The Happy Life of a Duchess

Mr. Duval walked in the front, and Baron Bernard was slightly behind him, talking to him positively and affectionately. Just looking at Mr. Duval's expression, it seemed that he was not very interested in this conversation.

As soon as Adele came to such a conclusion, the other party looked over, walked up to them without much hesitation, and saluted a few people, and the ladies here also returned the salute politely.

"Nice to meet you, Mrs. Castellana," he smiled and nodded with his wife, and then turned his gaze to Adele, "Miss Adele."

"Good afternoon, sir." Adele replied with a smile. In social situations, they looked no different from other men and women who had only met once.

Ms. Morgana Duval respects her father very much. It can be seen that in her emotions, awe is more of an emotion. Like her character, her dress is not sexy, and she does not use those bright The bright red, the eyebrows and eyes are also visible and gentle.

Mr. Duval was wearing a more sedate dark frock-coat today, although he did not need it, but he carried a silver cane, and every button was tightly buttoned. The mouth is also tightly pressed, but it looks more formal than the previous casual state.

This also makes him look more calm and serious, but when he smiles, he still gives people the illusion that he is being watched. Adele also quickly realized that although the other party always smiles, when dealing with people He has never been inferior in etiquette, but he still has a conservative and solemn taste in him, as if it is a mature and stable trait that is necessary with age.

Of course, Adele doesn't dislike this, a calm man has his own charm.

But for some reason, she still felt that this was a little different from the smart gentleman she had first met.

No one seemed to notice that Adele, who was in the circle, was staring blankly while they were courteous.

She wondered distractedly whether he had put a shell on her, or whether his initial stunning appearance gave her a kind of inner youth that matched her appearance.

Duval's eyes seemed to pass her by inadvertently, and after realizing that she was actually distracted, he couldn't help but curl his lips.

"It seems that you are in a good mood." Mrs. Castellana smiled and complimented, and he also nodded.

"The party at Earl Garcia's house was very lively. I heard that there were some foreign guests. Although I don't look obvious, I am also very happy to be able to participate in such a lively dance."

"It's good to have more young people, and it's full of vitality when you look at it." Mrs. Castellana agreed very much.

"Count Garcia is young and promising, and has a wide range of friends. I heard that some of her British and Italian friends will come here today. It will be very lively."

Mrs. Castellana’s remarks were actually to remind the two ladies present. Adele and Ms. Duval are about the same age. For them, getting to know more young men means more choices. Such an opportunity is Not to be missed.

But the conversation cannot be answered by two people, otherwise it will appear very unreserved, not to mention that there are older people in the seniority, and they are too embarrassed to take over.

At this time, Adele had come to her senses.

Duval's eyes stayed on her, and she knew that she was being caught by the tail, but at this time, admitting that she didn't listen to them when socializing was not a choice that a person with emotional intelligence would make, so Adele just Smiling and staring at him.

Whoever moves away first has a guilty conscience.

Adele thought secretly in her heart.

"Adele, what do you think?" No Duval just changed the subject indistinctly and reminded her that Mrs. Castellana's question Adele would not be able to continue.

"Then I won't play cards with you anymore?" Adele looked at Mrs. Castellana with a smile, "Is that why you are willing to give up on me?"

"Hahahahaha, I'm willing to give up," Mrs. Castellana laughed, "Without the money you get for winning my cards, I will be the biggest winner in the future."

Adele was not very familiar with the chess and card rules at this time at first. There are several ways of playing that are not available in modern times, but there are also algorithms similar to the later rules. It will be all right.

She is almost the fastest person they have ever seen. At first, she lost several hands in a row, and the money was thrown out like running water. Although most of the wives don't bet large amounts of money when they play cards, it doesn't seem like gentlemen are easy to get on the top. But it's not too little to add up.

However, Adele gradually improved her luck and skills later on, and basically made a lot of money when she lost. That's why Mrs. Castellana said that Adele always wins, causing her to always lose.

This lady is one of the few ladies who is easy to get ahead, and will gamble for a few louis or even a dozen louis when she gets excited.

But what is better about her is that when she loses a certain amount, she will stop by herself. It seems that she will be a little unhappy when she loses, but in fact she doesn't take these gains and losses to heart, and she is a rare open-minded person.

If it is said that the only thing that cannot be relieved is the matter of her husband's lover and her daughter's distant marriage, but it is not necessarily true. Judging by her attitude towards rumors, it is estimated that the only thing she cares about is her daughter in Spain. Therefore, she still has some primitive affection for the people from Spain, especially the nobles, and she only hopes that the other party can bring some reliable news about her daughter.

"Morgana, you can go play with Miss Adele later."

Duvall has a dripping social smile on his face, even if he thinks it's amused in his heart, he won't show it.

The astonishing beauty and charming agility of this lovely lady was a wonderful shock to him. He had no doubt that if he was even ten years younger, he would be overwhelmed by her, even if he broke his oath. Want to pursue her and become her guest of honor.

Before that, he always thought that he was calm enough, even quiet enough. He thought that at his age, he had already achieved a lot in his career and his family was relatively complete. Although his wife passed away very early, his son He is absolutely responsible for raising a daughter alone.

