After selecting fabrics, the three ladies visited other shops. Elizabeth generously bought anything that Anastasia showed even the slightest interest in. However, Anastasia did not feel angry; after all, she did not have as much money as Elizabeth.
Moreover, the things she truly liked did not appeal to Elizabeth, who let her buy them without Elizabeth thought that Anastasia had picked such times to trick her into buying them. So she let her have them. Even if Elizabeth had snatched everything, Anastasia would still have been satisfied. After all, she did not care much about purchasing things, the experience itself was what she wanted.
Seeing that Anastasia remained unbothered by her actions, Elizabeth felt even more frustrated.
After shopping until the late afternoon, Isabel suggested they go out for lunch.
The three ladies arrived at an elegant inn known for its refined dishes and quiet atmosphere. The innkeeper, a man of practiced manners, stepped forward the moment they entered, offering a deep bow.
"Welcome, my ladies. A private dining room has been prepared for you."
Isabel gave a small nod of approval. "That will do."
They were led through the main hall, where well-dressed patrons dined in hushed conversation. The air carried the scent of roasted meats, freshly baked bread, and warm spices, making Anastasia aware of the hunger she had previously ignored. Because she was wary of the Duchess, she had eaten little at breakfast.
The private chamber was richly furnished, the polished wooden table already set with gleaming silverware. A servant stepped forward, pouring tea into delicate goblets as another recited the menu.
"Today’s offerings include roasted fowl with herbs, stewed pears in spiced wine, fresh tarts with berries, and a thick pottage of almonds and cream."
"I shall have the fowl and the tarts," Isabel said without hesitation.
Elizabeth barely glanced at the servant. "The same."
Anastasia took a moment before speaking. "The pottage and the pears, please."
Elizabeth scoffed quietly, finding Anastasia’s choice distasteful. She could not understand what was so special about Anastasia that she was chosen to marry the crown prince.
When the dishes were brought out, they were presented with care. The ladies were satisfied with the service and began eating once the servants had finished serving. Anastasia did not forget to order food to be taken to Rosa and the rest of the maids waiting in the main hall.
As they ate, Isabel carried the conversation, speaking of the latest fashions and Anastasia’s upcoming wedding. Anastasia responded when necessary, her tone polite but distant, while Elizabeth remained silent, her irritation thinly veiled.
Laughter drifted from the corridor as a group of noblewomen passed their room. One of them paused, her gaze settling on Elizabeth before offering a graceful curtsy.
"Lady Elizabeth, how pleasant to see you."
Elizabeth straightened, her expression smooth and practiced. "Lady Cecilia, what a surprise."
"Lady Isabel is here too," Cecilia said. Only when she looked closer did she notice Isabel. She was more familiar with Elizabeth and had recognized her immediately.
"A pleasant surprise," Isabel replied with a smile.
The exchange was brief, filled with pleasantries that carried little meaning. As they spoke, Cecilia’s gaze turned to Anastasia, and upon recognizing her, she offered another curtsy.
"You must be Lady Anastasia. I am Cecilia; it is an honor to make your acquaintance."
Anastasia nodded. "And I yours." She had no interest in befriending anyone familiar with Elizabeth.
Upon hearing that Anastasia was in the room, the other ladies who had not followed Cecilia to greet Elizabeth regretted their actions. After all, it was an opportunity to meet the future crown princess. Although Cecilia would have loved to befriend Anastasia, she knew the timing was not right, so she excused herself.
Meanwhile, Elizabeth lost her appetite. Seeing Cecilia behave so politely toward Anastasia filled her with resentment. She hated that the person she had always looked down on could now stand on equal footing with her.
After Cecilia left, they finished the rest of their meal in awkward silence.
"Shall we visit the perfumer’s shops?" Isabel suggested once they were done eating. If Elizabeth had not been her real cousin, she would have already scolded her for sulking so openly.
"That’s a good idea. I also want to visit the bookstore," Anastasia added. She wanted to buy a few books. In the past, she had always acted ignorant, but now that she was to marry the crown prince, it was important for her to read and learn more.
Elizabeth rolled her eyes. She wanted nothing more than to return home, but she was unwilling to let Anastasia enjoy herself. No matter what, she would continue following them.
Anastasia was not accustomed to wearing perfumes, so when they visited a few stores, she only picked one set. This particular fragrance reminded her of her mother.
After leaving the perfume shop, they returned to their carriage and headed to the bookstore.
Since they were already there, Elizabeth decided to buy a few books as well. Isabel, who enjoyed reading plays, picked up some new publications.
Anastasia, on the other hand, knowing that marrying into the royal family meant she would have new responsibilities, decided to purchase books on history and chronicles. Miss Magdalene had already explained to her the importance of understanding such subjects.
Then, she suddenly remembered a book that had once been recommended to her mother by a physician when she was ill.
"Excuse me, do you have A Guide to Herbs and Remedies?" she asked the bookseller.
"Let me check," the man replied. After searching for a while, he did not find any copies but recommended another bookshop just across the street..
Anastasia thanked him. After settling the payment, she stepped out with the others.
Seeing that the mentioned bookshop was nearby, Anastasia decided to walk over. Elizabeth was unwilling to go, but when she saw Isabel following, she reluctantly did the same. Google seaʀᴄh n0velfire.net
They had only taken a few steps when they suddenly heard a loud shout.
"Get out of the way! A horse has gone mad!"
Anastasia and the others were caught off guard, momentarily stunned before they hurried to move out of the way.
In that instant, Elizabeth noticed the horse was already dangerously close to them and had an idea. In the chaos, no one was paying attention to each other’s actions, so she subtly used her body to push Anastasia forward.
Anastasia, who had just stepped off the road, suddenly found herself shoved toward the charging horse.
She tried to regain her balance but stumbled and fell to the ground.
At that moment, the horse was only a few feet away.
Elizabeth lowered her head to hide the smirk on her lips. Go die, she thought, already imagining the horse trampling Anastasia to death. Even if she survived, she would surely be injured and unfit to marry the crown prince.