Deviating from the original plot

Chapter twenty-four

Victoria shot Damien a glance over her shoulder, and he only gave her a smirk and a thumbs-up in return.

As they stepped into the grand halls of the Lythmore estate, they were met with the warm scent of polished wood, fresh blooms, and delicate perfume. Evelyn chatted brightly as they walked side by side through the corridor.

"I specifically requested we be paired together," Evelyn said in a lowered voice. "I thought it'd be nicer for you to room with someone you already know. Odette and Celina are sharing, and Briony will stay with Marianne."

Victoria gave a small nod, secretly relieved by the arrangement.

"I'm really glad you came," Evelyn continued with a playful smile.

When they reached the guest room, Evelyn swung the door open, revealing a cosy and elegant space bathed in sunlight. Two well-made beds stood side by side, framed by floral drapes, and a large window overlooked the sparkling lake in the distance.

"Here we are!" Evelyn said cheerfully.

She was already halfway to her trunk before she finished the sentence. Victoria set her small travel bag on the nearest bed, her gaze sweeping across the room.

"It really is a nice place." Victoria said,

"It's so lovely; I heard there was a horse ranch nearby. We are heading there tomorrow. But today we are having a garden party. Although Briony said a few people might join us, I guess everything will be alright."

Victoria raised a brow. "Extra guests?"

"Yes, just some acquaintances of hers—nothing to worry about," Evelyn said casually as she continued unpacking.

"I hope so," Victoria murmured, her tone thoughtful.

After a short while, the two of them finished freshening up and made their way down to the garden.

The scene was picturesque: trimmed hedges, blooming flowerbeds, and a long table set beneath a white canopy with delicate platters of pastries and sandwiches.

Briony spotted them and waved from her seat. "Lady Victoria! Lady Evelyn! Over here!"

Victoria and Evelyn sat down, then Celina and Marianne joined, followed by two unknown women.

"Everyone, this is Lady Anneliese of Corwell and Lady Tilda of Norwyn," Briony introduced with a pleasant smile. "They're visiting from the north."

"Pleasure to meet you," Anneliese said with a polite nod.

"These are Lady Victoria, Lady Evelyn, Lady Celina, Lady Marianne, and Lady Odette," Briony continued.

"It's lovely to meet you all," Evelyn said with a smile.

"Thank you," Tilda replied with a small nod.

As lunch was served, conversation flowed smoothly around the table.

"Lady Victoria, forgive me, but... you have the look of someone from the North," Tilda remarked thoughtfully.

"I do?" Victoria asked, slightly confused. "You can tell?"

"Oh, absolutely—it's rather distinct. Do you have family from there?"

"Yes, actually. My mother was a Northerner. She moved to the capital after marrying my father."

"Ah, that explains it," Tilda said with a knowing nod.

"Do you visit often?" Anneliese asked curiously.

"Yes," Victoria replied. "I usually go to visit my grandparents and uncles."

"The North is truly beautiful," Briony chimed in with a warm smile. "I visited once with my family years ago. Peaceful and vast."

"I've never been," Celina added. "But I've heard it's breathtaking... and cold."

"It is," Victoria nodded.

Marianne leaned in with a grin. "So... Are you immune to the cold, then?"

Victoria let out a soft laugh. "I wish. Unfortunately, it doesn't quite work that way."

Odette scoffed lightly. "That's such a strange question."

Evelyn looked at Victoria with a small smile. "Well, I learnt something new about you today."

Briony clapped her hands gently. "Alright, now that we're all acquainted, who's up for a walk through the gardens?"

The ladies rose from their seats, following Briony down the garden path, the air rich with the fragrance of blooming flowers.

Evelyn looped her arm through Victoria's. "That wasn't so bad," she said in a whisper.

Victoria smiled. "No, it really wasn't."

The girls continued to stroll through the gardens, trading stories and laughter; the rest of the afternoon was light and pleasant.