The Abandoned Princess, Yet She Is Loved - Chapter 52

The former Duke Winstaine, who had been silently listening, asked a question.

 

“Yes. Frederick is a good person.”

 

Grace answered with a smile, without hesitation.

 

“In what way?”

 

“He’s very kind.”

 

“Frederick? Kind?”

 

The former Duke Winstaine asked back, as if hearing this for the first time.

 

“Frederick, what do you think about that?”

 

“I didn’t say that, Father.”

 

Frederick replied bluntly. The former Duke clicked his tongue.

 

“Hard to believe someone like him is kind. But since she says so, I have nothing more to say.”

 

The former Duke Winstaine raised an eyebrow, pretending to be upset.

 

“I’m jealous of my daughter-in-law. I’ve never once seen this brat be kind in my entire life. And yet she got to see it in less than a year. He’s always been a cold one. He rarely writes to his poor, sick father.”

 

“You never write back, Father.”

 

Frederick retorted. Grace gave an awkward laugh. It seemed father and son not only looked alike but had similar personalities, too.

 

“Isn’t life in the North difficult? It’s a different region, so I thought you might have a hard time adjusting to the weather.”

 

“Not at all. It’s been warm lately, actually.”

 

Grace answered with a smile.

 

“I heard you’re from a ducal family in the capital.”

 

“Yes, that’s right.”

 

“Living in the countryside may feel a bit boring compared to the capital, but with time you’ll find that there are things to enjoy. I hope you adjust well.”

 

“Not at all. There’s so much to see and do here, I’m having fun every day.”

 

The former Duke smiled at Grace’s gentle and friendly attitude.

 

He immediately liked his daughter-in-law. A woman like her might be able to bring change to his stiff and emotionally distant son.

 

 

Though he hadn’t voiced it before, the former Duke had felt regret toward his son since his health had started to decline. As the heir of the duchy, Frederick had been raised strictly from a young age, and because of that, he had grown up emotionally barren.

 

The Duke had carried a bit of guilt about that. But seeing Grace gave him some peace of mind.

 

Maybe this girl could help Frederick heal emotionally by staying by his side.

 

“When I’m feeling better, I’ll come visit House Winstaine.”

 

“Yes, Fath…er.”

 

Though the term still felt awkward, Grace made an effort to call him what he wanted. That too left a good impression on the former Duke.

 

“Come visit the estate often. You’ll always be welcome.”

 

“Thank you….”

 

“Oh, that reminds me. We should talk about the banquet tomorrow.”

 

The Marchioness of Sertil spoke up with a small exclamation.

 

“We’ve invited some of the Winstaine branch family and vassal families from our marquisate as well. Many people will come to greet you.”

 

“Oh…”

 

So many people. Dozens at least. Just imagining it made her heart race.

 

It reminded her of the wedding. That time had been so overwhelming, she even had a fleeting urge to run away.

 

It’ll be okay, right? It has to be. Frederick said everything would go well. And I practiced dancing hard.
Encouraging herself, Grace picked up her spoon again.

 

Since the banquet was being held to welcome her, she wanted to attend it with joy.

 

 

The banquet hall was packed with people, almost reminiscent of their wedding.

 

Grace held Frederick’s hand as they walked in together.

 

“…….”

 

She felt a bit nervous as eyes turned toward them. But unlike at the wedding, not everyone was staring at them, so it wasn’t too uncomfortable.

 

“This way. Sit.”

 

Frederick led her to a table not too far from the entrance and had her sit down.

 

“Wait here a moment. I’ll get us something to drink.”

 

He left her side for a bit, then returned with two glasses of cocktail. He handed one to Grace.

 

“Thank you.”

 

Grace took a sip from the glass he offered. As the cool liquid went down her throat, the bit of tension she had left began to ease.

 

“There are a lot of guests.”

 

“There really are. I was surprised too.”

 

Frederick looked toward the central stage. Many people were already paired up and dancing.

 

“Shall we dance too?”

 

“Yes, I’d love to.”

 

Grace took Frederick’s hand, and they walked onto the stage. Just as they found a spot to stand, a waltz began.

 

A soft violin melody signaled the start of the piece. Grace placed one hand on Frederick’s shoulder and held his hand with the other as she began to move in step.

 

“…….”

 

As she began to dance the way she was taught, the idea that others might be watching them faded. In fact, perhaps because they had practiced together several times, it almost felt like it was just the two of them. She pulled off every step—even the one-handed twirl and the little jump—with ease.

 

Grace completed the first song without any trouble.

 

So this is dancing. As she struck the finishing pose, she even felt a bit proud. She looked up at Frederick and smiled.

 

“This is how you match your partner’s rhythm—by adjusting to their lead.”

 

“Yes…”

 

From now on, she’d be able to dance like a proper noblewoman at banquets. With a flutter in her heart and a sense of accomplishment, Grace returned to her seat.

 

“Good evening, Your Grace.”

 

As soon as the dance ended, greetings poured in, as if they’d been waiting for it. Young men approached Frederick to exchange pleasantries.

 

“It’s been a while. How have you been?”

 

“Yes. We’ve been…”

 

Most of them only offered Grace a few polite words before focusing entirely on Frederick. As more and more people gathered around him, Grace ended up standing a little apart.

 

“How’s the party, madam?”

 

Someone suddenly spoke to her. She turned and saw that it was the Marchioness of Sertil, the host of the banquet.

 

“It’s lovely.”

 

“I’m glad to hear that.”

 

“Thank you….”

 

“Oh, the Duke’s aunts just arrived a little while ago. Would you like to come say hello?”

 

At the Marchioness’s suggestion, Grace quickly followed her. Together, they headed over to a group of older noblewomen.

 

“Good evening. I’m Grace Winstaine.”

 

“So you’re Frederick’s wife.”

 

“You have such a bright, intelligent look.”

 

“Thank you.”

 

Greeting Frederick’s elder relatives was a bit tiring and drawn out.

 

After going around to each of the noblewomen and exchanging brief words, she finally had a moment to breathe. Grace glanced toward Frederick. The group of young men had already dispersed, and a young woman was approaching him.

 

“Who’s that woman? She’s just walking right up to the Duke.”

 

Who is she? Do they know each other? Just as Grace grew curious, she overheard a conversation nearby. Two young women in dresses were talking.

 

“That’s Valerie Houston. She was once engaged to His Grace.”

 

Engaged…?

 

“It was pretty serious. She was his publicly acknowledged fiancée. Not that it means much now that he’s married.”

 

“She’s his ex and still came to the banquet? Bold of her.”

 

“And she’s even talking to him now.”

 

Just like they said, the woman had walked right up to Frederick and was talking to him.

 

“It’s been a while, Frederick.”

 

“…It has.”

 

“How have you been? I’ve been wondering.”

 

Frederick’s face hardened the moment he recognized the woman calling him. Whether or not she noticed, Valerie kept smiling sweetly as she spoke.

 

“You don’t need to wonder that deeply.”

 

“How cold of you, Frederick.”

 

Did she really come all the way to this banquet just to say that? Just as Frederick was about to respond, Valerie spoke first.

 

“Would you care for a dance?”

 

A gentleman doesn’t refuse a lady’s request to dance.

 

Frederick suddenly found himself hating this trivial social rule. With people watching nearby, he couldn’t exactly refuse.

 

“…….”

 

Grace’s expression hardened as she saw Frederick take Valerie’s hand and lead her to the dance floor.