The Perfect Bride - Chapter 60

Ian gazed casually beyond the top of Natalie’s head. His eyes met Catherine’s, and reading her lips, he realized that the purpose of this outing was something else entirely.

‘So it wasn’t just a simple visit to Valenta after all. I suspected as much, but still…’

When Ian looked down at her with a knowing gaze, Natalie asked cautiously, “Why are you looking at me like that?”

“…I had planned to return to Huntington tomorrow. But since the baron’s daughter came to personally escort me, I suppose I should go back.”

“What? No, it’s just a simple outing. You look busy…”

“I’ll return.”

Turning his body back toward the front, he began to walk.

Natalie didn’t follow right away. He turned around as if on cue and held out his hand.

“What are you doing? Come on.”

Natalie stared blankly at his large palm. Whenever he reached out his hand to her, she couldn’t help but feel elated. With a flurry of impossible thoughts as usual, she slowly placed her fingertips onto his palm.

“So… if Sir Peeble came to see you, would you run to him like this too?”

Mentioning Sir Peeble was her way of trying to stay grounded. If she got too caught up in enjoyment and lost track of reality, that would be a problem.

‘That damn Sir Peeble again.’

As his name escaped Natalie’s lips once again, Ian’s gaze grew sharp.

He had endured enough. Lifting the corners of his lips slightly, Ian replied coldly but firmly, “No.”

“Yes. I figured as much… what?”

If she hadn’t heard him, he’d gladly say it again.

“No.”

“……”

A very satisfied smile spread across Ian’s face.

Seeing that startled expression instead of her usual calm composure was deeply satisfying. Almost amusing.

He had long since forgotten about maintaining distance. Ever since he had spotted the tiny figure of Natalie from the dock.

Natalie couldn’t believe her ears. She quickly examined his expression, but as always, it was hard to read. Peering into his thoughts was no easy task.

“Let’s stop talking about Marcus now. Alright?”

“But…”

“At this rate, I might start dreaming about Marcus because of you.”

“…Okay.”

Poor Sir Peeble. Natalie decided to let it go for his sake.

“Wait a moment. I can’t board the carriage like this. I’ll change first.”

After escorting Natalie to the carriage, Ian disappeared into the building.

‘No, he said no.’

Left alone in the carriage, Natalie buried her face in her hands, unable to shake the confusion.

‘He really is dangerous. What in the world is he thinking…’

At that moment, someone suddenly threw open the carriage door and poked her head in.

“Mrs. Bate and the Duchess are riding in our carriage. So enjoy some private time with the prince.”

It was Dorothy.

“Don’t you know how to knock?”

“It’s not a bedroom. Why bother?”

Before Natalie could launch into a rare scolding, Dorothy fired off a string of questions.

“Anyway, what were you two talking about to make him smile like that? I’ve never seen him make that face. Is he always like that when you’re alone?”

“When we’re alone… well, sometimes he is.”

To that response, more a mumble to herself, Dorothy let out a delighted squeal and continued her chatter.

“…Sometimes I really feel like he likes you.”

Regardless of Dorothy’s excitement, Natalie glanced in the direction Ian had gone and murmured in a serious tone.

“What are you saying now?”

Even Dorothy, who loved gossip, momentarily grew serious.

When the carriage arrived at Huntington House bathed in sunset, the Daus sisters finally understood the true purpose of the outing to Valenta.

Waiting at the mansion was Duke Aster of Horace, who hadn’t been able to join them in Huntington earlier due to schedule conflicts. He was with Sir Eason.

“Lady Horace, no way.”

Dorothy’s eyes widened like a startled rabbit. She covered her mouth with both hands and looked toward Catherine, who was smiling gently.

“Oh my. You knew everything. No wonder you suddenly wanted to go to Valenta. You should’ve given me a hint. I had no idea…”

“Miss Dorothy Daus.”

Sir Eason knelt before Dorothy like a prince and opened a small ring box, offering it to her respectfully. Dorothy shook her head slightly, as if unable to believe the fairytale unfolding before her.

Natalie stood to one side, holding her breath without realizing it, as she watched the picturesque proposal. How long had they waited for this moment?

“Will you marry me?” Sir Eason asked at last, his voice trembling.

“Yes, yes. Of course. I will be your wife, Sir Eason,” Dorothy answered with a breathless voice, and an emerald ring from the Eason family was placed on the fourth finger of her left hand.

In front of the prince, the duke and duchess, and her eldest sister, Dorothy Daus promised marriage to a perfect groom.

Everything was proceeding as planned, smoothly and properly.

***

Natalie had barely slept for two days. Whether out of overwhelming joy or sudden fear, she had thrown off her covers countless times.

