The Lady made her appearance high up a horse of all things. She galloped grandly. A short red cape with golden embroidery now covered her shoulders and projected an even nobler feel to her image. Beside her was a Royal Announcer, with a scroll in his hands.
Murmur started to fill the space as people speculated what was about to happen. In the midst of it, her sisters came back along with Madame and, eventually, their parents.
The Lady’s Mother approached her, proudly looking up at the daughter who looked just like a younger version of her. She stood at her right side.
“Dear guests. It’s an honour and a pleasure to have you all here today. I am the most satisfied to be surrounded by such honourable people, but my heart aches for two absences the most. The first is my beloved husband, who unfortunately was not feeling well and is following the doctor’s orders to rest until better. It has been affecting him deeply, the thought of having to face a crowd! Can you imagine a man that size being this much like a scared cat?” The crowd chuckled, and her gaze ghosted the window of the upper rooms of her house. Her eyes returned to the people, a familiar gleam in her eyes “But alas it was this gentle heart of his that captured me the most. Let us all wish for his good health so his affliction will cease and he might rejoin social life again.”
While for their family it was as simple as giving a good day or good night, Gabe could not restrain from noticing some voices’ reluctance in giving their best wishes for the host’s husband.
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The Prince, strangely enough, was not one of them. In his tone, only politeness could be heard.
“The second absence is, of course, of the dearest and the man I most admire in the world: My Father. As you all know, he remains in his county, dutifully ensuring that our King’s land runs smoothly, though he makes his presence known even from far away! I have just welcomed in my home a Royal Announcer bringing news from his and His Majesty’s wishes. Let us rejoice together to hear what can only be good news!”
The man with official clothes announced himself, and they all bowed to receive their King’s command.
Gabe continued to listen with burning anticipation. The Announcer’s voice was loud and proud during the long round of formality, rising still a tiny bit higher when the edict finally arrived at its key point.
“… considering the merits aforementioned His Majesty officially sends his deep gratitude to His loyal servant, Count Elliot who so long have served and toiled to better His Kingdom” Many people gasped at that, no doubt having guessed where this was going. Gabe’s mind worked furiously trying to catch up with their guesses. She turned to the Prince who had a clear and deep frown of displease in his sharp face. He had concluded something as well.
What was she missing? The answer came swiftly and imperiously.
“Therefore this edict formally declares: The previous Count is allowed to have his much-deserved retirement, and, in turn, his daughter, Louise Elliot, must prepare herself to partake in the official ceremony to receive the title of Countess,” at this point his voice rivalled with many others, “As it is required from her new station, her husband too will receive the title of the Countess’ Consort. In due time she is to return to her County to retrieve her duties!”