. However, Anastasia kept a straight face and behaved as though the marriage were simply a responsibility entrusted to her by the emperor.
Not knowing how to proceed with her plan, the lady forced a smile and looked away.
The other ladies, who had been watching intently, also turned away but no longer continued their conversation about flowers. It was clear they were still trying to process the news.
"Miss Magdalene, you are also a teacher; no need to be so humble, join us," Agatha said when she noticed Magdalene was preparing to leave. To the others, her words seemed like an honor, but Miss Maria knew she was mocking Magdalene for choosing to become a teacher rather than starting a family. Google seaʀᴄh novel{f}ire.net
Back then, Miss Maria had been engaged to Agatha's current husband.
Agatha was the daughter of Maria's family steward. He had served the family since his youth and was like a brother to them. Since Agatha and Maria were the same age, they had grown up together. Maria's mother had always wanted more daughters, so Agatha was treated very well.
Maria had never expected Agatha to secretly pursue her fiancé and become pregnant.
It was a disgraceful act, but Agatha had no shame. She even dared to approach Maria and ask for her blessing to become a mistress to her husband, arguing that since they were like sisters, they could share a husband.
Miss Maria had been disgusted and refused. She had never expected such betrayal from a friend.
Back then, she hadn't even wanted to marry the man in the first place. If Agatha had told her she liked him, Maria would have gladly given her blessing. But Agatha had gone behind her back and tried to bear a child before Maria, the rightful wife. This was unacceptable.
It was well known that a young man could not take a mistress until he was married and had at least one child with his legal wife. A pregnant mistress was a direct insult to the wife, and Maria could not accept it.
Her father had been furious but still considered the match ideal. He decided to continue the marriage discussion, hoping to gain some benefits from the situation. But Maria refused.
In her opinion, if she went through with the marriage, she would become the subject of endless gossip and humiliation. Moreover, it was clear that Agatha had captured her fiancé's heart. What was the point of becoming a forgotten wife?
Her father did not care about such details. He believed that people would only gossip for a while before moving on. Frustrated by Maria's stubbornness, he threatened to send her to a monastery if she refused to obey him.
The next morning, Maria sent herself to the monastery. She would rather be a nun than endure such disrespect.
Her decision ruined her former fiancé's reputation. No family of equal status was willing to marry their daughter to him.
With no other options, he eventually married Agatha. In the end, Agatha benefited the most from Maria's defiance.
A year later, just before Maria was to take her final vows, her father came to the monastery to take her home. He wanted to arrange another marriage, but she refused.
Agatha never knew that Maria's choice to remain unmarried and become a teacher was entirely intentional. All these years, she had assumed Maria had been forced into a common life due to her pride.
After all, only women from small or poor families chose to become teachers, as it could help elevate their social standing.
"Please sit, Miss Magdalene," Miss Maria said, her polite smile unwavering. It was clear she hadn't been offended by Agatha's comment.
"Nanny Lala, you may also sit, if your lady does not mind," Miss Maria added. She knew that Elisabeth, who loved competing with her sister, would allow it.
"No, I wouldn't dare share a table," Lala declined. Though she was worried about Elisabeth making a mistake after she left, she still knew her place as a nanny.
"If Miss Maria permits it, you may sit," Elisabeth said. Though she knew a nanny shouldn't share a table with noblewomen, she hated that Anastasia had Miss Magdalene by her side.
"You should sit, anyway. Your status is high enough to join us, and your lady allows it. Besides, you were once a mistress to Lord Fortune," Maria said, covering her mouth as if she had just realized her mistake.
"Oh, I'm sorry, you almost became his official mistress after climbing into his bed," she added, her eyes still gleaming with amusement. Everyone paused and looked at Lala, an official mistress had a statue just below the wife. She could still sit with the noble ladies but those mistress without official title were no different from prostitute and were looked down on.
Lala felt as if she had been stripped bare in public. She didn't recall ever offending Miss Maria, so she had no idea why she was being humiliated.