Deceived 53

Chapter 53

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***

On the second day at the Marquis of Lancaster's country estate, the men set out hunting at the crack of dawn. Today they were hunting reindeer instead of pheasants, and everyone seemed excited, perhaps because the prey was a step up in level.

"Darling, make sure you bring back a reindeer bigger and plumper than Lord Liberte’s today."

Lady Hoffman, who was said to be closer than anyone else during their honeymoon, clung tightly to her husband's side as she spoke. Lord Hoffman, a man with a bushy beard that reached his sideburns, grinned at his wife before his spirits quickly sank.

"That's easier said than done. Lord Liberte hits every target he aims at. And it's as if he conspires with the hunting grounds—he only hits the most magnificent ones."

A few paces away, Edmund, who was putting on his gear, overheard the conversation and chuckled softly. Blair watched him fasten the black leather belt across his chest with an awkward expression.

"Anyway, dear, I'll be waiting. Bring back a splendid reindeer. If it's a fine enough catch to satisfy me..."

Lady Hoffman leaned close to her husband and whispered something. Whatever promise she made made Lord Hoffman's ears turn bright red. Seeing his previously subdued spirit lift considerably, there was no need to listen in.

"I'll be back."

Now it was Blair's turn to see Edmund off. Though she had followed him out like the other ladies to bid farewell to her husband heading to the hunt, she couldn't be sweet like Lady Hoffman. So, in the end, she made no tempting promises, offering only her characteristic straightforward farewell.

"Be careful. Don't get hurt, and don't overdo it."

"I will."

"And if you spot a plump-looking reindeer, don't chase it to the end. There might be a cliff. Safety always comes first."

"I'll remember."

Edmund nodded, tilting one shoulder slightly to roughly meet her eye level. When she blinked, unsure what he intended, he added an explanation.

"What about the lucky kiss?"

"...Is that really necessary?"

"Just saying it doesn't feel sincere."

Demanding a kiss without so much as a flicker of expression. Edmund was undoubtedly a genius at playing the husband. She gaped in utter bewilderment, feeling the curious glances from around them sparkle. Blair sighed silently, reached out to grab his face, and lifted her heel. Then she pressed her lips lightly against his smooth cheek and pulled away.

A satisfied smile spread across Edmund’s retreating face. It was the expression he wore when things went his way, and Blair narrowed her eyes.

"Anyway, take care of yourself."

"Thank you. You too, don't overdo it."

Men carrying long shotguns left in groups for the hunting grounds. Now only the ladies, including Blair, remained at the lodge.

***

"Rumor has it the Hoffmans had a fiery night last night."

"I heard it, too. Apparently, the bedroom was filled with sounds that made your face flush."

The women gathered around the tea table exchanged salacious details without hesitation, giggling. Lady Hoffman, maintaining a semblance of decorum with a proud expression, began recounting the night's events without restraint.

"Do you know what my husband likes best? It's..."

"...Oh my!"

Blair pretended not to listen, taking a sip of her tea. While such intimate talk was natural when women gathered, she couldn't blend in easily. Having no shared history and being in a sham marriage, she couldn't possibly empathize with or join in on such topics.

"And how about Lady Liberte?"

The voice of a certain lady, slipping in the question from beside her, was teasing. She was one of the playful women who had encouraged them to take turns bragging about their husbands yesterday.

"I was so tired yesterday, I fell asleep early."

"Oh, come on. I won't tell anyone, just tell me."

"Honestly. After spending the night with Lord Liberte... I need a full day to recover, so he was just being considerate."

"Oh my!"

She'd blurted it out recklessly, thinking it wouldn't matter, but it seemed to hit the mark. No, perhaps it was taken more seriously than intended, because they began whispering excitedly right in front of Blair.

"I can't even begin to imagine what that must be like."

"With such passion every night, doesn't it make you both thrilled and afraid?"

"Tonight, I don't think I'll be able to leave my husband alone either..."

Then, Countess Fainberg's eyes sparkled as she casually suggested,

"It's a shame we're only talking about our husbands. How about we make a bet?"

"What kind of bet?"

"We'll bring this lucky charm to our beloved husbands, who are out shooting their hearts out in the hunting grounds. The first lady to find her husband and deliver the charm wins."

As she picked up a snow-white handkerchief, the Countess's eyes shone with anticipation. She couldn't believe so many people were eager to join in. Blair truly detested such bets. Besides, walking into a forest where bullets were flying—wasn’t that far too dangerous?

“How will we confirm which lady finds her husband first?”

“The men have signal flares they use at the hunting grounds. If they shoot flares of different colors, they can signal their location. Why not use those?”

All the women except Blair lit up and agreed. Soon they split into two groups. Stay here at the villa and continue the dirty talk, or venture into the woods to prove their love for their husbands through a bet? There seemed to be no other choice.

"What about you, Lady Liberte?"

"I..."

Blair, who had been pondering, reluctantly picked up her handkerchief. A sigh escaped her.

"I suppose proving my love for my husband is better."

"That's a good idea."

"Um, then how about each of us bring a servant? It's better to be prepared for any accidents."

Blair, whose worries were far from over, added one more condition.

"Those wearing dark or green dresses should change into something brightly colored for safety."

"Lady Liberte is so thoughtful! Then we'll all meet in the hall in ten minutes."

Fortunately, the women accepted Blair's suggestion and rose from their seats one after another. Excitement filled the air as they scattered in all directions, their dress trains fluttering behind them.

***

When the women, dressed in colorful attire and each accompanied by a servant, arrived at the edge of the forest, the gamekeeper looked slightly startled. However, seeing so many noble ladies gathered together, he couldn't say anything and obediently let them in.

"Since we don't see any gentlemen at all, they must have gone deep into the forest."

The slightly plump Countess of Fainberg was already panting after just a few steps.

"At this rate, will we ever find our husbands?"

"We can't back out now. Shall we start searching for the husbands?"

"All right."

They began scattering in different directions, followed by servants carrying firecrackers. Blair also set off with a servant who looked rather clumsy.

She felt a bit lost. Did she really have to take this bet seriously to save Edmund's face? She'd told him to prioritize safety above all else, yet here she was, stepping into a dangerous hunting ground herself. She had changed into a bright dress just in case, though.

"Haa..."

She sighed as she pushed through the thickets. The hunting grounds were well-maintained; weeds weren't overgrown, and the oak trees visible in the distance were lush and beautiful. Walking across the lawn while breathing in the crisp air, strangely enough, eased her previously heavy heart.

As Blair wandered aimlessly, the faint sound of a stream reached her ears. She'd read it in a book: where there's water, there are always animals. If Edmund, who had a knack for hunting, was nearby, wouldn't he be heading this way? The thought led her footsteps naturally toward the sound. The clear water's murmur grew steadily clearer.