Just when he thought that he would no longer have the kind of inspiration and impulse that only young people would have, soon after he came to Paris, this world of flowers, he almost couldn't help making a rather offensive move, and didn't destroy it immediately. Throwing away things that should not be kept, and even despicablely still have some thoughts in my heart, only to leave a little evidence of temptation——

However, he has calmed down for a few days, and he is no longer the age to act out of line just because of a little heartbeat.

Miss Morgana Duval immediately nodded in response, her beautiful eyes looked at Adele intently, Adele paused, and glanced at him subtly, for the time being, she agreed to his hinting words .

Who let the other party catch her in a small way, he entrusted her to take care of her daughter in this way, Adele thought that the bento was to repay the kindness that the other party reminded her and helped her pass the huatou.

Here, Mr. Duval was called over by some so-called MP, and Baron Bernard also made excuses and walked away with a smile.

Mrs. Castellana smiled and said a few words with the two of them. She took the two of them to meet many people and chatted with the wives and ladies of each family and the men of their families. The Miss Duval who appeared knew someone, and because the other person was shy, she asked Adele to accompany her.

It took half an hour to do this kind of repeated identification, when the preparations for the dance started and the Count Garcia of the host family came in, she arranged them in the rest area by the dance floor, she went to play cards, and Adele I went to talk with Miss Duval on the side, waiting for the invitation of the male partner, and at the same time waiting for the start of the invitation dance music.

"I'm a little nervous."

Miss Duval looked a little anxious, and she didn't even speak loudly, as if trembling because of nervousness.

Adele had to sigh in her heart, if she hadn't transmigrated, her original body would probably have looked like this, delicate and beautiful, with a thin body and not very strong in speaking, she usually doesn't do anything, and "doesn't give birth" "I am proud of "not doing any work", maybe I rarely take a walk, let alone secretly exercising and stretching in the room like her every day.

"Could it be..." Her anxious little hand tightly squeezed the handkerchief, and Adele quickly comforted her.

"No, a beautiful girl like you will definitely be invited by someone. Have you forgotten that several gentlemen from several houses told you to invite you to dance just now, but they saw that the two of us just sat down and were in We talked together, so he hesitated not to come."

Adele hoped in her heart that two people would come over, and it would be too embarrassing if one person was invited to dance and the other was left behind.

Although she thought about it so much, she didn't think that this kind of thing would really happen. Adele is a princess. Through several balls, she has fully realized how convenient it is for her to be the only daughter of the Duke. There are countless olive branches, and she seldom has a long time free at the ball.

Although Miss Duval's identity is not obvious, her father is one of the most popular people nowadays. Even if the foundation is not deep, the nobles in City C are not as popular as Paris, but celebrities are celebrities, let alone her now Brother and father were present.If she hadn't already known that Count Garcia danced with Miss Sophie Barry at the first ball, she would even suspect that Count Garcia would choose either her or Morgana Duval to start the show.

"Don't put too much pressure on yourself." Adele wanted to tell her that even if no one invited you, the fact that you are a very attractive and good-looking girl would not be covered up, but she finally held back.

Adele herself can think so, even if no one is invited, there are ways to entertain herself so that she will not be alone and embarrassed, but the other party obviously does not have such a good attitude and independent and strong personality.

Ms. Duval's cognition is still at the level of needing the affirmation and approval of others. Through the approval of others, she can increase a little self-awareness and self-confidence, so it is better for her not to force such a young lady to suddenly accept new concepts.

Mr. Armand and Mr. Gaston came over when the music started, and Adele breathed a sigh of relief.

Knowing that she didn't have to face the little girl's tears, she tried desperately to find words to comfort her.

I don't know how Mr. Smart teaches his daughter. He looks so calm and wise. He is obviously not a rigid guy who can make such a big position. But he raised such a weak daughter. Is it not true what is popular?

But thinking of Mr. Duke, who is also very bad at raising his daughter, Adele felt that at least Mr. Duval still has some merits. Unlike a stupid father like the Duke, who has only one child left, he can still do it well. that look.

If she hadn't worked hard to improve the relationship between the two of them after she came, and followed his hair, maybe what the result would have been. The ending of the original book is not embarrassing.

"Miss Morgana, can I ask you to dance?" Mr. Gaston obviously has known Miss Duval for a long time, but the relationship does not seem to be that close, but compared with those strangers, acquaintances are still very able For Miss Duval's consolation.

Adele and Mr. Armand smiled, and he looked a little embarrassed at her.

Obviously, the first dance was not very pleasant because of Adele's unilateral distraction. Of course, Adele refused to admit that it was her own problem. It was not because Duval was watching all the time. She was separated by his father. It's not her fault that he was distracted, besides, it turned out that he did do some "little tricks".

After that, although the two met again at a private dance, their relationship was still tepid.

Adele has complicated feelings about the actor, and he obviously has other thoughts about her.

To her relief, he didn't mistake her for Margaret, but he didn't get to know her much because of Adele's colder attitude towards him.

"Miss Adele, may I ask you..."

Faced with Adele's half-smile expression, Armand even subtly hesitated to speak, he had to clear his throat, and invited her to dance again with a more solemn attitude.

