Chapter 153 - Perplexing observations
Livvi watched as Edita Delmon approached her and Scarlett. The older woman stopped in front of them, her eyes scrutinizing them both before fixating on Scarlett.
“Lady Hartford,” she said sharply. “A word.”
Scarlett merely appeared to study her for a moment. “A word, you say?”
“Lady Delmon—”
“Miss Knottley, if you could excuse us, I need to speak with the Baroness.”
Livvi couldn’t even say anything before she was interrupted by the woman. Hesitating, she glanced at Scarlett. Thoughts about her friend’s response to her question were still swirling in her mind, but Edita Delmon emitted an aura that didn’t allow for objection. If Livvi refused to go, it might escalate whatever this scenario was further. But she also wasn’t sure if it was a good idea to leave the two of them alone, either.
“There is no need to be concerned, Livvi,” Scarlett said. “You can go.”
Livvi looked back and forth between Scarlett and Lady Delmon for a breath longer, then reluctantly nodded her head and turned around to walk off. As she began following one of the paths leading to a different part of the garden where the venue was held, she took note of the nobles she passed by and who appeared to be casting curious glances towards the scene behind her.
After covering some distance, she glanced back as well and saw that Lady Delmon’s expression had soured due to whatever conversation the two were having. Meanwhile, Scarlett maintained her usual cool demeanor.
Livvi wasn’t sure what had transpired between the two of them prior to this, but seeing this, she felt uneasy leaving them like that. It was all too easy for someone of Lady Delmon’s standing to pressure minor nobles into doing what she wanted at events like this.
Livvi stopped, surveying the garden and the people gathered along the lake bank. Eventually, her gaze settled on her father’s stocky figure. The bald-headed man had relocated from where she had left him before, but he was still engaged in conversation with people she was familiar with. That was good. She knew they wouldn’t mind if she briefly borrowed her father. Her brother appeared to have wandered off elsewhere, but she didn’t need his help at the moment anyway.
Approaching her father and his company, the man turned away from the group to look at her. “Are you done speaking with the Hartford girl already?”