Chapter 43 - Contempt
"Wha…?"
Hubert stared blankly at Opal, who had delivered a response that was as cold as it was reasonable. He was snapped back to reality by Claude clearing his throat, a sound that seemed to be suppressing laughter.
"N, no. I’m consulting you precisely because I can’t decide."
"And I am asking, why me, a stranger?"
"Because… you were my wife for seven long years. You know Stella well, don’t you? Are you saying you would just abandon her now?"
"…As I said, that is in the past and no longer my concern. You, Your Grace, are the one who will bear the responsibility for the future of Duke McLeod. You should be the one to decide."
This circular conversation felt both tiresome and strangely familiar, and Opal decided she was, after all, simply tired of it. Hubert, for his part, looked shocked, his dismay written plainly on his face.
"It must be painful to cut ties with Lady Stella, whom you grew up with like a true sister, but I believe it may be a necessary choice when considering the future of the McLeod ducal house. Even if the marriage negotiations with Lady Marienne fall through this time, other young ladies may believe the rumors and demand similar conditions. Besides, you have set up a considerable trust for Lady Stella so that she will not want for anything in the future, correct? Of course money isn’t everything, but Lady Stella still has Lady Northem and the long-serving staff, like Romit and Beth, by her side, so…"
"Beth is gone."
Claude watched with amusement as Opal ended up giving advice after all, but Hubert’s expression grew progressively more dejected. He suddenly scowled and cut Opal off.
"…Beth is gone? Did something happen?"
Opal was surprised to hear that Beth, who had adored Stella so much, was no longer there. But she quickly guessed the reason and smiled.
"She got married, then?"
"No. But Beth is apparently with child, so Lady Northem dismissed her."
"…What?"
At Hubert’s reply, laced with open contempt, it was Opal’s turn to give a blank response. Her mind understood, but the thought of ‘surely not’ was overwhelming. Yet Hubert restated it earnestly.
"Beth is trying to have a child with no father. We cannot employ such a person."
"My! So Beth has had an immaculate conception! What a miracle!"
"How could that be possible? Beth won’t name the father!"
Incensed by Hubert’s attitude, Opal feigned delight. Claude smirked, while Hubert raised his voice. Hearing his words, Opal continued, no longer bothering to hide her own contempt.
"Then there is a father, is there not? A very irresponsible man, it seems."
Opal’s icy words seemed to make Hubert finally realize his slip of the tongue. A flicker of dismay crossed his face, but it was quickly replaced by a sullen expression.
"Even so, it does not change the fact that Beth acted irresponsibly."
"Why must women in vulnerable positions always have to fight alone?"
"What was that?"
"Nothing… I have no intention of saying anything more about Beth without knowing the full details. In any case, if you are considering the future of the McLeod ducal house, I believe accepting Lady Marienne’s condition would be for the best."
Remembering the past events that had tarnished her own reputation, Opal had become emotional, but a gentle touch from Claude’s hand on hers brought her back to her senses, and she returned to the topic at hand.
"But, if I do that, Stella will be so…"
"Then why not try speaking with Lady Marienne again? Alternatively, if Lady Stella were to marry, perhaps the situation would change."
"That’s impossible. I invited several of my friends to the manor to meet her, but each time Stella had a terrible attack. It seems the thought of having to marry creates too much pressure for her."
"You invited your friends to the manor…?"
"Yes."
Opal, exasperated with herself for taking his consultation seriously, gave her opinion and then froze, repeating his words as a question. She had expected that Stella would resist marrying any man other than Hubert, but hearing that he had invited his friends to the mansion sparked a realization. If the proud Beth were to choose a partner, or perhaps if she had been coerced, could it have been one of Hubert’s friends?
Opal had met several of Hubert’s friends at balls and other events when she was single. Some of them had questionable characters, and she had had unpleasant experiences with them. It was only after her marriage that she learned they were Hubert’s friends, and she later wondered if Hubert’s terrible treatment of her might have been because they had fed him lies about her.
(I can’t exactly tell a duke well past thirty that he should be more careful in choosing his friends, like some overprotective mother. That said, I can’t just let this situation with Beth lie…)
As Opal became lost in thought, Claude gently patted her hand. When she looked up to see what was wrong, he gave her an encouraging smile before turning back to Hubert.
"It may be a bit early to call it Opal’s homecoming trip, but we are thinking of going to Sosylle Kingdom soon. We will likely make an appearance in society, so I look forward to you introducing us to your future bride then."
"No, but…"
"Opal has already answered your request for a consultation, has she not? All that remains is for you to reach a conclusion."
Claude gently told him it was time to leave. Hubert started to say something, but Claude made his point more clearly by standing up. At this, Hubert had no choice but to rise as well, and Opal stood with the help of Claude’s hand.
"I wish you the best of luck, McLeod."
"Ah, thank you. Opal, Rousel, I wish you happiness."
"We certainly will be."
"…Thank you, Your Grace."
Claude and Hubert shook hands, and Opal replied with a placid smile. The exchange of pleasantries felt hollow and insincere, but it was perhaps unavoidable given their current relationship.
"Opal, I am sorry for everything."
"Not at all. I apologize for not being of much help."
"It was more than enough. I’m sorry for intruding, Rousel."
"McLeod, I heard a rumor that bandits have been appearing recently in Sosylle Kingdom. Is everything all right?"
"Ah. They’ve already been captured. It seems there was some internal strife, the leader was killed, and they became a disorganized mob."
"I see."
This was the first Opal had heard of bandits, but it seemed the matter was already resolved. Hubert gave Opal one last look, then turned on his heel and boarded his waiting carriage. As the carriage began to move, Opal looked up at Claude.
"Is this really all right?"
"You’re worried about that woman, Beth, aren’t you?"
Despite her simple question, Claude seemed to understand her immediately. He even understood what she wanted to do.
"But will His Majesty permit it?"
"It’s fine. His Majesty understands."
"That you’re returning home?"
"My priorities."
She felt like she understood the meaning of his words, yet at the same time, she did not. She thought she knew Claude well, but whenever King Alessandro was involved, things suddenly became complicated.
"These past eight years feel so frustrating."
"I feel the exact same way, but I do think they were a necessary eight years."
"I feel the exact same way."
Opal replied, and they looked at each other and laughed. Laughing lightened her heart. Remembering that she had never once laughed with Hubert, Opal vowed to cherish this laughter.