A few hours before the tea party.
" Duchess Latimer is a poised and kind woman. She isn't calculating like most of the noble ladies. A safe option to be acquainted with." Lady Hestia said.
" Is there any topic she is sensitive to?"
" Well…there is a lot. The Latimer family isn't what you would call free of scandal. First of all, Duke Latimer has a concubine. She was a poor commoner but now she parades the wealth the Duke bestowed upon her. Very publicly at that. Together with the concubine, the Duke has two children. A twelve-year-old son and a fifteen-year-old daughter. It is almost time for the daughter to debut into high society and the Duke has left Duchess Latimer in charge of the debutante ball. It is also worth mentioning that Duchess Latimer miscarried twins when she first saw the illegitimate daughter. Although she tries to hide it, we all know she is quite bitter about it." Lady Iris explained to Eudora. " Secondly, her three sons were recruited into the army and one of them sadly passed away. I heard it was her youngest son who passed away."
" May he rest in peace in heaven," Eudora said. " Wait, illegitimate children here can debut into high society?"
" Not all of them, that child is an extremely rare exception. In this case, Duchess Latimer will most likely be forced to adopt the illegitimate child to give her a legitimate title. It is said that Duke Latimer spoils the girl and that he unreservedly showers her with love and affection."
" I thought it was just royal men who were allowed to have a second wife."
" That woman isn't a second wife. She is just but a concubine. And that is all she will ever be since men who do not belong to the direct royal family lineage are not allowed to have an official second wife. They are however free to have a concubine with their wife's permission. Most wives do not wish to have a concubine in the picture but they cannot stand up for themselves and end up having to put up with obnoxious concubine."
" Your Highness, you must not let a second wife enter the picture!"
" I will not accept a second wife to enter my household."
" Concubines and second wives cater to the first wife hand and foot at first but as soon as they give birth to a son everything changes. Their words become as sharp as blades. Their actions become reckless and unkind. Because, since they have secured their position in the family with a son, no one can shake their status, not even the first wife. You can see the stark difference between Noble Consort Aiesha and Noble Consort Cersei's demeanor. Noble Consort Aiesha is meek and quiet, unlike Noble Consort Cersei who is not afraid to argue with the Queen. They are both Noble Consorts but the difference in status between them is that Noble Consort Cersei has two sons while Noble Consort Aeisha has no sons and now, officially not even a daughter. I'm not implying that Noble Consort Aiesha is one of those women but what Im saying is if circumstances were different, so will their personalities."
—--
" Greetings to Her Royal Highness the Crown Princess Consort!" All the noble ladies greeted Eudora in a uniform fashion with a curtsey.
" Greetings to you all. I hope to have fruitful conversations and most importantly a great time with you all."
The ladies sat at their designated seats.
Nestled within the grand estate of a Renaissance-styled manor, a meticulously designed garden beckons visitors with its timeless allure. This enchanting sanctuary, inspired by the elegance and artistry of the Renaissance era, offers a captivating blend of natural beauty and architectural splendor.
As you step through the ornate wrought-iron gates, a symphony of colors and scents greets your senses. The garden unfolds before you like a living tapestry, meticulously laid out in precise geometric patterns. The pathways, crafted from weathered cobblestones, wind through meticulously manicured hedges, leading you on a delightful journey through this horticultural masterpiece.
A central focal point of the garden is a grand fountain adorned with intricate statuary, its crystalline waters cascading gracefully into a basin adorned with delicate mosaic tiles. The soothing sound of trickling water creates a serene atmosphere, inviting visitors to pause and reflect.
Lush flowerbeds burst with vibrant blooms, showcasing an array of blossoms carefully chosen to evoke the romantic spirit of the Renaissance. Clusters of fragrant roses, irises, and lilies perfume the air, while climbing vines adorned with delicate wisteria and jasmine create elegant archways, casting dappled sunlight on the paths below.
The garden's meticulously sculpted topiaries, meticulously pruned into intricate shapes, pay homage to the artistic mastery of the era. Boxwood hedges form elaborate knot designs, showcasing geometric precision and meticulous craftsmanship. Delicate trellises draped with climbing roses provide shade for secluded seating areas, offering a respite from the summer sun.
