42 My heaven

But other nobles do know me, as I was the one who used to help my father in running the business. As I was also getting trained to be his heir.

"Oh my, Marianne, are you trying to go to the business line again?" spoke Duchess Baringstone, One of my mother's close friends.

"Yes, duchess Baringstone I miss the work I used to do, but I still needed permission. So it is just my wishful thinking for now." I replied with my eyes low.

As I chanted 'take the bait to take the bait' and oh my she did not disappoint me as she spoke.

"And I am sorry to say, duchess Marianne, it would only remain a dream. As you must know that noble wives do not have permission to work.

And why do we work anyway, we had everything already. We just need to ask and everything will be provided at our doorsteps." spoke Isabella in a haughty tone.

Then she gasped and widened her eyes, "Ah, I am sorry Duchess Marianne, did Archduke still not pay attention to your needs"

"Well, it's not about Duke pay attention to my needs, but it's about standing on your own feet, rather than depending on a man for all your life" I replied with a same enchanting smile. I completely avoided her criticisms.

Oh, she must be goading over my unfulfilled wishes. Tch, she was still a novice in playing tricks in front of me, the villainess in red.

'Wow, I am getting addicted to this title, much more than duchess Marianne.'

"Why are you using us, lady Isabella. You are still not married yet.

How are you so sure that your husband will provide you all the luxuries." spoke the elder daughter in law of marquees Stanford Meredith.

As I had expected, the arch-enemy of marquees Wiltshire would not leave this golden opportunity to show her the right place, well done Meredith.

It was an amusement to see how Isabella was trying to smile, by her red face and blazing eyes.

"Lady Meredith, I am sure Isabella's father would find a perfect suitor for her, in fact, there are many suitors who are asking for her hand already," stated Monique Elena, aunt of Isabella.

Meredith nodded, "good to know, lady Elena. I thought there was some problem since lady Isabella is still unmarried at the age of twenty-three."

Many stifled a laugh at that, though Meredith was trying to show concern, it was clear that she was mocking Isabella for being old. In the empir,e the age of marriage is eighteen, and mostly nobles are married till the age of twenty-two. I was one of the exceptions who got married at the age of twenty-six and the next one was Isabella.

"I am waiting for a perfect suitor lady Meredith," replied Isabella in a cold tone, her warm pretence falling.

"I am afraid there won't be any left, till the time you decide" Meredith continued with a sweet smile.

"Alright, that was not the topic we were discussing." Empress Katherine cut them off before their argument turned serious.

I gave a mesmerising smile to her, "of course, your majesty, I apologise for my ignorance. I thought you would be interested in visiting royal stores."

"I am, duchess. But I did not get the time yet. It took time to learn about new cultures and languages. As you know it has only been one month since my marriage."

"I understand, your majesty. I would have been honoured if you would have been the one to inaugurate my store but as lady Isabella said, we are not allowed to do business after marriage." I apologised in the sincerest and soft voice I had.

"Oh, that would not be a problem, I would talk to his majesty about it," she replied, giving me an encouraging smile.

'And the fish had taken the bait, just a bit patience and timely taking over. the meal will be ready.'

"Oh, no, your majesty. How could I worry you about this matter.? You know I had many stores under me, but now they are on my duke's name.

He must be managing them well. It's just that I would have been managing them, I would have created a separate place for all the noblewomen only, where they could get clothes, jewellery, spa, and eat delicacies too. Plus I would have hired the best staff to entertain kids with magic shows and circus, with the highest security.

As you know, leaving a child alone is not safe these days. It would have named that place "small heaven". As it would have been one for us." At the end I even bit my lips, to show that I was regretting.

"Oh my, Marianne it's a very good idea." Katherine's eyes shone as I shared my plan.

"Yes, lady Marianne, I would love to visit this place." spoke duchess Baringstone, supporting me.

Many ladies nodded and whispered, few liked and few followed their new Empress. But my work was done.

"Yes, but I guess all this will remain only a dream," I replied, wiping a fake tear off my eyes.

"Why so?" asked many ladies.

"Aah, my husband, the archduke did not agree. He said ladies are better suitable for home and his majesty would never allow her majesty to roam like commoners."Ii spoke then widened my eyes.

Covering my mouth with both hands, I faked surprise.

"Oh my, i...I did not mean to say that. I" sobbed, bowing "I apologise, her majesty." I bowed further not to show respect but I was afraid someone would see me giggling.

"It's alright, duchess Marianne. I like your plan and now I will make sure it will turn into reality soon," she replied with a smile.

But it would not take much brain to see anger blazing in her eyes.

'You wanted me to apologise, Cassius. Now, I will see who will apologize and who will be embarrassed.'