Aidyn bowed her head with tears in her eyes.
She looked very sorry, but she was sure it wouldnât work on Mrs. Grace.
She was famous for being very strict when she was managing housework with Gordon, the head butler.
âTsk.â
Mrs. Grace, with a short tsk, opened her mouth.
âThe price of your brotherâs medicine, how much is it?â
âItâs about a gold a month.â
âOh, it must be hard to cover it with a maidâs salary.â
Aidyn got to doubt her ears, because Mrs. Graceâs voice was as warm as spring.
Aidyn looked up slightly, unable to overcome her curiosity, and examined Mrs. Graceâs expression.
The wrinkled old womanâs face was filled with a feeling of pity.
âCome to think of it, you have a familiar face. Iâve seen you by the Marchionessâ side. How come she doesnât take care of her servants?â
ââ¦Pardon?â
Mrs. Grace said so as she got up from her seat. Then she approached one of her drawers and pulled something out of it.
âTake it.â
Clank.
The sound of something metal hitting sounds small. The object that fell on the floor was a small silk bag.
More precisely, a silk purse containing gold coins.
A gleaming gold coin came into her view through the loosened entrance.
ââ¦â¦!â
Aidyn looked up in surprise. As Mrs. Grace put on a more generous smile than ever, she stood tall in front of Aidyn.
* * *
Mrs. Grace came to see Nadia just after lunch.
Nadia was surprised and had no choice but to ask at the news of her visit.
âMadam Grace? What brings her here?â
âIâm not sure about that eitherâ¦â¦.â
âAnyway, tell her to come in. You canât leave her outside.â
She was, afterall, the elder of Winterfellâs family.
While Nadia was organizing her desk, the visitorâs steps approached her before she even knew it.
âItâs been a long time, Marchioness.â
ââ¦â¦?â
Nadia had to raise her head wondering. Why was she speaking formally all of a sudden?
Noticing what Nadiaâs puzzled expression was saying, Mrs. Grace coughed as if she was embarrassed.
âNow that you are officially the wife of Marquis, no matter how much older I am, I have to set a good example.â
âI seeâ¦.â
Nadia replied to the gesture with a slight smile.
âI canât thank you enough for respecting me.â
Of course, she had different thoughts in her mind.
âYou must have thought that there was no real benefit in keeping me in check by being rude and hostile. I guess it was because your brain wasnât working?â
If Mrs. Grace acted rudely in front of people, she would only lose her reputation.
Especially at a time when most of the Winterfell family turned to Nadiaâs side.
Mrs. Grace asked, looking over Nadiaâs desk.
âIt hasnât been long since lunch, but you must have already been working. What have you been doing?â
âOh, itâs my personal business. I was writing back to my fatherâs letter.â
âOh, really? I didnât know that Iâm interrupting.â
âItâs not urgent anyway. We donât have to talk standing up, so please have a seat.â
Nadia said, pointing to a table by the window. The two moved straight away.
The maids brought tea and snacks.
To the shame of their hospitality, Mrs. Grace brought up the subject before she even had a sip of tea.
âI came here today because I have something to apologize for.â
All of a sudden? Nadiaâs eyes were round.
âIâll be honest with you. I didnât like it from the first time I heard that you were going to be with the House of Winterfell. The relationship between my family and the Duke of Balazit⦠No, I donât need to tell you about this, so letâs not talk about anything uncomfortable.â
âAh, yes, of course.â
âI apologize for being rude at our first meeting. Back then I thought that you were going to be part of the House of Winterfell for another purpose.â
âThen may I ask why you suddenly changed your mind?â
âFirst of all, it is largely due to the dedication that you have shown for Winterfell. Besides, I listened to other vassals and they said you have supported my nephew day and night.â
She made a slightly awkward expression as she said so.
âThatâs why I realized that I was wrong. This old woman made the mistake of misunderstanding your true feelings. Will you accept my apology?â
âOf course!â
Nadia grabbed Mrs. Graceâs hand as she was fiddling with the teacup.
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A bright smile spreaded over her puzzled expression.
âI donât know how happy I am to hear you say this first. If Glennâs aunt is just like my own. Please continue to be comfortable with me.â
âI should be grateful for your generosity.â
Then there was a friendly conversation.
It was mainly meaningless chatter, such as whether the weather got really warm, whether tea suited Mrs. Graceâs taste, and whether Nadia got used to life in the North.