Chapter forty-seven: The Tea Party
The wide carriage bumped lightly across the cobbled path into the city. I leaned back against the seat, gazing out the window as we rolled along. If my mind hadn’t been turning over every possible outcome for the party – I would have been more surprised by how comfortable the ride was.
From what I could remember of the tea party scene, Kyla had originally grown more and more aggravated at Paulita’s unwelcome entrance and – toward the end of the party – she launched herself at Kyla and started hitting her.
Recalling the particular incident was hazy and missing several pieces, but it was enough. Unlike the incident at the ball, as long as I didn’t actively assault her, I could avoid the flag.
But what if she stages something? There was a strong possibility that she would. Her reaction to the accidental spill pointed toward her flare for drama. But is she like that or was it the plot marching us forward?
I sighed, watching the crowds begin to thin out the closer we got to the castle. The entire ride took half an hour – thanks to the crowd of people. When the castle drew closer and closer, I began to wonder what Cassius was doing.
“Who cares what he’s doing.” I scolded myself. “Why am I even thinking about him?”
I pushed him from my mind as the carriage came to a stop. The driver came around and opened the door, offering a hand to help me down. I placed my hand in his and climbed out, smoothing out my deep violet dress when my feet touched the ground.
At least Madam Poshlyn had been true to making me look good. The dress hugged my body, but wasn’t plastered against my skin. The material was light and breezy and – in all honesty – was the most comfortable outfit I’d worn since being in the world.
I walked toward the castle, I handed over the invention Martin had given me before I left. The man opened, nodded, and informed me to follow him inside. We walked down several long corridors, before reaching a large indoor garden.
Eight women sat around a large table, their voices low enough I couldn’t make out what they were saying. I took a deep breath and walked toward them, putting on what I hoped was a normal smile.
“I hope I’m not late.” I said conversationally, stopping at the edge.
Their conversation ceased instantly – and all their heads swiveled in my direction.
“Lady…Kyla?” A dark blonde woman blinked several times. “Why are you here?”
“She was invited.” A woman with a pug like nose and overside eyes, sighed. “I forgot to inform everyone. I apologize for my slip of the mind.”
“It’s fine, Lady Jazmin.” Another woman with bright red hair smiled tightly. “Please, take a seat.” She motioned toward a chair at the very end of the table.
This is going to be hell. I walked over and sat – wishing I was anywhere but here.
“As I was saying,” The red head continued. “I swear my husband has a mistress.”
“You don’t know that for sure, Lady Olive.” A black haired woman with too much makeup on, laughed. “Even if he was doing so, what can you do?”
“I don’t know.” She sighed. “It’s simply a feeling. It’s far better than that wild Henry. Did you hear he got his mistress pregnant?”
The women continued to gossip, covering topics from affairs, to attractive men they saw in town. Not only was the conversation completely boring – it was draining my social battery. About an hour later, scones were brought out and of course none of the women touched them. I, however, couldn’t care less what they thought.
I was on my third scone, when one of the women – Loranna – turned to me. “Is it true that you attacked that Vance girl at the last ball?”
“I’m sorry?” I coughed, almost choking on the scone. “What do you mean by ‘attacked’?”
“Well,” Loranna bristled, fanning herself. “I was sadly ill that evening and I couldn’t attend. I heard through the grapevine that there was an incident.”
“Surely, Lady Kyla wouldn’t willfully attack someone.” Olive laughed. “I too missed it as I had awful morning sickness.”
“No one was attacked.” I set down the half eaten scone, folding my hands in my lap. “Lady Vance was walking by and a collision happened. That’s it.”
“That’s not what I heard.” Sandra – the black haired woman – giggled. “I only saw the aftermath of course, but even the crown prince was involved.”
“Ladies, talking about this has no point.” Tessa, a handsome woman with copper hair, slapped her fan against her palm. “We’re not here to interrogate the poor girl.”
Several of the women laughed, Jazmin and Sandra glared at me before looking away. Their conversation continued until the click of heels echoed. The women stopped talking once more and we all glanced over to see a flushed Paulita, clad in bright yellow, slowed to a stop.
“I’m so sorry.” She said, looking down at her hands. “I…visit this garden in my free time. I didn’t mean to interrupt your tea party.”
“Nonsense.” Jazmin smiled, her crooked teeth protruding out of her mouth. “Everyone is welcome here.” She looked around the table, frowning. “It looks like we need another chair – unless someone is willing to give up their seat.” Her eyes landed on me, narrowing into slits.
I mentally flipped her off and stood. Justin can kiss my ass. I can’t take any more of this conversation.
“You can sit here, Lady Paulita,” I motioned toward the chair. “I have somewhere I need to be.”
“Oh, no.” Paulita shook her head, face turning a deeper shade of red. “I can’t take your seat, my lady. It would be rude to have someone of your status give up their seat for me.”
“Status?” Olive laughed, peering around her fan. “What status? I hear she was disowned.”
“What?” Paulita’s hands flew over her mouth. “I-I had no idea. I’m so sorry for my careless words.”
Sure you are. I rolled my eyes and walked around the table. I had no desire to play mind games with any of these chattering wildebeests. I was just about to clear the end, when I felt pressure on the end of my dress coming from where Jazmin was seated.
I turned to see what was going on, but – once again something idiotic happened. My body twisted wrong and I stumbled forward – shoulder slamming into Paulita’s arm.
Paulita’s eyes widened in shock, before she fell to the ground, holding her arm and whimpering.
“My goodness!” Jazmin shot up, running over to Paulita and gingerly touching her arm. “We must call for a doctor.”
“I can’t believe what she just did.” Sandra whisper-shouted, leaning toward Olive. “The nerve to attack someone out in public.”
“The rumors about her must be true.” Loranna whispered.
Several of the others began to mutter in agreement, all but lady Tessa who looked like she was biting into a lemon.
Of course this would happen. I sighed, fed up. The dream I had last night flashed before my eyes, to where Kyla had adamantly explained no one believes her ever. The dream and this, frustrating, reality were eerily similar. There was no point in explaining Jazmin had intentionally tripped me or that the slam wouldn’t have hurt Paulita as much as she was acting.
When I reached the door – I didn’t even bother looking back. Their words still reached my ears, but I didn’t care.
I took a sharp left and walked away, aggravated.
Was this the true scene from the novel?
I shook my head and continued walking with no direction in mind.
At least I wouldn’t have to hear them any longer.
And that…was a small victory I could claim.