The Soiree

The Soiree

"Have me not attend, my Lord" Marinette uttered, the blushes on her cheeks becoming visible as she continued to demand, walking aimlessly while following the man inside the room. Lord Sinclair elicited a deep groan of frustration as he kept his hand-made shoes aside. He had just arrived from a religious journey, and instead of a sweet welcome from his wife, she was irritatingly demanding a quest.

"Mary, it is only women gathering, for God's sake. I want you to familiarize yourself with the upper-class" He said, a layer of fatigue in his voice.

"You are my wife and the lady of this house, obey my words and make yourself useful" Before he could stop speaking, he realized he had made use of a forbidden word. One Marinette felt triggered. As he slowly watched his wife stop in her track, he quickly brought her closer to him and kissed her lips.

"You forced me into this marriage, your life, your house and now…the soiree? Have you no shame telling me to be presentable?" Marinette was vexed. She pushed him off her body and glared at him. Her body was trembling as she failed to understand the man. For the past months, she never got an ink of his plans.

The Lord let out an exasperated sigh, and he commented "If this is about your child, there's nothing to this conversation"

"Nothing! You good-for-nothing man! It is because of my child yours is earthly. It is because of my child your daughter no longer feels like a cage. It is because of my child…" Marinette choked on her words, as she felt tremendous pain in her heart. She was going crazy. She needed to breathe, not this stupid game, but a peaceful air.

The Lord was stunned to see tears in his woman's eyes. He tramped closer to have her in his arms, but she backed away.

"My child is suffering; you know it and yet you want me to attend the soiree? Aren't you heartless? If your child were to be agonized the same way mine is, would you reconsider?" She exclaimed. She further complained "I became your wife sorely because of Emine. Your daughter needed a mother"

"Well, look at you go," He remarked ironically.

Marinette's taut expression deepened, and she frowned. She then thundered "You have no heart, not at all. Taking me into your web and having me carry your child is all my mistake. I should have agreed with Peter. He would have treated and loved me and my child better."

"Hmm. Peter? I always seem to forget that lowly farmer. Did you feel good when he drove you crazy in bed? Was he better than I was? No, since my sperm was quicker and smarter than his" Lord Sinclair rested his eyes on the woman's stomach for a brief second and glanced right at her with his heated eyes.

"Did you moan seductively when he touched you? Did your late husband make you go insane the way I did every night? So, Mary, don't underestimate my power and stamina or my love for you. Be the lovely wife you are and attend the soiree peacefully. If you missed me that much, all it takes is a letter, and I will come to you" He concluded.

Marinette was at a loss for words to the extent of the man's narcissism. She was too aggravated to speak anymore. She took a shallow breath and left the room.

Lord Sinclair stared at the door she fled for a long time until his butler entered.

"My Lord" Mr. Timothy bowed his head.

The Lord furrowed his brows as his jealousy kicked in sharper than he imagined "Destroy the farm as planned, and be careful not to leave hints or evidence. When he comes here, I'll deal with him myself. He must be aware of who he's messing with"

"Be swift with the job"

"Your word is my command" Mr. Timothy informed. He was about to pivot around and leave when the Lord made a shocking request.

"See to the health of that child"

As hesitant and confused as he may have become, Mr. Timothy nodded his head "Yes, my Lord"

---

Music Recommendation: The Mystic – Peter Gundry

As the carriage that had Marinette inside made a drastic stop in front of a gate, the venue of the soiree, the coachman jumped down to help the Lady out of the vehicle. Unsure about proceeding out or not, Marinette became conflicted. She only wished to stay by her daughter's side and not chat with strangers.

"My Lady, we've arrived. Please step down" The coachman, a younger man acknowledged the other coachmen in front of the gate as he told.

Marinette tried to cover her uneasiness, but she was sure the coachman was still able to grasp her sleek movement. The young man looked away from the woman with a sharp breath. He hadn't seen a woman more beautiful than the moon.

"The gloves" The coachman reminded.

"I'll be waiting here till the gathering Is over" He muttered with the last courage he had.

Marinette smiled and remarked "Thank you" she said, putting her fingers into two silk silver gloves.

The venue of the soiree was the Manor of Count Lysander Graham, a socialite and ex-commander in knighthood. His wife, Countess Cicely Graham, was the true mastermind behind the association. Although her husband was respected, she wasn't. She was a black sheep in the household and for her to organize a soiree was quite odd, even for her husband as the woman never did one before. Why the change?

At the back of the house, amongst the flawless breathtaking garden adorned with colorful flowers and the fragrance of honeysuckles wafting in the air, was a gazebo supported by four intricate pillars and an oval canopy shielding the inhabitants from the menacing sun. A number of eight women were seated on the sofas, an oak teapot, saucers of cups and plates of cookies were underneath the canopy.

Amongst these distinct women, who had put on extravagant dresses, a woman rose to her feet. This woman was wearing a small pancake-shaped hat made of straw, decorated with bunched-up ribbon on her tied bun. A neckerchief was tucked into her neckline to cover her flat chest, coupled with her full-length gown and fashionable petticoat with sequins by the sides. As she took her steps slowly to be middle, she lowered her back, bending to stir the tea leaves inside the pot. After it was drained, she poured a cup to herself and toasted it to the air.