Adele stood up with a reserved smile, accepted the invitation, and put her hand on his outstretched hand.

"call--"

He was visibly relieved as he made his way to the dance floor.

"Thank God, you didn't reject me directly." Armand was really relieved.

"In your eyes, am I such a terrifying person?" Adele smiled and looked ahead, without turning her head when she heard the words, but the words seemed to startle Armand.

"No, you are a very fine lady, there is no doubt about that."

"It sounds like there's something in the words..." Adele curled her lips, stood face to face with him, and waited for the overture to enter on the dance floor.

"Of course not, please don't think so." Armand quickly explained, but the more he described, the bigger the hole became.

"You haven't heard it. The more negative it is, the more it may be the truth..." She smiled and looked up at him, "What did I do to make you feel so anxious?"

"No, no, no, of course not." He shook his head, as if he was about to break out in a cold sweat.

He had some idea of ​​the eloquence of the noble princess.

But he was also confused sometimes. The other party was polite and friendly to him, but it always made her feel strangely hostile. It was better the first time, but it seemed to get worse later on.

Adele also thought about it for a while, and finally felt that it might be because she had waited many times before, but in the end, she couldn't meet the person she wanted to see. When facing Armand, who seemed a bit submissive and could not see his father's charm at all, , she couldn't help feeling a little angry, of course, a large part of this should be because of Margaret.

That's right, she just had a little bit of anger, and at the beginning she was able to hold her expression and maintain etiquette, but the more she communicated with Margaret, the more she felt that she was a good girl, and she shouldn't have such bad luck. Fate, and the culprit who killed her——

Of course, she would put the greatest responsibility on Armand, the irresponsible actor.

"Well, I hope that your anxiety is actually to share your sister's anxiety."

Adele smiled and changed the subject in a very considerate manner. She has a sharp mind, and the other party can't match her.

"Oh, yes." Speaking of his sister, Armand's expression relaxed a lot.

"When we were at home, she was easily shy. My father and I were always worried about her, but fortunately, there are kind people like Mrs. Castellana and Miss Juradi who are willing to take her with you... When we were at home, she I don’t have many friends of the same age, and I don’t have very reliable elders to lead the way, but fortunately, I came to Paris and everything got better.”

"It's like this, life is supposed to get better and better."

Adele smiled and nodded, and the topic gradually became harmonious. The two danced and talked to pass the time, so that they would not be too embarrassed.

It's really not a good choice to dance the whole dance with your head down. Unless the other party is really not good at speaking or can't answer, Adele will throw out the topic or answer the other party's words most of the time, so that the two people The dialogue lasts for about the time of a dance.

That's right, for Adele, she will control her words and deeds until she doesn't want to clearly express her marital expectations for a certain husband. Although emotions and feelings are uncontrollable, at least It seems that her words and deeds cannot exceed etiquette, and she cannot do things regardless of the consequences.

At this moment, she suddenly felt a very uncomfortable sight behind her.

Her smile faltered slightly, and she looked over by turning around in circles. There were many people in that circle, and the owner of her gaze should have looked away quickly.

She glanced there a few times from the corner of her eye, and in the center were Count Garcia and Miss Sophie Barry who were leading the dance as the host.Behind them was Miss Bernard's circle on the left, with about four or five couples, and three on the right, from a circle she was not familiar with.

Adele now belongs to Mrs. Castellana's side, but other people also have their own circles, and there are quite a few people. Although she knows a lot of people, she is not strong enough to make everyone like her.

She really couldn't tell who was staring at her from behind.

After the halftime dance, Adele did not stop and danced six dances.

When it was time for a break, she randomly found a seat and sat down, took some snacks from the table and ate slowly.

Scanning around, everyone was busy with their own activities. Although it was said to be an intermission, the music did not stop directly. They just made a rough distinction according to the arrangement of the tracks, and there were still people dancing on the field.

For example, the popular newcomer Miss Duval, she was immediately rushed to invite by another man after the song ended, probably because she was not good at refusing. Although she looked a little tired, she still went to the dance floor.

"...under the leadership of Queen Victoria..."

A curly-haired man with a strong English accent was a little drunk, and his voice became louder.

Adele didn't want to hear it, but she was sitting not far away, and the voice could not stop floating in her ears.

So she couldn't help but frowned little by little.

"We...you Frenchies..."

"The British Empire... will become the most powerful..."

"No one in Europe can be with us..."

"Do business with us, follow us..."

"The queen's glory... honor... bloodline..."

"You kings...weak...barricade kings..."*

What the hell are you talking about?

Adele showed a puzzled look with a mocking taste.

What knows the future?

She doesn't know, isn't she an ordinary princess?

——Obviously France is the best country in the world.

The author has something to say:

King of the Barricades: Louis-Philippe I, Duke of Orleans claimed to be the King of the Citizens, but the Legitimists (i.e. fans of the Bourbon dynasty) ridiculed him as the King of the Barricades, because his crown was rewarded by the mob behind the Barricades (the Orleanists who supported the constitutional monarchy) The bourgeoisie supported him)

Adele: Nonsense!I don't admit it!