The Mistress Runs Away

Preparations were made for the engagement ceremony one by one, and the islanders were kept busy for the first time in many years. Columns were raised on an empty field, and a small chapel began to be constructed.

The process of busily hauling lumber, nailing and cutting it was almost complete, and now only the interior of the chapel remained.

When she saw the workers sweating from early morning until late at night every day, Rowena felt a bit sorry for them.

“I wouldn’t mind having the engagement ceremony in the original chapel. Do we really need to build a new one from scratch?”

Joanne, hearing what Rowena said, murmured some words, and Melissa overheard her.

“Seriously, Miss Rowena, is her mind alright? I can’t believe she thinks it’s okay to have her engagement ceremony in the same chapel where her husband had his ceremony with his ex-wife.”

What Rowena meant was only sympathizing with worker, but her good intentions were met with a curt reply.

“What do you know about Miss. Rowena!!?”

“Huh?”

“Don’t you know that you are not supposed to talk like that about the One you serve?”

Bewildered by the stern warning, Joanne reddened in embarrassment.

“What did I say? I only stated the facts! you know that too! everyone is gossiping about this. You should be able to understand this.”

“Why would I understand? Who do you think you are?”

On the contrary, Melissa retorted and fired again.

“Don’t you dare try to understand. Only a person knows how they truly feel.”

Although she says it this way, she was in no position to say anything about Rowena herself. No matter how much she had to do it because of her family. Still, betrayal was betrayal.

If the truth came out, Rowena might slap her on the cheek and immediately kick her out of the house, but she couldn’t complain about it, that how much she regretted it. she regretted it, so she vowed to be more loyal going forward. 

“Ah, Ah, yeah I was wrong, it’s all my fault. Is that alright now?”

Joanne rolled her eyeballs as she clucked her tongue at Melissa stiff attitude, as if she couldn’t get a single word through her head. Meanwhile, Tommy came running from the distance. Passing them and approaching Rowena, Tommy chuckled and spoke.

“Miss Rowena!”

“Tommy.”

“I gave the note to the teacher as you said.”

“Thank you. Is there anything else he said?”

“Yes, he did. He just said [I understand].”

“I see.”

With a gentle smile, Rowena offered Tommy some candy. Hesitantly, Tommy refused to accept it, so she placed it in his small hand.

“You know this errand is a secret, right?”

“Of course I do! If anyone asks, I’ll just make something up.”

“Yes, that’s right. You’re so smart.”

Rowena patted Tommy on the head and approached Joanne and Melissa.

Joanne was happily fussing all the way back to the villa.

“How are you feeling about the upcoming engagement, my lady? the dress arrived yesterday and all the invitations have been sent out.”

If this had been five years ago, she would have been innocently able to enjoy it fully without anything souring the experience. While Melissa and Tommy remained silent, Rowena answered with a casual look on her face.

“Well, I think I can finally catch my breath.”

“Ehhh, that can’t be all?”

Joanne pouted her lips at the rather nonchalant answer.

“That’s really true. When you’re in the same position later on, I’m sure you see yourself how hectic it can get.”

“How can I ever be on the same position as you lady Rowena? You are marrying the Duke of Devonshire who lacks nothing in the world.”

Rowena paused suddenly at the words ‘lacks nothing’. Just as Joanne began to tense up, thinking that perhaps she had spoken out of line, a flat question came her way.

“Then on the engagement day, would you like to switch with me?”

“What…?”

“You will be wearing the dress to attend instead of me, you’ll be wearing a veil in any case so no one will be able to tell.”

Had someone else said the same thing, of course they would have thought it was a joke, but the person they were talking to was none other than Rowena. Not knowing whether she was joking or serious, they could only exchange silent looks.