The Black-haired Noblewoman, Who Disguised Herself, Seems To Have Been Doted On While Serving As The Caretaker For The Duke Who Dislikes Women - Episode 43

That day. With a somewhat absent-minded expression, but moving her hands as efficiently and swiftly as usual to polish the silverware, I timidly called out to Amanda, who was polishing the dishes in the same manner.

“Um… Amanda-san”

“Hmm? What is it, Michelle?”

With a gentle smile that was no different from usual, Amanda-san looked at me as if she had just come to her senses. I decided to speak up.

“If you don’t mind, would you like to chat a bit tonight? If it’s okay with you, we could do it in my room. Actually, I have something I want to give to you, Amanda.”

“Something you want to give me?”

Yes

Ms. Amanda looked puzzled and curious, but soon broke into her usual smile.

“Yes, of course, that’s fine. Well then, after I take a bath, I’ll go to your room.”

“Yes. Thank you very much.”

I’m glad. It was settled smoothly. Now we can talk slowly.

The reason I invited Amanda to my room was, of course, because I was concerned about her recent behavior. There were times in the past when I felt something was off. Especially when I was talking with my husband or Curtis, or when Curtis was talking about my husband. She would sometimes have a sad, lonely look on her face. Recently, she has been spending more time in a daze, so she might be deeply troubled.

So today, finally… I’ll bring it up myself and have a proper talk. I absolutely do not have any frivolous feelings towards my husband!

I told myself that at that moment.

I felt an inexplicable, strange sense of guilt in my chest that I had never felt before.

And that night, as promised, Amanda visited my room in her nightgown. I had also finished my bath and was already dressed in my nightgown. It was, in a sense, a nightgown party for women.

“Wow, amazing!”

“Hehe. It’s nice to indulge sometimes, isn’t it? Even if it’s eating sweets before bed.”

Yesterday, I took a day off and went out to the city to buy various types of baked goods at a stylish pastry shop for tonight. Cute cookies, madeleines, financiers, and colorful macarons. I also got some rare tea. It was my first time walking around the city alone, so I was really nervous, but this was all part of the plan to make it easy for Amanda to talk to me.

“What on earth happened…? What day is it today?”

In front of the various types of cute sweets lined up on the low table, Amanda is covering her mouth with her hand in surprise.

“Hehehe. I used the salary I received wisely. Ever since I first came here, I’ve always wanted to treat Amanda, who has always been so kind to me… Amanda, it’s thanks to you that I’ve been able to fit in and work with everyone at the Harrington residence like this. Thank you so much, always.”

When I said that, Amanda’s cheeks flushed slightly, and she teared up.

“Oh no, come on…… You’re making me emotional. Michelle, you…… I’m so happy. Thank you.”

“Hehe. Here, please! Have a seat.”

When I offered her the small sofa in the room, Amanda sat down with a happy expression. I also took a seat across from her, and at that moment, I casually handed over the package I had been secretly holding.

“And this is for Amanda. It’s not much, but when you came here, Amanda, you gave me one of your dresses, right? This is also a thank you for that time. If you like, please use it.”

“Ms. Michelle……”

Then suddenly, Amanda crumpled her face and covered it with both hands.

“A-Amanda-san…?”

“Eeek…nn”

It seems like she’s crying. Her appearance is so adorable that I can’t help but smile.

“Hehe… Amanda-san, you haven’t looked inside yet. Um, I’m really sorry, but it’s not that great…”

When I said that, Amanda answered in a muffled, small voice while hiding her face.

“Because… like this… I never thought you would be thinking about something like this… hic. You’re really such a good person… Michel-chan… ugh…”

Amanda, who is usually so composed, is crying like a child with a slightly lisping voice. I never expected her to be this happy. My heart feels so full that I can’t help but want to hug Amanda.

“When you say things like that, I get all shy… Hey, take a look, Amanda. I’m sorry if it’s not to your taste.”

When I said that, Amanda turned around once, scrubbed her face vigorously, then turned back towards me and shyly accepted the wrapped gift from my hand.

“Hehe… I already received a dress from my husband, so you didn’t have to go to all this trouble… But I’m happy. Thank you, Michelle. I’ll go ahead and open it.”

Ms. Amanda said that, then carefully untied the pink ribbon that was tied around the small bag. After looking inside and her eyes sparkling, she took them out into her palm.

“How adorable…!”

The gift I chose for Amanda was a few scrunchies and ribbons for tying her hair. Each one was carefully made, adorned with lace decorations and tiny bits of jewels. I selected various colors and shapes.

Ms. Amanda beams with a broad smile and speaks with enthusiasm.

“All of them are so wonderful…! I’ll definitely use them for my outings on my days off. Thank you so much, Michelle!”

“Hehe. I’m glad to hear you say that. It was really fun to choose something that would suit you while thinking of you, Amanda.”

I’m glad. It was worth going to so many stores and seriously picking the best one…! I never expected you to be this happy.

Ms. Amanda, still smiling, says to me.

“But you wasted your precious holiday for me… It must have been tough, right? I’m happy, but I’m sorry. I’ll cherish it and use it for a long time.”

“No, please don’t worry about it at all. I don’t have any special plans for the holidays, and this time, I prepared gifts not just for Amanda but also for Curtis! I’ve been indebted to Curtis for a long time too.”

I also smiled and answered like that.

Then, suddenly, the smile disappeared from Amanda’s face, which had just moments ago looked so incredibly happy.