"I, Lady Cicely Graham, greet you all brethren to this lovely soiree, and I hope we make this day a memorable one for every one of us" The woman faked a smile. She looked away from the others and took a sip from the tip, before returning the cup to the saucer. She clapped her hands delightedly after she caught sight of the woman walking gracefully into the garden.

"Ah, another lady of honor" Countess Cicely muttered, which the rest became curious, and all took their sight to the woman.

Murmurs and gasps filled the place. Countess Cicely frowned.

"She is beautiful"

"Who is she?"

"Ah, she is truly a Lady of honor" Hearing these juicy comments was like an insult to Countess Cicely. She was soon filling her heart with envy and repulsion. Truly, the woman was a beauty, but not beautiful than she was, right?

"Look at her curves and cleavage. She looks ravishing. I wonder who the lucky Lord could be" Lady Rosaline seized the opportunity to gossip. She too was quite envious but her admiration for the strange woman knew no bounds.

The other women nodded in agreement. At that moment, Lady Rosaline asked the Countess "She's whose woman, Countess Cicely?"

In response, the countess' lips twitched as she acknowledged the question. She sat back on her seat and smiled proudly "Lady Rosaline, you do know how to talk. Last I remembered, your house caught fire due to your night affairs, didn't it."

Lady Rosaline's expression soured. The gazebo was hushed, except for the whizzing cry of the bees.

----

Baroness Dionne, known for her lack of though, retaliated faster "You are no better, Countess Cicely. Quick to forget your obsessions with donkeys? Lady Rosaline may have cheated with a man, and who did you cheat with? A f**king donkey"

The other women chimed in, shaming the Countess with their words.

Well, countless rumors circulated the woman, particularly regarding her sickening affairs with a donkey. People called it incest. A spine-chilling incest. The most atrocious of all disgusting deeds was after being ensnared of having only the gods knew what, with a villager's donkey in the middle of the night, with only her nightgown on.

"Mind your words, baroness Dionne" Countess Cicely interrogated. Her face was flushed and red from the accusation and she wouldn't tolerate such disrespect to her.

"And mind yours too when speaking to Lady Rosaline. She is my sister. Who here hasn't been tempted by a man? Handsome and kind? We are bound to make mistakes" Baroness Dionne warned.

Marinette carefully trod the pavement of the garden, oblivious to the pending conflicts. She worried about Harriet and hoped the chatting wouldn't take up a lot of her time. She frantically tilted her head as she heard words of anger or some disagreements.

"Your sister is a bad attribute to society." The words entered her ears before she was able to meet the women inside the gazebo. What happened? Marinette was puzzled. She felt eyes lay on her, and awkwardly, she announced herself "Hello. I am Lady Chowbury"

With the little knowledge from her grandmother about the puzzle of the socialites, Marinette greeted with a pleasant smile, though it was forced upon her.

The heated conversation between the Countess and Baroness evaporated at the sudden arrival of the strange woman. Lady Rosaline, being happy, quickly concealed her anger and returned the woman's greeting.

"Lady Rosaline" She replied. And so did the others.

----

Back at the Lord's Manor.

Emine dragged Harriet out her room to the farther corridor in the Manor. Up ahead, there was a single door, in which the girl pushed open. It was the saltwater pool room. Highly prohibited but tempting. Emine didn't mean to neglect Harriet's health, but she wanted to swim with her sister.

"Harriet, hurry before Father returns home. Come, don't be scared" Emine laughed.

Harriet innocently followed behind. She backed away after she saw steams released from the pool.

"Emine, we shouldn't be here" Harriet explained. Emine shrugged and retorted "Oh come on, it doesn't bite. All we have to do is just sink our legs into the warm water. Nothing else"

"But it looks scary."

"Elder sister is here. Just lean on me, ok? I won't hurt you. Come" Emine pulled her arms to the deck of the pool. The room was encompassed and large with more spaces for recreation, and at the center was the pool, horizontal and steeping with hot steams. Harriet was afraid to move an inch, however, when Emine stuck her two legs into the water, she slowly relaxed and followed out of interest.

"It cools the feet. Mama would be thrilled" Harriet's dark-grey eyes sparkled. Emine smiled at her. Now, the two girls began laughing and playing zealously.

----

Music Recommendation- Fate of the Fallen by Eternal Eclipse

Meanwhile, at the Soiree, Marinette had begun to adapt herself to the older women. She was told the stories about Countess Cicely and truly, she didn't know how to comment or believe such rumors.

Most of the women were vampires, and Marinette could sense their displeasure with her presence.

"Tsk. Lord Sinclair did marry the baker's wife after all. What a crafty man!" One of the women uttered.

"Well, you could see why he chased her. She is a beauty" Another laughed.

Countess Cicely loved the way the conversation was headed. Finally, no mere gibberish speaking. That was her main reason for this soiree in the first place - to embarrass the human wife of Lord Sinclair.

