The Virtually Exiled Duke’s Daughter Is Troubled When Her Fiancé in a Neighboring Country Says, "I Will Never Love You" - Episode 51

After returning to her room, Deborah started working on embroidery.

When she finished the last stitch, she carefully secured the thread on the back and handed it to Mrs. Lauren. The lady trimmed the excess thread with a small pair of scissors. Deborah had asked if she could start using scissors herself, but Mrs. Lauren gently replied, “Please don’t take my job away,” leaving her with no room to argue.

“I’ll call Shelly now.”

Mrs. Lauren called Shelly, who had been waiting outside the room, and invited her in. Shelly fidgeted with the edge of her apron, hesitantly speaking.

“Um, Lady Deborah, did I do something wrong…?”

“No, not at all. If anything, I’m the one who made a mistake.”

“???”

“This morning, I exaggerated a little too much. It must have scared you. …I’m sorry.”

“Huh? What?!”

Deborah apologized like a child caught playing a prank, looking up awkwardly. Shelly was completely puzzled.

“Well, this isn’t exactly an apology, but… could you accept this?”

Deborah handed over a white silk handkerchief. It had a beautifully embroidered decorative letter on the corner, representing Shelly’s initial.

“Eh… I-I can’t accept something this expensive!”

Shelly hesitated and tried to refuse.

“I see… so it’s a burden after all.”

Deborah half-closed her large eyes and slumped her shoulders, shrinking in disappointment. Her expression remained stiff, but she was clearly disheartened. Mrs. Lauren let a barely noticeable smile form at the corners of her lips.

“Shelly, this handkerchief was embroidered by Lady Deborah herself, just for you.”

“What?!”

“So, if you refuse it, you’re not only rejecting the handkerchief but also her feelings. Don’t you think that would be a waste?”

“Y-yes!”

Shelly straightened her back and turned to Deborah, extending both hands forward.

“Lady Deborah! If that’s the case, I will gladly accept it!”

“…Are you sure? You don’t have to force yourself.”

“I’m really happy to receive a handkerchief embroidered by you!”

Shelly smiled brightly as she took the handkerchief and admired the embroidery of her initial.

“It’s lovely! It’s so cute!”

Seeing her genuine joy, Deborah let out a relieved sigh and then, a little shyly, spoke up.

“Um… Ann, was it? Do you think she would mind if I made something similar for her?”

Referring to the other maid who had been complaining with Shelly in the hallway earlier, Shelly’s eyes sparkled.

“Not at all! She would be overjoyed!”

“I think anyone would be happy to receive one,” Mrs. Lauren added.

Deborah hesitated for a moment before speaking again.

“Um… Mrs. Lauren, would you accept one too?”

“Oh my.”

Mrs. Lauren’s eyebrows lifted for a moment, but then her face softened with a gentle voice.

“I would be honored, but I don’t think I deserve one.”

“That’s not true. You’ve been so kind to me.”

“Perhaps… but if kindness is the reason, wouldn’t it be more appropriate to give one to the Marquis before me?”

“Eh.”

Deborah’s eyes widened, then she looked down. She intertwined her fingers, fidgeting.

“I don’t think the Marquis would be happy to receive a handkerchief I embroidered…”

“That’s not true! You’re very skilled at embroidery, Lady Deborah!”

“Yes, it’s as fine as work done by a master artisan.”

Despite Shelly and Mrs. Lauren’s earnest encouragement, Deborah remained reluctant. The persuasion continued until just before lunchtime.

However, after lunch, when she returned to her room from the music room where she had played the piano, she once again picked up a needle and thread.

◆

“Oh, it’s really beautiful! I’ll save this for special occasions! Lady Deborah, thank you so much!!”

When she gifted Ann a handkerchief with her initials, the girl was so excited she nearly jumped with joy. Once again, Deborah let out a relieved sigh.

“I’m glad you like it.”

As those words left her red lips, the corners of her mouth lifted ever so slightly.

“!”

“Oh my.”

Both Shelly, Ann, and Mrs. Lauren widened their eyes in surprise. Deborah had smiled. Unlike her usual polite but distant expressions, this was a genuine, slightly bashful smile.

Shelly exchanged glances with Mrs. Lauren and nodded enthusiastically in satisfaction. Then, after giving their thanks, she and Ann returned to their work.

However, some time later—

“Lady Deborah… um, excuse me.”

Shelly returned to the room, looking apologetic.

“There’s a bit of a problem. Um… Tom has come to visit with his parents.”