To The Traitor in My Bed - Chapter 29 - Conditions for a Happy Marriage

Chapter 15. Conditions for a Happy Marriage

In that moment, Deirdre finally understood where all the countless rumors about this veiled Lady Perpetua came from.

The fiance’s suicide, the unexpected broken engagement, the failed elopement, the hidden lover…

All those rumors were overly sentimental, and that wasn’t unrelated to the fact that the subject of these rumors was a hopeless romantic. A spinster Lady who wore only black dresses all year round, rarely participated in social activities, and preferred cats over people—a romantic, nonetheless.

While it was not a thought a noblewoman would typically have, Deirdre couldn’t help but wonder what kind of romantic history Lady Perpetua had when she was younger.

Frederick crossed his arms.

“The military police are not very polite as guests. So, the banquet will start a bit late, but this friend can’t stay past seven. I don’t want to see any blood in my own house.”

Perpetua clicked her tongue in disapproval, clearly thinking her timid nephew was pathetic.

The banquet was scheduled to begin at eight. There were plenty of tasks for the Countess to check as the final preparations began.

While talking to Kingsley downstairs after hiding Viscount Darnell in Frederick’s room, Deirdre’s attention was still entirely on the Viscount. On nights like this, with so many carriages and sleighs coming and going, it wasn’t hard to hide Viscount Darnell.

But what about Rosina…? Would Rosina arrive early?

The northern nobles always had a habit of leaving early to prepare for delays caused by heavy snow. And when a friend hosted a banquet, it was common for the women of Antwerp to arrive slightly earlier, taking the chance to dominate their friend’s attention before others arrived, showing off their close ties.

When Deirdre saw Marquisate Campbell’s carriage enter through the front gates, visible from the salon window on the second floor, she jumped to her feet.

As she left the salon, Frederick appeared, looking dashing in a black satin tailcoat.

He seemed so absorbed in his appearance that he had completely forgotten his aunt’s comment about Deirdre never having fallen in love.

And it was a look so handsome that was excusable enough to overlook.

“Deirdre, haven’t you seen my gift yet…?”

He asked as he noticed the white nape of her neck. She grabbed his arm.

“Ah, Frederick. Rosina is here.”

He nodded.

“I’ll greet Lady Rosina. You go to my room first.”

Originally, Deirdre had planned to escort Rosina upstairs herself, but considering the possibility that Rosina might notice something in her gaze or expression and get excited, it seemed better for Frederick to go.

He was so oblivious that he likely didn’t understand how significant this moment was for the two lovers.

“Kingsley, for the next twenty minutes, don’t look for me or Frederick. We’re getting ready.”

After giving the butler this instruction, Deirdre quickly headed to her husband’s room.

Viscount Darnell was pacing anxiously dressed as a servant, and when Deirdre entered the room after knocking, his already pale face grew even paler.

“It’s time to go, isn’t it?”

Darnell murmured.

The clock showed 6:45. His sapphire-colored eyes were filled with a deep resignation. Deirdre shook her head vigorously.

“No, it’s not that… right now…”

Just then, there was another knock at the door. Darnell quickly hid behind the bed, where the curtains were drawn.

The one who knocked was Frederick, of course, with Lady Rosina Campbell accompanying him.

Poor Rosina seemed completely unaware of what was going on. As usual, she was dressed in a bright, sunny yellow dress, much like spring itself. Deirdre was relieved that Rosina had come looking so beautiful.

Rosina’s light green eyes turned to Deirdre.

“Ah, Lady Rochepolie. Thank you for inviting me. But… you said you had something to show me…?”

“Actually, there’s someone I’d like to show you.”

Seeing her already pale face growing even more so, Deirdre quickly added.

“But this must be kept a secret…”

Rosina’s gaze fixed on the corner of the room.

There, stepping out from behind the bed where Deirdre had hidden him, was Viscount Darnell, who came out after hearing the voice of his unforgettable lover.

“…Ian?”

Rosina murmured. Deirdre quickly checked again that the curtains and door were properly closed.

The next moment, Rosina rushed into her lover’s arms.

Now, Ian Darnell no longer looked pale or frail. Nor did Rosina seem pitiful anymore. All that stood before Deirdre were two lovers, joyfully embracing in this unexpected reunion. The joy was so intent and secret that it made Deirdre turn her gaze away.

At that moment, she caught her husband’s gaze, and for some reason, perhaps due to the situation, she felt as though his eyes were deeper than usual. Frederick had never looked at her like that.

She hurriedly dropped her gaze, unsure of what to do.

Meanwhile, Rosina trembled with joy, overwhelmed by her emotions.

“How, how are you here?”

“I have to leave soon, Rosina.”

With that, Viscount Darnell gently caressed his lover’s cheek. Rosina blinked in disbelief.

“Leave? Where to… when will you return?”

The wise Darnell knew his role well.