Hidden nooks and crannies reveal hidden sculptures and stone benches, inviting guests to rest and appreciate the garden's serene ambiance. The benches are adorned with plush cushions, their sumptuous fabrics reflecting the rich colors and patterns favored during the Renaissance.
A pergola adorned with grapevines beckons you toward a fragrant herb garden, where culinary delights flourish. Here, fragrant basil, rosemary, and thyme grow in abundant clusters, offering an aromatic palette to inspire the manor's esteemed chefs.
The garden's impeccable design is further accentuated by strategically placed marble statues, paying homage to classical mythology and the important events of Tatum's history
What filled the garden was the clanking of teacups, dessert plates, and spoons along with the laughter and chatter of the noble ladies.
The noble ladies there ranged from young ladies who have yet to debut and nobles ladies who are well over fifty years of age.
Eudora sat with her ladies-in-waiting and Duchess Latimer.
The ladies-in-waiting and Duchess Latimer enthusiastically introduce Eudora to the classical dessert dishes of Tatum. The savory flavors of the chocolate and strawberries should have been more than enough for Eudora to forget what happened but Lady Gaia sat across her. Just the sight of Lady Gaia was enough to set Eudora in a gloomy mood.
" So, Your Highness, when do you plan to hold a function of your own."
How could I forget, I have to organize and hold my own events from now on.
" Ah..I'm going to wait until I successfully integrate myself into Tatum's high society."
" Mhm…if you have any questions or need any help, please contact me. I will be more than happy to help."
" Thank you."
Eudora said with a smile.
" Your Highness, how do you find your time here so far?" A woman approached the table.
The woman had short blonde hair and alluring blue eyes. She wore a silky baby pink dress with a heavy pink diamond necklace around her neck. Matching earrings hung from her earlobes.
Duchess Latimer's face dropped and you can see on her face, how much she dreaded seeing this person.
Lady Hestia leaned in and whispered, " That is Duke Latimer's mistress, Freya Cortez."
Ah so that is Duke Latimer's mistress.
" Who..are you? Forgive me, I do not recognize you from the noble families." Eudora said apologetically.
Freya's sweet smile twisted into a crooked one.
She curtseyed.
" I'm Lady Freya."
" I do not recall a Freya amongst the noble ladies. Which noble family are you from?"
At this point, Freya's smile had disappeared.
" I'm…not from a noble family. I'm a merchant."
"Ahh…" Eudora put on quite the show. " But since you are not a noble lady, why didn't you kneel or bow?"
Freya froze right then and there.
" I'm not trying to be domineering but it's proper etiquette, right ladies?"
Everyone at the table nodded and went along with what Eudora said.
Freya gritted her teeth and bowed at a seventy-nine-degree angle.
" Remember Miss Freya, ninety-degree angle bows." Lady Calypso reminded Freya "kindly"
Freya this time, bowed properly and was about to walk away when Eudora spoke up again.
" To answer your question, I'm enjoying a lovely conversation with Duchess Latimer."
" Ah..I see.." Then Freya walked away, flushed from embarrassment.
Everyone at the table went on with their talks.
" Please do not mind her behavior." Duchess Latimer said. " She is quite unruly and my husband cannot straighten her out either."
" You do not have to apologize for her behavior. You are two people. You are you and she is her. Even if she is related to your husband, you…don't have to humble yourself to prevent trouble she created. Let her face the consequences. The quicker she is taught a lesson, the quicker she can start acting rational. You are just allowing her to take advantage of you." Eudora said so only Duchess Latimer would hear.
Then she took a plate of cake and placed it in front of Duchess Latimer.
" Here, indulge in some cake. This one stood out the most amongst all the cakes you have offered."
—
" Once again, thank you for inviting me, Duchess. I would like to extend an invitation for afternoon tea at the royal palace this Friday. Would you be able to make it?" Eudora asked.
Duchess Latimer smiled.
" Of course. Farewell for now. See you soon, your Highness."