"Condolences to your ex-husband, Lady Marinette" She feigned pity and intentionally hit the bull. Marinette suddenly felt offended and upset, as she wanted to fight back with her words, but of what use was that? She nodded quietly.

"Countess Cicely, you don't bring the past of a woman. Have you not been through a proper etiquette?" Lady Rosaline attacked ferociously like a lion on top of its prey.

Tight-lipped, the countess frowned. The tables have been turned on her.

"I heard you are with the Lord's child" Countess Cicely smirked as she still had a plan up her sleeves.

"Really?"

"That was fast. Ah, the Lord's sperm is strong and effective. He must be a real man"

Marinette became flustered. What kind of soiree was this? Speaking about one's personal life.

"Oh, don't be shy, Lady Marinette. It is your first-ever soiree, so just be comfortable. You don't have to mind their rudeness" When she inspected the woman's uneasiness, Baroness Dionne rushed in to make her secure and it helped.

"Back in your town, did you not have a friend? A lady of your status?"

Marinette shook her head, nervously clutching the handkerchief on top of her skirt. She muttered "I had. She was the wife of a Viscount"

----

"Harriet, are you not feeling too good? If that's the case, let's go back" Emine briskly demanded. She was becoming scared as she noticed Harriet's pale skin and her blonde hair turning silver. How come?

"Harriet, wake up, please. What is happening to you?" Emine was distraught. When Harriet failed to respond, she thought to go back to the main house and call for help, however, as she was about to take a step forward, a hand were wrapped around her ankle, seizing her movement.

"Harriet, what are you...Aaaaaaah!"

SPLASH!!!

----

Outside the Manor, a carriage with two lamps on the body came to a cessation in front of the gate. With the guidance of the coachman, Marinette receded out with a bright face. She thought to herself. The soiree wasn't so boring after all.

She took her gloves off. Her fingers had been itching.

Expressing her gracious gratitude to the coachman, she ambled into the house, taking light steps for the safety of the child in her belly. Despite the scary truth about her despise for the father, as a mother, she still yearned to raise her child.

In between her motherly thoughts, she mistakenly got pushed to the side by the rashness of a servant. Confused by the worry etched on this particular servant's forehead, Marinette felt her feet lift and run behind the servant.

Something horrible must have happened. Her daughter. Oh no, Harriet.

As soon as she reached the corridor, she met Lord Sinclair, Mr. Timothy, and the physician. Why was he here? Most importantly, why did the Lord look disturbed?

"My Lord" She called. The three gentlemen followed the sound and saw the woman standing not too far from their position. Lord Frank looked saddened as he approached his wife. He was quick to engulf her in his hot embrace.

"My Lord" Marinette felt uncertain. She asked shakingly "Did she fall terribly ill?" and the next words from her husband shattered her.

"Yes, sadly"

Marinette gasped "Let me see her"

"I can't grant that for now. The physician has given her the necessary drugs. You should take a rest" He asserted.

"Rest? She's, my daughter. How can I rest when my child is sick? Tell me, my Lord?" Marinette shouted. The other men in that corridor immediately disappeared as they gave space to the couples.

A small smile was spread on Lord Sinclair's face. He was happy that she finally acknowledges his daughter as hers, and worried about her.

"Emine is fine, don't worry too much. As a mother, it must be hard to face the punishment of your daughter. It is only a justifiable lesson, one that will make her obedient" He further added.

Marinette broke the hug as perplexity filled her expression.

"Emine is sick too?" Marinette hadn't been told about that.

Now, it was the man's turn to become bewildered.

"Weren't you asking about Emine?" He inquired and when Marinette shook her head, he let out an aggrieved sigh.

"Are you f**king with me now? Are you worried about your daughter? She caused all of this. She is the problem here" He explained, his hands running through the strands of his sleek hair. "Mary, Emine could have died. My child could have died if her brother hadn't returned on time. Do you realize that?"

"Stop beating around the bush and answer me" Marinette cried.

"Listen now" He gripped her shoulders tightly "I ordered that child forbidden from the premises of the main house. She would be staying in the servants' quarters from now onward. Do I make myself clear? She is a parasite. Emine almost drowned, and yet she watched as it happened without crying for help. She stood there watching indifferently!"

Understanding a little from his gibberish words, Marinette demanded fiercely "Where's my child? How dare you take her to the servants' quarters? What are you doing? She needs to be cared for, not maltreated" The woman hollered. Tears threatening to break out, she clenched her jaws.

"Bring me my daughter, now!" She pressed her lips together and glared at him. "You have no right. You have no idea how much pain she is enduring. She must be so scared. She needs me"

"We don't need her, Mary. Our family is enough, don't you see? Our son, our daughter, and the new member inside your stomach. We are more than enough" Lord Sinclair caressed the woman's cheeks, pulling her closer for a kiss. Outraged, Marinette piled up her might to throw his hands to the side.

"Home? Home is with my daughter"

She ran away, cursing at the man repeatedly. She would get her daughter herself and elope from this hell.

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This chapter is a bit longer. You might be wondering why the story started with the MC's mother, but there are reasons for that. I hope you are enjoying the story so far.

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