It had been obvious from the beginning that the groom Catherine had in mind for Dorothy was Sir Eason. Though she showed no sign of it in front of Dorothy, Natalie had in fact been waiting for Sir Eason’s proposal more eagerly than anyone.

But no matter how long she waited, there was no news. There were many times she had wanted to ask Catherine outright when that man was finally going to propose to Dorothy.

And finally, that man—no, Sir Eason—proposed to Dorothy. He even came all the way to Huntington. It had been quite a dramatic scene. So much so that Dorothy, who had become rather cynical lately, burst into tears.

Natalie’s nose turned red as she watched the scene unfold. Before she could show an unseemly display, she quickly retreated to her room.

That night, she was too happy to sleep, laughing and crying alone.

But the next day, Natalie slowly began to feel afraid. The vague ‘plan’ now felt imminent.

Right before coming to Huntington, she had boldly told the prince that she was ready for anything—an elopement, a divorce. But now that the time had come, the future felt overwhelming.

And to top it off, the prince wasn’t just being kind; he occasionally acted with such meaningful intensity that it left her shaken.

‘I can’t keep my head straight…’

For a lady whose only talents were daydreaming and writing, these were undoubtedly overwhelming days.

Natalie was lost in thought, staring out the window, when suddenly—

“…Miss Natalie Daus!”

A sharp voice suddenly pierced her ears. She flinched and awkwardly turned around to see Catherine standing at the door with a puzzled expression.

Only then did Natalie realize that Catherine had been calling her. She quickly composed herself and offered a greeting.

“…Lady Horace, good morning.”

“What were you thinking about? I’ve been calling you for a while. Didn’t you hear the knocking?”

“I’m sorry. What brings you to my room personally?”

“We’re having a celebration today for Miss Dorothy and Sir Eason, remember? I came because of the preparations.”

To celebrate the couple who had promised marriage two days ago, Catherine was organizing a small party. The official celebration would take place after they returned to Dwan to prepare for the wedding.

It was a very kind gesture, so despite the awkwardness she felt toward Catherine, Natalie treated her with extra courtesy.

“I’m glad to help. I’ll come down right away.”

“Hmm. Only if you’re really okay.”

“I’m fine. I was just lost in thought for a moment.”

Catherine gave a small nod, as if to say “then follow me,” and turned her body. After a brief hesitation, Natalie called after her.

“Lady Horace.”

“Yes?”

“It’s just…”

“Please, speak freely, Miss Daus.”

“I wanted to apologize for my past emotional behavior.”

Catherine, after all, had given her utmost to Dorothy’s wedding. She had been more helpful to Dorothy than even Natalie herself, her sister.

“Back then… oh my.”

Catherine blinked slowly, as if she had heard something completely unexpected. Natalie continued, her hands clasped.

“You apologized to me many times, but I never did the same.”

“If it’s about that, there’s no need to worry. It was my thoughtlessness and my rudeness.”

Catherine calmly declined Natalie’s apology. But Natalie did not back down.

“I wasn’t careful either. I was emotional and couldn’t hide it. So I apologize.”

As Natalie bowed her head slightly, as if awaiting judgment, Catherine’s graceful lips pressed together, as if she was troubled.

After a moment, Catherine said, “Actually, His Highness was my first love, and I was rejected by him.”

“…Ah, I see.”

Natalie was taken aback by the sudden confession.

“You’ve probably already noticed, but yes, it was jealousy. The queen of the social scene still holding feelings for Prince Ian, that’s what it was.”

Seeing Natalie’s eyes question whether such a thing should be shared, Catherine let out a silent laugh and added, “I’m not burdening you with anything. It’s an open secret; everyone who knows already knows. It’s not even surprising. Every lady who debuted with me had the prince as their first love. He has much to answer for.”

“If you say so…”

In Natalie’s eyes, now at ease, a spark of interest flashed despite herself. Catherine narrowed her eyes as if to say “I knew it” and spoke with affected coyness.

“But don’t enjoy it too much, alright? His rejection was the greatest disappointment of my life.”

“My apologies, Lady Horace.”

“I hope you won’t use my story as inspiration.”

Natalie, awkwardly smiling at Catherine’s joke, suddenly froze.

“If that’s what you’re worried about, don’t be. I don’t write anymore.”

“Ah. I see.”

It was a disarmingly blunt response. Catherine, whose insight was almost frightening, was ironically a comfortable conversational partner.

“I don’t think I’ll ever write again.”

Perhaps that’s why Natalie ended up revealing a needless resolution.

“That’s a shame. I enjoyed your work.”

Realizing Catherine had read her novel, a long sigh escaped Natalie’s lips.