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The Countess cast a wary eye at Lobelia, her fan pausing mid-flutter. “You? The one who caused a stir earlier?”

Lobelia met the Countess’s gaze with unwavering confidence. “Allow me to make amends. I know a poet who will enliven the party.”

The guests, struggling to maintain their interest in the lackluster piano performance, desperately needed a change of mood. Countess Dora, however, remained skeptical. Lobelia took a seat on a nearby stool, her skirts rustling softly as she settled in. “Please, just give me a chance. I guarantee you will not be disappointed.”

The tension between the two women was palpable, their hemlines brushing against each other like a whispered argument.

“Bumping into Miss Florin was a necessary step in ensuring that this party would run smoothly, don’t you think?” Lobelia spoke with a hint of amusement. “And now that she has left before Part 2 has even begun, I may never have the chance to attend another one of your parties again.”

Countess Dora’s expression softened, perhaps pleased by the thought of Florin’s embarrassment. “I may have taken the brunt of the situation, but in reality, I was simply a pawn. Miss Florin was the true victim,” Lobelia added.

Lobelia went on to explain that she had taken the opportunity to remove Florin from the party, and was now using the outcome to her advantage. “If we can successfully conclude this party without any further interruptions, your reputation as the Countess will be established, untainted by Miss Florin’s actions,” she said with a determined tone.

Countess Dora fluttered her fan, hiding her expression, but the anticipation in her eyes was palpable. “Let us give that poet a chance to present his work,” she said, gesturing towards Wilhelm, who was nervously lingering in a corner of the piano room.

“Isn’t he too timid to be a good poet?” Countess Dora muttered skeptically.

“But you invited him,” Lobelia pointed out.

“It wasn’t my choice,” Countess Dora replied, shrugging her shoulders. “The butler selected the poets for the salon.”

Lobelia raised an eyebrow. “And wasn’t the salon meant to be open to everyone?”

Countess Dora hesitated, then relented with a nod. Adding another unexceptional poet wouldn’t detract from the already lackluster mood of the party.

Wilhelm jumped in surprise as Countess Dora beckoned him over. “Would you like to recite a poem for us?” she asked. His face reddened as he glanced at Lobelia next to Countess Dora. Lobelia encouraged Wilhelm with a nod and a smile, and he hesitantly made his way to the piano.

“May I play the piano for a moment?” he asked the woman sitting there. Clearing his throat, he introduced himself. “I am Wilhelm Meister.”

“Listen to his poems,” Countess Dora urged the audience as she introduced Wilhelm. The guests, caught off guard by the sudden appearance of the modest poet, offered polite applause.

With a deep breath, Wilhelm began reciting his poetry. He spoke of hills, ancient goblets, and rusted swords, and as he did so, the sun seemed to brighten, and an auspicious aura enveloped the room.

After finishing his recitation, Wilhelm let out a deep sigh and took his hand off the piano keys. To his surprise, he felt the room still filled with eager and attentive eyes.

“May I request another poem?” Countess Dora asked, her face beaming with satisfaction.

As the guests at Countess Dora’s party reveled in the captivating poetry recited by Wilhelm, it was evident that the event was a tremendous success. Enthusiastic admirers flocked to Countess Dora, eager to invite Wilhelm to their own residences. However, before extending a personal invitation, they knew they needed to approach the party’s organizer for permission. The desire to have Wilhelm visit was palpable, but protocol needed to be followed.

“Well, your friendship with me is clear and unblurred over the years, so it’s not hard to give up Wilhelm Meister.”

“Shouldn’t you reflect on the rudeness you committed at a previous party before you ask me for a poet’s invitation?”

“Of course, of course. Please come to my salon party next time.”

As Lobelia observed Countess Dora and the guests, she eventually decided to approach Wilhelm. Despite being surrounded by a throng of admirers, Wilhelm’s attention was immediately drawn to Lobelia as soon as she approached. He swiftly made his way through the crowd and focused solely on her.