DDSWTB 62

Chapter 62

A few days after I said, “I want to see Mother,” Mariana came to me, saying she had something to report.

“What’s the matter, Mariana?”

Mariana, Lucy, and Rose exchanged glances and smiled before speaking.

“When we told the Duke exactly what you said the other day, my lady, he granted permission.”

“Permission? For what?”

“You’re allowed to meet Duchess Flora!”

Lucy looked as happy as if it were her own good news.

“You told Father that I said I wanted to see Mother?”

Oh no. Even if Father promised he wouldn’t dismiss me anymore, he might think I’m being selfish again.

Ugh! Why did they act on their own? We were finally starting to get along.

“The Duke readily agreed. It seems that the Duchess has been having more good days lately.”

Still, what if Mother’s condition worsens after seeing me? Her image of me is finally starting to improve—I don’t want to go back to square one!

“I don’t want to see Mother. It’s fine even if I don’t.”

The three of them looked at each other.

“…My lady.”

“…Lady Flora also wishes to see you.”

“I’m fine!”

“My lady, you’re still a child. You don’t have to hold yourself back.”

I was happy that they cared so much about me, but I decided to just accept their feelings.

“If that’s what you wish, my lady… please tell us if you change your mind.”

“Okay. Thank you.”

They didn’t look entirely convinced, but they seemed to understand.

A little while later, Father and I spent some time together in the garden.

Bit by bit, I’d been spending more time with him since that day.

Kyaa!! Today there are so many sweets lined up again—all my favorites!!

Before, I couldn’t wait to get away from Father, but now, I really enjoy being with him.

We chatted about small, ordinary things.

“By the way,” Father said, “one of your maids made a request recently.”

Eh? Could it be about Mother?

“She said that Tiana misses her mother. It’s true—you and Ellie haven’t had a chance to see Flora since she moved to the detached house.”

I knew it.
But even my sister hasn’t seen Mother.

“Flora said she wants to see how much you’ve both grown. How about visiting her together, you and Ellie?”

Does he know that I refused to see her? Is that why he’s suggesting I go with my sister?

Still… going with my sister might not be so bad.
We haven’t gone out together since the tea party with Ivy.

“Do you think Mother really wants to see me? I’m worried her health might get worse if she does.”

When I said that, I thought I saw a flicker of sadness in Father’s expression.

“Tiana, you must feel guilty toward Flora. But there’s no need to worry so much. How about meeting her once to see for yourself?”

That must be Father’s clumsy way of being considerate.
If it gets too hard, I can always leave early.

“…I’d like to go with my sister.”

“Understood. I’ll arrange a time that suits Flora.”

And so, it was decided—
I would go see Mother the day after tomorrow.