43 Chapter 43
DINNER WAS A WHOLE AFFAIR. Instead of the dining hall, it took place in the ballroom. Probably because they were not going to be able to fit fifty people in that hall.
The dressed tables were too long to even clearly see the guests sitting on the other side.
After Magnolia and Daniel checked on Geoffrey and bid him goodnight, they joined the guests just in time to enter the room.
The duke was immediately greeted by many. Acquaintances waved and smiled at him, and people who were never introduced to him bowed, hoping that the event would be their chance to meet the Duke of Salicera.
The couple were seated by Richard, which Magnolia was grateful for. She did not know anyone in the room except for the Kalwens. Most of her acquaintances arrived in the following few days.
The birthday ball itself was in a week, but as the dowager countess had announced to her earlier, the festivities would last for days.
After the bathtub earlier, Magnolia was feeling even more tired than when they had arrived. She threw her husband a look of blame and then leaned closer to his ear, while the first course was being served.
"I thought you said you had a plan to get rid of my fatigue," she whispered.
Daniel raised a brow, it took him a second to understand what she was referring to. He grinned immediately.
"My plans were ruined by your plans," he teased. "I still want to know where you learned those…" he took a moment to think of the best word to use, "skills."
Magnolia wiggled both eyebrows at him. "You might have to pay an extravagant fee for my secrets," she joked.
"I would pay any price for it, love." Daniel smiled and slightly bowed at one of the guests who was staring at him.
Magnolia's mood was quite playful. She was so proud of herself earlier, taking the lead was a first for her. The way Daniel trembled against her touch was very satisfying.
It was as if she had discovered a new power she had over her husband, in the most positive way of course.
She leaned closer to him again and breathed in his ear, "It is called The Secrets of a Happy Bedroom."
Daniel almost choked on his soup, which made Magnolia's smile even wider.
"I take it you have heard of it, then," she said.
"Heard of it?" Daniel said after recovering. "Every self-respecting man has that book hidden in their closet," he added with a smile. His words made Magnolia giggle, which drew a few heads.
"This is the norm, ladies and gentleman," Richard started, motioning to them. "It is my friend's mission to make us, bachelors, jealous." Magnolia blushed.
"There he goes again," Daniel mumbled. "No one is forcing you to stay a bachelor, my lord," he teased.
Thankfully, the conversation was steered to the latest wedding in the capital, Lord Fred Saknas', the queen's nephew.
"Speaking of bachelors." Magnolia turned to her husband again. "Where is Henry?"
"He sent word when we were leaving, he decided to come with his family. They will arrive tomorrow." Magnolia nodded in acknowledgement.
The six-course dinner went on for more than an hour. Conversations and bursts of laughter could be heard throughout. The food was exquisite, and Richard was great at entertaining the guests seated near him.
When the dessert and sweet wine were served, Magnolia could barely keep her eyes open. Thankfully, Daniel declined Richard's invitation for more drinks after dinner. They immediately retired to their room and fell asleep quite fast.
The next day, breakfast trays were served to each room. But after that, there were many events planned for the guests to choose from.
Daniel went with his friends for a horseback ride, and Magnolia finally got to visit with her friend.
Florence asked her to go for a walk. The dowager countess looked unhappy when her daughter pushed to her feet and pulled Magnolia along, but she did not say anything.
The two ladies were silent as they walked through the gravel path, but the duchess could sense the turmoil in her friend's mind. She was usually very energetic and cheerful, but since Magnolia arrived, she was quiet and pensive.
"My dear," Magnolia started. "If there is anything preoccupying you, I would love to lend you an ear and listen to your worries."
Florence gave her a weak smile. They walked for a few more minutes before she decided to speak.
"Mother says that I am just being a spoiled brat," Florence uttered with a desolate expression. "My dear friend, I have always dreamed of a marriage of love, like what you have with His Grace." Magnolia could speculate where this was going. "But my mother does not understand those dreams. She wants me to get married for status."
She pulled her friend toward a big trunk laying on the ground and sat, Magnolia joined her.
"Since I cannot use magic," Florence continued. "She is afraid that my suitors are not good enough, so she decided to organize this joke of a celebration to parade my brother's fortune in hope that someone would want to marry me." She sighed. "Of course, she wants someone with a title, someone who can use magic, and who is also rich."
She was silent for a while, her eyes gazing at the trees but not really seeing anything.
"Do you have someone you fancy, Florence?" Magnolia broke the silence.
"I do not, but I would have liked to have that option." She was on the verge of tears and Magnolia saw that. She wrapped her arms around her friend and hugged her tightly.
"You know, we were not in love when we first married," Magnolia whispered. "As long as you can marry a decent gentleman who would treat you well, who would never hurt you, and who would respect you, love can always come later in marriage. That's what happened between me and Daniel." She pulled away and whipped Florence's tears.
"I doubt my mother is looking for those qualities in my future husband," she shook her head. "All she cares about is status and money." Florence's voice trembled. She threw her arms around her friend and sobbed. "I am doomed, Magnolia, doomed."
