Chapter 4: The Lady in Question
“So then, who exactly did that Gilbert Sylvester mistake you for?”
Since the Sylvester heir had mentioned the Pyler Marquis House, Claudia figured out where she had seen him.
And she also had a good idea who he had mistaken her for.
She had told the Sylvester heir as well, so he would likely take the proposal there this time.
“The one near me at that time was Patricia Kimberley, the Countâs daughter.”
“You remembered well.”
It felt like Vivian was implying that it was unusual for someone uninterested in parties to remember such details, but since it was true, Claudia didnât mind.
She had only recalled Kimberleyâs name later when trying to remember.
“The dresses were similar in color and shape, so it caught my attention.”
“Oh?”
Vivian opened her fan. Why?
“Do you think she was trying to compete with you?”
Claudia tilted her head at that.
She couldnât imagine anyone trying to compete with her.
It would be one thing if she had a good reputation, but she was mocked as a shut-in noble lady.
There was no need for anyone to go out of their way to compete with her.
More importantlyâ
“Are you suggesting thereâs a spy in my household? What would even be the point of that?”
If it were information about the dress she would wear that day, then it would mean someone from the Ragley household had leaked it.
But she couldnât think of anyone who would do such a thing.
“She might have heard it from the dressmaker.”
That was trueâif it was only about the dress, the dressmaker would be the most reliable source.
It would even be possible to make a similar dress of better quality.
Or to lower the quality of Claudiaâs dress instead.
Now that she thought about it, the embroidery pattern hadnât been particularly impressive.
The order had been placed by her brother while Claudia was still in the territory.
She had only seen the actual dress on the day she wore it.
Her measurements had been sent from the territory, and minor adjustments had been done on the spot by the household seamstress.
House seamstresses usually made clothes for servants and everyday wear for the family, while formal attire was typically made by professional dressmakers.
Since the accessories she wore were completely different in style, it was highly likely that the information had been leaked from the dressmaker.
If the order had included details like which event the dress would be worn to and by when it was needed, then making matching dresses at the same venue would be entirely possible.
But stillâ
“Would they really leak a clientâs information?”
“If the other side is a more important client, some places would. Why not switch to a different one? I can introduce you to one, if youâd like.”
If there was even the slightest suspicion, it would be safer to change.
There was no telling what might happen next.
And if the dressmaker wasnât particularly impressive to begin with, then all the more reason.
Besides, a recommendation from Vivian would be trustworthy.
“Yes, please do.”
“Of course. Letâs go together next time.”
Vivian looked delighted.
“You seem excited.”
“Yes, Iâm looking forward to it.”
If her friend was happy, that was all that mattered.
“But why would Lady Kimberley do something like that? Whatâs the point of wearing a similar dress to mine?”
“Maybe she was planning something like what happened this time. If the engagement had gone through, she would have boasted about it.”
That made even less sense.
Claudia didnât even remember ever speaking to her.
She had only happened to recall her name from somewhere.
From Kimberleyâs perspective, Claudia didnât seem like someone worth remembering either.
They had no mutual acquaintances, no point of contact whatsoever.
And even if she boasted, Claudia wouldnât feel anything in particular.
She had no interest in the Sylvester heir, and she would simply ignore someone elseâs bragging.
“If she intended to support the Sylvester heir, she wouldnât have done something like that. For him, this is surely not something heâd want brought up again.”
“Sheâs not the type to support a man. Sheâd probably act triumphant, pretend to sympathize, and then insult you.”
There was no reason for her to be treated that way.
Claudia couldnât think of any reason why someone would be so fixated on attacking her.
“Would she really go that far for me? Well, I can understand why Lord Sylvester might fall for her at first sight. She is beautiful.”
“Thatâs just makeup.”
“She has a good figure too.”
“Her chest is too large. If she wore a dress similar to yours, it would look unbalanced. In terms of overall proportions, yours is far better.”
“Lady Kimberleyâs neckline was more revealing. With that, it wouldnât be mistaken for the same dress.”
“How vulgar.”
Vivian dismissed it sharply.
“It suited her, though.”
“Thatâs because her nature is vulgar to begin with, so such vulgar dresses suit her.”
What a harsh thing to say about someone she hadnât even seen.
Was there some kind of grudge?
“Do you dislike Lady Kimberley, Vivian?”
“I didnât particularly like her to begin with, but anyone who tries to bring down my friend is someone I absolutely despise.”
It seemed this incident had been the final blow to her already poor impression.
Even though it hadnât been confirmed that the Countâs daughter was behind it.
But Claudia had no interest in investigating.
Unless the person herself let something slip, the truth would remain hidden.
“Thank you. For getting angry on my behalf.”
“Of course.”
“Fufu, then perhaps Iâll add some embroidery to that dress. I didnât like it much.”
“Oh, that sounds nice. Then you should show it off somewhere.”
“Yes.”
If she added embroidery, she would likely have another opportunity to wear it.
After all, her brother would surely drag her to another party sooner or later.
“It would be wonderful if Lady Kimberley or Lord Sylvester happened to be there, wouldnât it?”
Vivian smiled with a rather wicked expression.