You're quite a charm

Julie's eyes sparkled with delight as she welcomed Genevieve and her companions. "There's nothing more delightful than enjoying tea in such beautiful weather," she remarked, her gaze lingering on Audrey's dress with a hint of disdain.

Genevieve nodded in agreement. "Absolutely."

"Please, have a seat. The tea will be ready shortly. Help yourselves to the pastries I brought back from Liventia," Julie graciously offered, ensuring everyone knew of her recent trip to the country's capital.

One of the women, with short, curly hair, chimed in, "Lady Julie is truly generous. I remember when I was in Liventia, a tiny cupcake cost two gold coins." Her words were met with gasps of astonishment.

The conversation soon turned to clothes, jewelry, and the wealth of their husbands, along with the latest gossip in town. Unmarried women discussed eligible bachelors in Achwold, drawing attention to Audrey, who remained silent, lost in her thoughts.

"Is it true that you're engaged to Cedric?" one lady inquired, her jealousy evident. She had been pursuing the baron's affections for some time, only to be outshone by Audrey.

Audrey's response was curt. "It's not official yet," she replied, her distaste for Cedric growing in her heart. However, a smile slowly crept onto her face as she noticed the annoyance in Genevieve's expression. Her stepsister shouldn't fret. She'll personally give Cedric to her in this lifetime.

"Cedric and I are progressing well in our relationship. We're looking forward to our upcoming marriage," Audrey stated.

The women exchanged whispers, confirming the rumors. Audrey was indeed set to become a baroness.

Julie's disdain for Audrey's attire was evident as she subtly commented, "The. Cedric should really invest in upgrading your wardrobe instead of allowing you to embarrass your people, " The disapproval in her voice was hard to miss. It was clear that Julie believed Audrey should have stayed home instead of subjecting Genevieve to such embarrassment.

Audrey, however, maintained her innocence and questioned, "Is there something wrong with my dress? Sister recommended it to me."

Genevieve felt a tinge of embarrassment as she noticed the stares directed towards them. While she had managed to dress elegantly, her sister's choice of clothing fell below the expected standard. She didn't need anyone to vocalize their thoughts; she knew exactly what they were thinking. "Sister, I've always told you to come to me if you needed a dress. It seems you've forgotten my advice."

Audrey's response was filled with tears as she sobbed, "I can't remember you ever saying that. If you truly cared for me, you would have asked me to change before we arrived... *sob* *sob*... I've embarrassed myself and the Morriston family... It's not my fault that I don't have nice clothes to wear... *sob* *sob*... It's not my fault." She wiped her tears with her hands, visibly distraught, causing someone to offer comfort by gently stroking her back. Those present couldn't help but feel moved by the pitiful sight before them. They realized that Audrey, the eldest daughter of the Morriston family, always seemed to wear clothes that didn't match her status. She appeared isolated and timid, lacking the confidence that Genevieve had. Some even remembered that she wasn't living with her biological parents, so it wasn't surprising that she may have been neglected in certain aspects.

"Don't worry, Miss Morriston. I'm sure Rosalind will provide you with better clothes," the woman with short curly hair reassured, even offering three gold coins to Audrey as a gesture of support.

Genevieve clenched her teeth, realizing that Audrey had already begun to gain the sympathy of the women in their social circle. In that case, where would she, Genevieve, fit in? She tightly clenched her fists under the table, and as her gaze met Audrey's, she caught a glimpse of a smug smirk on her lips. Did she just imagine that? Genevieve looked at Rosalind and then at Julie, hoping for some support.

Before Rosalind could say something, Audrey's unpleasant wailing interrupted her. "Thank you... *sob* *sob*... thank you... I know I don't deserve this. I don't deserve any of your kindness. You're so generous. God bless you," Audrey cried, tightly holding the hand of the woman who had just given her a few coins.

"It's no trouble at all. I'm always happy to help," the woman replied with a gentle smile. After all, Audrey was soon to become a baroness, so why wouldn't she try to stay on her good side? Three gold coins were a small price to pay for the potential benefits she could receive in the future.

Witnessing this, the other women at the table began to push coins towards Audrey, urging her to take care of herself. It was clear that they were all eager to be in her good graces.

"Sister... I'll buy you that dress you wanted," Audrey promised to everyone's hearing, causing them to be touched. Audrey was truly an innocent soul.

Genevieve gritted. Why was Audrey singling her out like this?

"Save your money, Audrey. Use it on yourself instead," Genevieve replied, trying to sound grateful. The pile of gold coins on the table was more than enough to last her a month, and Audrey had acquired them effortlessly...

As the tea arrived, the group chatted and sipped, enjoying the fresh and calming aroma. Audrey, claiming a sudden headache, excused herself to take a carriage home.

Once out of sight, Audrey wiped away her tears with a sly smile, clutching the pouch tightly. She had counted the coins - fifty in total. It was more than sufficient to treat Benjamin to a meal. Perhaps luck was finally on her side today! With a content heart, she rode the carriage back home.

Coincidentally, she stumbled upon Benjamin's carriage parked outside their neighbor's gates as she alighted from the local carriage. She approached the carriage and lightly tapped on the door. Alfred, the unsettling butler, greeted her with a wide smile, "How there, how is life faring? Miss Morriston?"

"Great," Audrey replied with a smile as he ushered her into the carriage. Benjamin was nowhere to be found.

Noticing her inquisitive expression, Alfred explained, "Young master is waiting for you at Mellow's Inn. But I must say, Miss Morriston is quite a charm for being able to make young master visit a place like that."

"He doesn't get out often, does he?" Audrey probed. If she couldn't get answers from Benjamin himself, she might as well get them from his reliable butler.

"He seldom does. Only when it's an important event," Alfred responded.

In all honesty, if Benjamin attended the significant events in Achwold, she would've crossed paths with him at a function or two... but realizing something, soirées and balls couldn't be classified as important in Benjamin's schedule. The man appeared to be on a different level than everyone else. She was slowly forgetting that he was a stranger and she knew nothing about him. He was like a mystery and for the betterment of everyone's lives,he must remain unsolved,but curiosity had gotten the best of her. She couldn't possibly stay away... could she?

"Miss Morriston, don't keep the young master waiting," she heard Alfred's advice and glanced at the open door. He had already stepped out, grinning at her with a hand extended.