~Chapter 108~
“The reason James left Miss Daphne? Hmm… it’s not really my place to say, but you know, couples don’t break up for just one person’s fault, right? James just wanted to protect her honor, that’s all…”
If someone overheard this, they would think Daphne was some kind of shameless flirt.
Harriet let out a short, disbelieving laugh, while Viviana, the one sharing the gossip, looked guilty, as if she had done something wrong.
But Daphne didn’t react at all. She simply sipped her tea quietly, her calmness making Harriet even more concerned. She gently reached out and held Daphne’s hand.
“Miss Daphne, right now everyone’s focused on the engagement party, so some people might believe Bella’s words. But the truth always comes out sooner or later.”
At that, Daphne suddenly smiled, as if shaking herself awake.
“Thank you, both of you. But honestly, I’m fine. Truly.”
And she meant it. The most surprising part, even to herself, was that hearing James’s name no longer hurt her.
Once, she had prayed desperately for him to come back. Just remembering him used to be so painful she couldn’t even eat. But now…
“Maybe time really does heal all wounds. Looking back, I don’t even know why I clung to him so much. I wasted so much time for nothing…”
Daphne laughed awkwardly, but Harriet held her hand more firmly.
“No—it’s because of that time that you’re fine now.”
Daphne looked doubtful, so Harriet repeated herself with conviction.
“You gave your love everything you had and let it burn out without regret. That’s why you’re free now.”
“…You think so?”
“Of course! If you hadn’t given it your all back then, you’d still be suffering now. That year wasn’t wasted—it made you stronger.”
Daphne lowered her gaze to her teacup and fell into thought.
“Yes. I don’t cry over that love anymore. I did my best, and I have no regrets.”
If that was true, then now was the time to rise again and show everyone.
She had smiled brightly at the recent family party, announcing her return to society. But she could still sense people’s hesitation in how they treated her.
Her violet eyes grew determined.
“Then I need to show them how much stronger I’ve become—so Bella can’t wag her arrogant tongue anymore.”
Harriet clapped in delight at the declaration, while Viviana lifted her teacup as if making a toast. Their reactions made Daphne laugh out loud.
She remembered Harriet’s words: “All you lost was one useless man. Why cry when you still have everything else?”
“I am Daphne Laurel.”
She had forgotten for a while, but her very name alone was enough to explain everything—she was society’s most admired flower.
Straightening her back, she resolved to show the world exactly who she was.
And suddenly, everything looked different. She had long shaken off her sadness, but now for the first time, the world seemed full of new challenges.
“Thank you. I always learn so much from you, Miss Harriet.”
“Eh? From me? What did I do?”
“You’re always so confident and wise. That’s why, one day, the silly rumors about you will disappear too. As you said, the truth always comes out.”
Daphne was truly grateful. Without Harriet, she would probably still be hiding away in fear.
Viviana agreed wholeheartedly.
“She’s right, Harriet. Just wait—you’ll become one of the most admired women in society.”
“I already am famous. Who hasn’t heard of Harriet Listerwell, the scandal-maker?” Harriet joked, embarrassed by the praise.
But Viviana didn’t drop her serious expression.
“I mean it. I think I understand now why Bella tries so hard to drag you down.”
“H-huh? I don’t get it.”
“It’s because you shine brighter than Bella. You catch everyone’s attention. That must drive her jealousy and insecurity wild.”
Harriet felt embarrassed, especially hearing such words in front of Daphne, who was known as society’s greatest beauty. But Daphne agreed too.
“She’s right. I wonder what kind of man will be wise enough to see how brightly you shine and sweep you off your feet.”
At the mention of “a man,” Viviana and Daphne giggled, exchanging hopeful looks. Harriet, however, felt a knot in her chest.
Because without meaning to, Cedric’s face came to mind. How foolish of her.
***
After encouraging Daphne once more, Harriet leaned against the carriage window on the ride home, gazing blankly outside.
New leaves were sprouting on the roadside trees, signaling that spring had fully arrived.
But inside her, there was no spring, no brightness—only confusion.
“Do Daphne or Viviana even know? The Harriet Listerwell they call wise and confident is actually a fool.”
The moment she let her mind wander, painful memories of that day came rushing back.
She should have been most shaken by Cedric’s cold response when she handed him the ruby brooch. But instead, what kept replaying in her mind was the moment he pulled her into his arms—or the way he carried her back to the mansion.
If she had felt only shame or self-hatred, it would have been easier to move on. But mixed in were feelings of excitement, joy, happiness, even pride. That made it unbearable.
Lost in this storm of emotions, she would scold herself, mock herself, and in the end, always blame someone else.
“What on earth is that man thinking?”
No matter how many days she spent puzzling over it, there was no answer.
Sometimes she’d blush, wondering, “Does he like me?” But then she’d laugh bitterly, “No way.” Other times she convinced herself it was just gratitude at recovering his father’s keepsake. But then again—“Even so, wasn’t holding me like that a bit much?”
“Miss! Are you all right?”
Snapped from her thoughts, Harriet realized the coachman was calling her.
The carriage had already stopped in front of Pellon Manor. She hadn’t even noticed, lost once again in thoughts of Cedric.
She felt flustered and gave an awkward smile.
“Oh—I must’ve dozed off.”
“Hahaha! Well, the weather does make one drowsy. But they say this is exactly when you have to watch out for colds.”
“I’ll be careful. Thank you, as always.”
After stepping down, Harriet went straight to see Trisha—checking on her health and offering her greetings—before joining Roxana for a simple lunch.
Since Trisha had been bedridden, Roxana was essentially running the household. But because of that, her meals and sleep were all irregular. Harriet often insisted on eating with her, otherwise Roxana would just nibble on a piece of bread at her desk.
“How many hours did you sleep last night?”
“As I’ve said before, that’s not something you need to worry about. I’m sleeping enough.”
“But the dark circles under your eyes say otherwise.”
At Harriet’s remark, Roxana dodged the question by biting into her apple pie. The way she chewed made it clear she had no intention of answering.
Harriet didn’t press further. She spread butter on her bread and changed the subject.
“Lately, I find my mind wandering so easily. It’s spring, I guess. But I shouldn’t be like this—not when I need to stay focused for Aunt Trisha.”
She had said it half hoping Roxana would scold her. She wanted to hear something sharp, like: What does spring have to do with you? Are you trying to disappoint Trisha? Do you think you can afford to be so relaxed right now?
But the response was not what she expected.
“Everyone has times like that.”
“…Even you?”
“Of course. I’m human too.”
She washed down the sweetness of the pie with warm tea and continued.
“No one can always run straight toward their goal. Humans are made to stumble, to fall, to break—and then to learn.”
“But some people never seem to falter.”
“Those swans just hide their paddling feet under the water. Think of a child learning to walk. There isn’t a single child in the world who manages it without falling first.”
