Chapter 75 - There’s Trouble (1) (2/2)
“…?”
“I-it’s so foul that I don’t even know where to start…”
Margaret’s hesitance only further stoked Elena’s suspicions.
“Please tell me slowly. What kind of rumors did you heard about me?”
“Th-the other nobles say the Lady Blaise is a whore who has a different man every night…”
“What?”
“W-well, I don’t believe the rumor either. But now everyone is full of gossip about it.”
Elena was stunned beyond belief. She didn’t mean it as boast, but she had never even had relations with a man before. The spread of such a rumor made her feel hugely embarrassed.
“What is the source of the rumor? It’s not possible that these words could spread without any evidence. Who on earth is saying all this nonsense?”
“Well…The evidence and the witness for the rumor are very clear.”
Evidence and…witness? Elena had had an ominous feeling since the ball, and now she knew why. Those same rumors had spread about Elena before.
Sophie.
On top of that, Elena knew that Sophie was connected to the sabotage of her dresses.
“Could it be…the witness is my family’s maid?”
“Yes, that’s right! How did you know? A maid named Sophie is going to all the gatherings and throwing abuse about you.”
Elena pressed her fingers against her temple. There was a thorn in her mind since the day the dresses were torn, but now the situation seemed to have burst.
“Then who is taking Sophie to these gatherings?”
“I-it’s Lady Selby.”
Helen Selby. She had tailed Elena with her men since the tea party, but thanks to Carlisle, Elena had slipped away without revealing her identity. However, it was unclear how much she’d been followed since then. She came out unhurt, so she thought little of it and left it alone. A deep sigh escaped from her mouth.
“…Haah.”
She calmed her palpitating heart, then gestured Margaret to sit back down again.
“Lady Lawrence, please sit down and tell me the rest.”
“Ah, yes.”
The two had been standing since Elena entered the drawing room. They both settled into their seats and Elena rang a bell. There was a clear tinkling sound, and Mary hurried into the room.
“Did you call for me, My Lady?”
“Bring me two cups of green tea. Lady Lawrence, is green tea alright?”
“Y-yes!”
“It’s a very rare and delicious tea. It looks like you’re in a hurry because of me, but let’s have a cup first.”
“…Lady B-blaise.”
Margaret was moved. Few people could handle the matter as calmly as Elena. Not long ago Margaret herself was buried by rumors in southern society, and she didn’t even dare take a step out of her mansion. There were less rumors about it in the capital area, so she started to go outside. Meeting the Blaise sisters at the ball and being forgiven also played a large part in her regaining her confidence, and Margaret now had a deep respect for Elena’s rational attitude.
Soon after, Mary brought in the green tea along with some luxurious snacks at Elena’s request. Elena poured Margaret a cup of first, and then took a sip herself. Her series of calm, graceful movements seemed completely out of harmony with the situation. Margaret stared at her, before Elena spoke up again calmly.
“Now please speak slowly. How exactly did the rumor spread?”