The next day, Rosaline, disguised as Adrian, walks through the grand hallways of the estate on her way to the breakfast hall. Her heart beats faster, knowing she is about to encounter her cousin, whom she had been warned might not be fond of her.
As she rounds a corner, she sees her cousin, Lady Isabella, approaching from the opposite direction. Isabella's eyes narrow slightly when she notices "Adrian" coming her way. Rosaline maintains her composure and offers a polite nod as they draw closer.
Lady Isabella with a cold tone ,"Adrian. I see you've finally decided to grace us with your presence."
Rosaline, disguised as Adrian, remains composed, though inwardly she feels a mix of anxiety and resolve.
Rosaline (as Adrian) ,"Good morning, cousin Isabella. I trust you are well."
Lady Isabella raising an eyebrow ,"Well enough. I hope my... absence yesterday didn't cause too much trouble for our esteemed guests."
Rosaline avoids further conversation and gracefully passes Lady Isabella, continuing her way towards the breakfast hall. Her cousin's cold demeanor only strengthens her determination to find the truth and prove her worth, despite the disapproval she faces.
Entering the breakfast hall, Rosaline spots her grandfather, Lord Florentino, at the head of the table. He looks up, noticing "Adrian's" arrival.
Lord Florentino ,"Ah, Adrian, there you are. Join us for breakfast."
Rosaline (as Adrian),"Of course, Grandfather."
As the family gathers around the dinner table, Rosaline, disguised as Adrian, listens to her grandfather's words with a sense of intrigue. Lord Florentino addresses her directly, his voice commanding attention.
Lord Florentino ,"Adrian, I must inform you that your aunt, Lady Margaret, is currently at her maternal home in the countryside. She has been away for some time, and I believe it is about time she returns to the estate. Why don't you accompany Isabella to bring your aunt back? "
Rosaline (as Adrian),"Of course, Grandfather. I would be honored to accompany Lady Isabella and bring Aunt Margaret back to the mansion."
Lady Isabella, sitting across the table, glances at "Adrian" with a mixture of annoyance and resignation. She had hoped to avoid any involvement with Adrian, but now she has no choice but to comply.
Lady Isabella with a hint of frustration ,"Very well, Adrian. Since you seem so eager to assist, I suppose we shall make the journey together."
Rosaline nods graciously, hiding her own curiosity about her aunt's absence. The dinner proceeds with discussions about estate matters and other family affairs, but Rosaline's mind is preoccupied with thoughts of the upcoming journey to the countryside. She is determined to seize this opportunity to glean more information about her family's past and her aunt's connection to it.
After the meal, as the family members retire for the evening, Rosaline senses that her quest for the truth is about to take a significant turn. Accompanying Lady Isabella to bring their aunt back to the estate presents a chance to gather valuable clues and perhaps even unravel some of the secrets surrounding her father's family.
After a week of preparation, Rosaline, disguised as Adrian, and Lady Isabella set out on their journey to the countryside to bring Lady Margaret, who is Lady Isabella's mother and Lord Florentino's daughter-in-law, back to the estate. They travel in an elegant carriage, accompanied by a small retinue of servants and guards.
As the carriage rolls along the winding roads, the landscape changes from the opulent urban surroundings of the noble estate to the picturesque countryside. Fields of green stretch out under the warm sun, and gentle hills rise and fall in the distance.
Inside the carriage, Rosaline uses the time to observe Lady Isabella, trying to discern any clues or hints about her aunt's absence and the family's hidden secrets. Isabella, however, seems aloof and uninterested in making conversation. Her demeanor remains cool and guarded, as if she's intentionally withholding information.
Rosaline decides to approach the topic indirectly, attempting to engage Isabella in casual conversation about family matters.
Rosaline (as Adrian)," Isabella, do you have any idea why Aunt Margaret decided to spend such a long time at her maternal home?'
Lady Isabella: with a hint of irritation," I wouldn't know, Adrian. Mother has always been quite unpredictable in her decisions."
Rosaline senses that Isabella is evading the topic, but she remains persistent in her pursuit of answers.
Rosaline (as Adrian)," It must be quite a change of pace for her to be away from the estate for so long."
Lady Isabella: in a dismissive tone," I suppose. It matters little to me where she chooses to spend her time."
Despite Isabella's reluctance to engage in conversation, Rosaline continues to observe her surroundings as they approach the countryside estate. The carriage finally comes to a stop in front of a beautiful and stately manor nestled amidst rolling hills and lush gardens.
They are greeted by Lady Margaret's attendants, who inform them that she is currently taking a walk in the gardens. Isabella and Rosaline decide to join her, eager to finally reunite with their aunt and gain insights into her time away.
As Rosaline and Lady Isabella reunite with Lady Margaret in the picturesque gardens of the countryside estate, Rosaline takes a deep breath, preparing herself for the delicate task ahead. Disguised as Adrian, she steps forward, standing beside her cousin Isabella, and offers a respectful bow to her aunt.
Rosaline (as Adrian),"Aunt Margaret, it is a pleasure to see you again. I hope your time at the maternal home has been pleasant."
Lady Margaret smiles warmly, her eyes studying "Adrian" intently as if trying to discern something beneath the surface.
Lady Margaret with a soft chuckle ,"My dear "Adrian," it seems you've grown even more handsome since I last saw you, what a pleasant surprise! I didn't expect to see you both today."
Rosaline (as Adrian),"We came to accompany you back to the estate, Aunt Margaret. Grandfather has been eagerly awaiting your return."
Lady Margaret with a knowing look," Ah, I see. Well, I'm afraid my time here has been quite peaceful and rejuvenating. I hope the estate hasn't missed my presence too much."
Rosaline senses that Lady Margaret is aware of more than she lets on, and her curiosity grows even stronger. However, she decides to be patient and enjoy their time together for the moment.
The rest of the hour is spent in pleasant conversation and reminiscing about family memories. Rosaline observes the dynamics between her aunt and cousin, trying to discern any underlying tensions or hints about the family's hidden secrets.