Lord Theodore's Favorite Ritual
Chapter 139: Spreading The Right Rumour.

Chapter 139: Spreading The Right Rumour.

Noon.

Marketplace.

Critic Arley, Critic-Ishire.

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"Oh please, that was the Viscountess, the bitch is a witch I tell you" lady Jerald countered with a roll of her eyes.

Helena snorted, she hadn’t intended to but the ladies were so nosy yet got the wrong messages out of everything.

Cesita Reyes has a heart of gold and she is not a witch, Helena thought but that was what they remained. Thoughts, because if she spoke them, explanation and perhaps consequences would follow.

"What are you doing?"

Helena jolted our of her body at Lydia’s whispered question. "Picking a dress"

Lydia raised an elegant brow. "You have been standing here for a few minutes, the dress must be striking or are you eavesdropping?" she pointed out with a teasing smile.

"I am the eldest sister you cannot judge me" Helena sassed, her palms on her hip.

Lydia’s palm found her hips too. "How do you know you are elder?" she asked.

Helena shook her head. "We shall argue that next time, did you see how much power you had over them" she thought back to.

But Lydia was still thinking. "If you are elder it is by a few days I am certain" she commented.

"Let it go Lydia, let us tease them more" Helena invited with a small laugh.

"I am a married woman so I am elder" Lydia retorted.

"Yes, yes you are, and that makes you elder" Helena agreed, her eyes soft.

Lydia pouted. "Now lets go make noble trouble" she boasted.

Helena had a beautiful smile on her face as Lydia led the way out.

Helena could feel her heart dancing with excitement and warmth whenever she engaged in a spirited argument with her dear friend, Lydia, who had become a sister figure in her life.

Amidst their playful banter, Helena found comfort in the familiarity of their bond, cherishing the moments of connection and understanding that only true sisters could share.

In Lydia’s presence, Helena felt a sense of belonging and acceptance that filled her with joy and gratitude. She was grateful for the gift of a sisterly relationship that brought both laughter and comfort to her soul. And a place to hide.

"Have you found a dress?" Lydia’s voice is heard first before the ladies see her.

Lady Jerald. "Ah lady Theodore... we... yes" she admitted, despite feeling bitter she sounded cherry.

Lydia smiled, blinking nobly. "Which is it? You see she has the best of fashions" she commented.

"I do not find any to my liking" Lady Lively grumbled.

"I overheard your gossip about the viscountess earlier, you would be sure to know that words travel like fire and the first to spill it is always recognised" Lydia started, her fan wide and working.

"Whatever are you insinuating, lady Theodore" lady Lively asked with a frown.

Lydia nodded, as she held the ladies gaze. "You shall spread the gossip that will benefit you"

"Which is?" lady Jerald asked in a breath.

"The truth about Ms Janets dresses being the best after you purchase a good amount" Lydia clarified.

Lady Lively quickly started. "But lady Theodore-"

"Shut up Lively" lady Jerald cut her friend off sharply.

She believed they wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for her so she would step up and take responsibility.

Lydia with a smile asked. "So we have a comfortable idea?"

Lady Jerald with a sigh waved the topic off. "Just give me any three of your works, I need to go" she relented still trying to hold onto some dignity.

Ms Janet ran off and before lady Lively could unleash the words in her head she returned with seven dresses, some heavier than the other.

Lady Lively that had looked unwilling was quick to pick a dress before they asked the dreadful question. "How much?"

Ms Janet told them the price and their eyes widened.

Helena couldn’t help but snicker.

Lady Jerald’s eyes widened. "That is an exorbitant amount for such..." she trailed off.

"If the rumours do not reach my mansion then it is not working" Lydia reminded.

"Fine, pack it up" she huffed

Lady Jerald was drawn closer by lady Lively who was shorter to whisper. "They are trying to blackmail us"

Lady Jerald looked offended immediately. "Trying? They are blackmailing us Lady Lively I cannot believe I continue to keep you as a friend" she countered.

They paid for the dress and took their bags.

Earlier, with haughty demeanor, lady Jerald and Lady Lively had come here with whispering cutting remarks, belittling the other women’s taste.

