Chapter 6: A Matriarch
The news of the Duke storming off from the party reached the ears of Lady Cornelia. She didn’t react much but simply laughed it off while continuing her conversation with the guests.
She wasn’t merely engaging in idle talk. She was conversing with powerful political and business figures whose contacts she intended to use for the benefit of her eldest son, whom she wanted to succeed as the next Duke, regardless of her husband’s current stance since Duke Gerin did not like his supposed heirs who he deemed to be very unworthy and useless from his perspective.
After the party ended, she returned to her room, followed by her entourage of guards and personal maids. These were handpicked from among those who had served her since her time at the Royal Palace. Even the guards were from the Royal Capital, drawn from the lower divisions of the Royal Guard.
Her maids changed her attire from an elegant party gown to silky nightwear. They were made with care, the thread used were of the highest quality imported from the east. The attire was handwoven for her and ensured to give her the best comfort.
She sat before a mirror, smiling faintly as she admired her own beauty, still radiant despite being in her early forties. "Pretty as always, my lady." One of the maids said while brushing her hair gently ensuring they are given as much care as possible.
Lady Cornelia returned the smile. She was, after all, the sister of the King, born of the prestigious Royal Family so her beauty and appearance must be the best.
"Will the Duke be visiting tonight, my lady?" one of the maids asked while holding a notepad with her schedule.
The Lady took a moment to respond. "Perhaps not, considering his outdated behaviors. He’s probably in his office, drinking and smoking because he couldn’t handle a bit of socializing." She said, mocking him in a subtle way while smiling a bit.
Another maid asked, "Shall I prepare your dinner, my lady?"