Deviating from the original plot

Chapter fifty

A/n: Is this book finally gaining traction? I am so happy, thank you everyone!

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Victoria finally returned to her estate. The moment she reached her chambers, she collapsed onto her bed with a weary sigh.

"Today was almost wasted," she muttered. She was grateful for Evelyn and Celeste's help, though a small part of her wondered if their presence would slow her mission down.

'Still... Without them, I'd probably still be on a wild goose chase,' she admitted.

Just then, Little Guy hopped up onto the mattress beside her.

Victoria bolted upright. "Off my bed, you menace!" she snapped, scooping the chicken up in both hands.

At that exact moment, a knock sounded. Anne entered the room, only to freeze at the sight before her.

"My lady?" she said, blinking in disbelief. "How on earth did you come by... that?"

Victoria froze, the chicken squirming in her hands. "It's... not what it looks like."

Anne arched a brow. "It looks like you're keeping a chicken in your bedroom."

"It's just... nothing. A ridiculous inconvenience I picked up today."

Little Guy squawked loudly.

Anne grimaced. "That nothing looks very alive, my lady. And loud."

"Yes, well, it refuses to leave me alone," Victoria muttered, setting the chicken back down on the floor with a sigh.

"Oh dear..." Anne's brows furrowed. "I was worried when you didn't return this afternoon as you promised."

"I told you already, there's nothing to fuss over," Victoria replied dismissively.

Anne gave her a long, pointed look before turning her gaze to the bird. "Am I to assume I'll be feeding it now?"

Victoria sighed. "Yes. At least until I find a way to be rid of it."

Anne nodded in resignation, though her expression suggested she knew this "temporary" arrangement would last much longer.

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The next morning, breakfast passed in silence until the Marquis finally spoke.

"I hear you went out yesterday," he began.

Victoria's eyes widened slightly. 'Was he suspicious already?'

"Yes, Father, I did. Is that a problem?" she asked carefully.

"Not exactly," he replied, studying her. "But you returned rather late. I know you're an adult with your own affairs, but perhaps you should be more cautious. The rumours on the streets grow more unsettling each day."

Victoria nodded politely. "I understand, Father."

He paused, then arched a brow. "Speaking of rumours, did you... acquire a pet?"

Victoria blinked. "A pet? No, not really... but I may have brought home a chicken."

"A chicken?"

"Yes. I came across it during my outing, and somehow it followed me back," she explained.

The Marquis let out a low chuckle. "An unusual choice. Most people would bring home a dog or perhaps a cat."

"It isn't a pet," Victoria corrected quickly. "It just refused to leave me alone. Anne has been looking after it in the meantime."

The Marquis leaned back slightly in his chair, a trace of amusement still in his eyes. "Strange creature. Perhaps it sees something in you."

Victoria shook her head. "It's a chicken; they aren't really smart."