"I don't feel like going," said Edgar as his mother adjusted the bow tie on his neck.
"I know you loved her," said Katerina.
"I didn't love her," the son corrected her.
"Don't lie," his mother scolded him.
"I didn't love her. I love her," Edgar clarified. "And that's why my heart is breaking."
"I understand you. I too loved someone before I met your father and married him."
"Who was it?"
"A coachman."
"Oh mom, how is that possible?"
"Everything is possible."
"And how did you fall in love with him?"
"Once, while I was getting into a carriage, he reached out his hand to help me, and our eyes met. I saw something in his eyes: a real interest in me. I would dare say, a love for me. I was already promised to your father, but it was all fake, arranged by our parents and the formalities of society."
"So you never loved my father?" Edgar asked.
"Over time, I learned to love him too."
"Do you think Angelica loves him?"
"Your father?" Katerina chuckled.
"No, the Duke."
"He is a very charming man, and I think she could actually love him for real. You know, true love is very rare, but it's not impossible. Not everyone marries for convenience or because of a scandal."
"And if I caused a scandal by saying that she was mine, and that I should be the one to marry her?"
"Oh, my son, don't even think about it."
"But why?"
"First of all, it's a lie, and then you'd need witnesses."
"I could have you and dad as my witnesses."
"And what story would you like to tell? Tell me," his mother encouraged him.
The young man remained silent.
"See, what you're saying doesn't make sense. It's too late now. She's getting married today, and one day, you'll find your love too."
"But the first love is never forgotten."
"Dear, time will pass, and you'll only feel indifference."
"I can't imagine being indifferent. She's everything to me."
"Promise me you'll behave today."
"Alright. I promise... as long as I get to know more about the coachman!"