Upon our return, Madame Rosamund stood at the door of the stairs, as if standing guard. The moment she saw us enter the estate, she rushed over, her expression filled with concern.
"Good evening, Madame Rosamund." I greeted her with a polite bow. "I've just returned from selecting some fabrics."
As I straightened up, she gently cupped my face in her hands.
"Goodness, I can't leave you alone for a second, can I?" Madame Rosamund sighed, "Are you alright, my dear?"
I blink in confusion. Was there any reason for her to be so worried about me? I had returned home unscathed, with neither cuts nor bruises.
"Madame, I'm not sure I understand what you mean," I answered back.
"You don't?" she asked, her brow furrowing in genuine puzzlement. "The rumours have already reached my ladies' club—whispers about your legitimacy. At least you haven't heard any of the more malicious ones."
My legitimacy? While I knew it was a topic that might raise eyebrows, I had done nothing to attract attention. Why had I suddenly become the focus of gossip? As I pondered the subject, I recalled my brief acquaintance with Amelia Langley. She didn't seem like the type to gossip about someone she just met, but I couldn't be sure.
"Hmmm," she continued, her tone shifting to resignation. "I suppose this was bound to happen sooner or later. But tell me, who was it? Who let the cat out of the bag?"
I hesitated, still trying to process her words. "I'm not sure, Madame. I haven't encountered anyone who would have any reason to speak of me, let alone start rumours."
Madame Rosamund's expression softened, a trace of sympathy in her eyes. "Sometimes, my dear, it takes very little for tongues to start wagging—especially when a young lady of your standing has been so carefully hidden away. The curiosity alone is enough to spark talk."
I nodded slowly, the weight of her words settling in. "But, Madame, I haven't even made my debut yet. Why would anyone care to spread rumours about me?"
"Precisely because you haven't," she explained gently. "The mystery of your absence has made you all the more intriguing. People are naturally curious, and when they don't have answers, they create their own stories. It's the way of our world, I'm afraid."
"Amelia Langley—I met her today, and we went fabric shopping together. She's the only person I mentioned my name to," I said, sighing with a sense of helplessness. "What should we do now, Madame?"
Madame Rosamund paused thoughtfully before responding, "For now, we must be cautious but not fearful. We need to manage these rumours carefully. Your debut is still approaching, and it's essential that we control the narrative. Perhaps it's time to take a more active role in society, to let people see you for themselves rather than allowing their imaginations to run wild."
Her words left me feeling uncertain yet resolute. It was clear that I could no longer remain in the shadows. If rumours were already spreading, then it was up to me to step forward with dignity and grace, to meet the expectations of society and, perhaps, exceed them.
"I understand, Madame," I replied.
"Beatrice, please bring a stationery set to my room," I said, turning to my maid with quiet resolve.
I had decided that Amelia Langley would be my starting point. If her intentions were sincere, then there would be no cause for concern. But before I could discern her true character, I needed to determine if she was a friend—or a foe. To control these rumours, I'd add fuel to her fire and stoke the flames in a way that served my purpose.
When I entered my room, I found that Beatrice had already arranged everything on my desk—the parchment, the Rosamund seal, ink, and quill all meticulously in place.
"Thank you, Beatrice," I said, settling into the chair at my desk.
She gave a slight nod and stepped back, allowing me the space to compose my thoughts. I dipped the quill into the ink, pausing for a moment as I carefully considered how to frame my message.
With a steady hand, I began to write:
"Dear Miss Langley,
It was a true pleasure to make your acquaintance today, and our conversation left me with much to reflect upon. I would be most delighted if you could join me for tea at Rosamund Estate next week this aftertoon. I believe we have much more to discuss, and I would greatly enjoy the opportunity to continue our conversation in a more intimate setting.
I look forward to your company.
Warmest regards,
Mielle Von Rosamund"
Once finished, I carefully folded the letter and sealed it with the Rosamund crest.
"Ensure this is delivered to Miss Langley immediately," I instructed.
Beatrice accepted the letter with a knowing nod, "I'll see to it right away, my lady."
As she exited the room, I leaned back in my chair, my mind already racing through the potential outcomes of this meeting. Now, the only thing left to do was wait for Amelia's response.