Mrs. Carter was even more embarrassed about Evette's behavior. Silly girl. I know you want him, but be patient. Everyone's watching here. Moreover, with a beautiful face like yours, sooner or later, any man will fall for you.
As slippery as an eel, Mrs. Carter soon restored herself and set off to rebuild her reputation. She had both girls on her sides, gracefully walked around the room, greeting people with the brightest smile and making the sweetest conversations. She showed both Evette and Nathalia tenderness and attention, especially Nathalia.
Despite the fact that people were probably still thinking about what just happened, they all praised Mrs. Carter as a loving mother in front of her.
Nathalia knew very well what Mrs. Carter was trying to achieve. Alright, if you want to play games, I will play along.
She presented her best self, with beautiful mannerisms. Confident, modest, graceful, and respectful. On the other hand, Evette was still thinking about how to capture Spencer and misbehaved herself a few times in front of the observant crowd. She knew she had no patience for these elderly ladies, so she simply made an excuse and escaped. But Nathalia stayed alongside Mrs. Carter patiently and be the best company she could be.
The older one isn't as good-looking or well-dressed as, the younger ones, but she definitely got better manners. It was refined and elegant. The spectators judged silently.
Very true that the younger one is stunning-looking, but she's spoiled and ill-mannered. How awfully she behaved just then when Spencer Davidson was around!
Nathalia Carter is totally different. She is modest, polite, graceful. What a contrast!
Nowadays, you see a lot of pretty faces, but one doesn't encounter inner beauty very often.
If these two have to fight against each other for a husband, well, Evette is more like a girl for a date or two, or someone's mistress while Nathalia will be a wonderful wife and partner.
As sociably experienced as Mrs. Carter, she could tell what others were thinking and regretted, very much, that she allowedNathalia to the party.
But how could she have expected such a change from the normally quiet and timid Nathalia?
She wanted to divert the situation and cut in, "Evette is still young and has a lot to learn. She just wants to enjoy herself. But Nathalia, Nathalia, has grown up a lot. She understands things much better and knows how to deal with us."
It sounded like a compliment paid to Nathaliabut implied something cunning about her. People listened and wondered what it really meant.
"To deal with you?" Nathalia looked up at Mrs.Carter, feeling wronged and unjust, "Mother, what do you mean by that?"
Mrs. Carter staggered by her own careless choice of words and Nathalia's comeback.
Immediately, she protested, "No, no, no. I didn't mean that. I meant you know how to take care of us. You are so sensitive, Nathalia."
"Sometimes, it's not a bad thing to be sensitive. I would hate to know I've done anything wrong to you, Mother." Nathalia defended. Tears rose in her eyes. "And I dare not disobey what you told me. Respect and take care of the older. Didn't you always say?"
Though Nathalia had not said a mean word about Mrs. Carter, she had passed the message clearly and cleverly.
"Nathalia, you…" Mrs. Carter was taken aback. How dare you! You little devil! She couldn't hold back her anger anymore. "You only think about your biological mother and never see me as your mother. Whatever I do, just can't please you."
She deliberately emphasized the word "please," trying to convey the message that Nathalia was a spoiled, difficult child.
Nathalia struggled to compose herself and not let the tears run down her face, "But mother, why
can't I think of my biological mother. She's my mother, and I miss her. Meanwhile, you are also my mother, and I will always respect you.' her voice quivering like she was about to breakdown.
Mrs. Wilson was a mother of two sons and had always wanted a girl. Watching Nathalia's innocent face, she couldn't help feeling a mother's protective instinct. She took Nathalia to her arms, patted her on her back and comforted her softly "There. There. It's alright. You are a good girl." Then she turned to Mrs. Carter rather reproachfully, "Mrs. Carter, you are frightening her." And back to Nathalia, she asked gently, "Nathalia, why don't you come over to mine now and then and we can hang out. I really like you."
Nathalia blushed, smiled, and nodded gratefully. The two of them looked more like mother and daughter.
Mrs. Carter was now even more enraged, but she knew she couldn't make the same mistake again. She managed to calm herself, put her hands on Nathalia's face gently, and comforted her.
However, remembering Mrs. Carter's angry face and accusation earlier, the crowd found her fake and unnatural.
You little monkey! You only know to please these ladies. What can they give you? Everything you have is from the Carters'. Your life depends on the Carters'. Mrs. Carter thought crossly.
Then she came up with an idea and scanned the room until she spotted Evette. "Evette, come over here." She beckoned Evette while thinking, Huh. So you are getting all the attention now. My daughter knows better how to please others, you will see.
As usual, Evette was surrounded by her admirers, sons of rich families. She was getting all the attention she loved, laughing, and chatting with them when she heard Mrs. Carter call for her.
Naturally, she didn't want to leave her spotlight, but she couldn't refuse her mother in front of others either. As she walked towards the group reluctantly, the frown she wore on her face became more apparent. She was not in the mood to please anyone at all.
The ladies shook their heads with thorough disapproval towards Evette but grew fonder of Nathalia. A pretty face with an arrogant attitude and flirtatious manners only makes one distasteful.
Again, Mrs. Carter realized her strategy didn't work out, and she was flaming with anger and resentment towards Nathalia. I have to get rid of this thorn in my side how I would love to slap her on her face!
At the same time, she was disappointed with Evette. Stupid girl. You are making silly mistakes here.
She tried to divert Evette's attention and indicate her to play smart, but Evette's heart wasn't there, and she paid no attention to Mrs. Carter at all.
The whole situation started to grow weird, and Mrs. Carter lost patience. Dejectedly, she stood up to say goodbye, but Evette wasn't ready to leave the party. "Mum, it's still early. I want to stay longer."