I think it was either a special perfume with potions, or an artifact, or magic, because these "waves" were barely distinguishable at first, then began to grow, and the woman, skillfully hiding her interest, followed me closely. Just before we parted, a particularly powerful wave spread from her, like a gust of dry summer weather.
Out of the corner of my eye I noticed that several men who were near us were hastily dragged away by their wives, looking unkindly at the lady who was looking at my face with special interest. I just sneezed, at least I had time to cover my face. The last stream brought a too concentrated smell, acrid, which made my nose stuffy, and I sneezed. I couldn't contain my sneeze, so it was loud.
Lucy laughed, tears streaming from her eyes. She looked like she'd been promised an ice cream cone and given a cheap lollipop — a mixture of disbelief and resentment that was quickly replaced by a strange determination and anticipation in her emotions, and a smile on her face that made me shiver.
It seemed to be reflected on my face as Lucy laughed even louder, as did the blonde who had exposed her snow-white pearls. That was the end of the evening for me and we were transported to the Dunois family estate.
***
— Have you been sitting in a corner again? — asked the woman, smiling broadly and contentedly as she walked slowly down the stone-paved garden path.
— As if I had a choice! — said the younger woman, who looked like two sisters.
— Oh, come on, — the woman said, waving her fan. — Hiding from the problem will not solve anything. Besides, you're the right age and it's time to find a party.
— Maaam... — with a heavy sigh, the girl stretched herself out. — Well, enough already...
— Not enough. — the woman replied calmly but firmly. — You must learn to restrain yourself, and how will you do that if you do not communicate with men? Your beauty won't last forever, and while there are still good options, you can't delay! — Expressively, even belligerently, the woman waved the fan, pointing it somewhere forward and upward, like a commander of troops. — And since the daughter is taking her time, it is the mother's duty to help her! The Dunois return from St. Tropez on Tuesday and will be here for dinner on Thursday. Lucy has an interesting young man staying with her, a promising artist. I want you to see him. — The woman glanced at her younger counterpart, whose eyes widened in surprise.
— Mom, what are you...?
— Mommy takes care of her girls, and the girls should be grateful to her. — The deadly beauty left her thoughts and cast a sly glance at her daughter.
— Well, ma'am... — almost whimpered the girl, known in society as a haughty and arrogant person who likes to seduce other men.
In the night alleyway leading to the beautiful mansion, two charming ladies "floated" slowly, and the older of them seemed to light up the twilight with a broad, satisfied smile.