Lydia knew of how bad mouthed they were, have heard alot of time and so sensing their snobbery, Helena and Lydia had exchanged a knowing glance before standing tall, their confidence unwavering.

Now, In a subtle yet powerful display, Helena and Lydia put the snobbish duo in their place, proving that true class emanates not from wealth, but from dignity and self-assurance and they also had the wealth to top it off.

If you have the right information you’d be able to control the world, starting from Critic Arley.

"Take care lady Theodore" they both wished and the only word to describe how they left was scurry, and so they scurried away.

"Thank you so much, lady Theodore, but I think this might affect your prestige" Ms Janet said softly, greatful yet concerned for Lydia.

With a soft laugh Lydia replied. "Oh not to worry my prestige has never been on the bright side"

"Women supporting women I assume" Ms Janet offered.

"For a better Critic Arley, yes" Lydia confirmed with a smile.

Helena looked proud and ready to scribble words down.

Abigail has been silent since they’d stepped in, comfortably settling for the wallflower position and Lydia couldn’t be any more uncaring about that, she would gather enough information that way, Lydia thought to herself.

As the afternoon waned and the sun dipped low on the horizon, Lady Theodore and Helena emerged from Ms Janet’s atelier, their arms laden with parcels containing the promise of new beginnings.

With a final glance back at the shop, they bid farewell to their gracious hostess, their hearts light with the knowledge that they would return, time and time again, to indulge in the timeless elegance of Ms Janet’s creations.

And as they emerged from the dressmaker’s shop, their arms laden with parcels and their hearts light with anticipation, they knew that their journey had only just begun, filled with endless possibilities and the promise of dreams fulfilled.

Tom was quick to take the parcels from them and into carriage before they continued their outing.

The sun began its lazy descent over the bustling marketplace.

Lady Theodore the supposed Duchess of Critic Arley, and her companion, Helena of Critic-Ishelm, stepped onto the marketplace cobbled streets, the aroma of freshly baked bread and exotic spices filled the air, mingling with the lively chatter of vendors and the melodious tunes of street performers.

Lydia hadn’t seen one of those before so she stopped to see. Hound who hadn’t made his presence known before became so bored he alerted them it was taking time.

The marketplace buzzed with activity, stalls overflowing with vibrant fruits, fragrant flowers, and an array of goods from far-off lands.

With an entourage of Hound and Tom trailing behind them, the ladies began their leisurely stroll through the maze of stalls, their eyes alight with curiosity and excitement.

Lydia’s presence was unmistakable, and as they passed by, the townsfolk bowed respectfully, murmuring words of deference and admiration.

"Your grace," one vendor called out, his voice filled with reverence as he offered a sample of his finest cheeses. "Pray, allow me to present you with a taste of our newest creation."

Lydia graciously accepted, her smile warm and gracious. "Thank you, good sir. Your craftsmanship never fails to impress." She commented on it.

She was glad this one didn’t only acknowledge her but also offered something so she dropped a gold Crit before purchasing a good amount.

Helena’s eyes twinkled with amusement, she chuckled softly at the exchange. "It seems even in the midst of such a simple errand, you command the attention of all."

Lydia merely shrugged, a twinkle of amusement dancing in her eyes. "One must always endeavor to uphold one’s station, my dear Lena"

As they continued their leisurely perusal of the marketplace, the ladies indulged in idle gossip and lighthearted banter, their laughter ringing out like delicate bells amidst the hustle and bustle of the crowd.

From elegant trinkets to exotic spices, they delighted in sampling the wares offered by the various merchants, their purses overflowing with Crits and jewels.

But amidst the splendor and opulence, Lydia and Helena remained grounded, their hearts filled with compassion and kindness.

They paused to converse with beggars and street urchins, offering alms and words of encouragement to those less fortunate.

As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting a warm golden glow over the marketplace, Hound guided Lydia and Helena back to their awaiting carriage, their hearts full and their spirits uplifted.

For in that moment, surrounded by the sights, sounds, and smells of the bustling marketplace, they had found not only joy and delight but also a sense of camaraderie and connection that went beyond the boundaries of class and station.

And as they departed, their laughter echoing in the evening air, they left behind a legacy of grace, kindness, and generosity that would linger long after their departure.

Helena sighed the moment she settled in the carriage cushion.