Chapter 369: Excluded (1)
"I don’t feel comfortable doing this," said Ally.
"You won’t feel any discomfort unless what I say is true. All I ask is that you watch. I intend to leave if I feel disrespected, so your discomfort won’t last long. I have arranged for my carriage to arrive earlier," Julie revealed, eager for time to go by fast.
Julie only accepted the invitation to not worry her mother, and partly to show respect to Odessa.
Julie sat up straight when Odessa came into view with a maid behind her.
"You both look like pretty flowers," Odessa commented on their appearance. "I am certain this family will soon be planning a wedding."
Odessa sat down to the right of the table. She first glanced at Ally, who always reminded her of her messy son when she ate.
"The crumbs, child. I have taught you how to eat better than this," said Odessa.
Odessa then noticed that Julie’s plate was empty. "Are the cookies not to your liking? I had the baker make them fresh and deliver them just before you arrived."
"They smell wonderful, but I am not in the mood for a cookie. If you would allow me, I will take them home to enjoy them," Julie replied, resisting the cookies she loves dearly. She didn’t want to make a mistake.
"Nonsense. I am quite close to the baker since he once worked in the palace during my time there, so he will be more than happy to make another batch. I will send them to your home," said Odessa.
"I hear that you have been frequenting the queen," Odessa said, prying into Julie’s current affairs.
"I have. The queen has been kind enough to offer me advice and to introduce me to a few gentlemen she believes would suit me," Julie said, patiently waiting for her grandmother’s compliments.
"I see. You must thank the queen for what she did because not many get an audience with royals. You must be on your best behaviour, and for the love of all things righteous, you mustn’t speak of that district," Odessa said, her heart aching from the thought of it.
"Grandmother, I assure you that I know it isn’t a place to speak of around ladies. Especially the queen. We spoke only of things that ladies should," Julie promised.
"Good. I worry your ties there might make life difficult for you. I adore your mother, but, unfortunately, we could not get her to cut ties with that world," Odessa said, her mind plagued with what trouble would arise.
"It is her parents you would ask her to cut ties with. For my sake, my mother doesn’t go to the brothels anymore. My grandparents would visit our home, or I would go to their home," said Julie.
"It is good that Eleanor realises what needs to be done for your best interest. There is no doubt that your mother is a wise woman. She benefited from being raised by her aunt."
Odessa picked up her cup, which contained freshly poured tea. "All that ever weighed your mother down was the brothel. I know she was teased because of it."
"My grandparents are considering closing the brothel. They are tired of running the brothel, and since my mother has no interest in it, they want to sell. They don’t trust anyone else to uphold the name," Julie said in hopes it would please Odessa.
"Still, those poor women," said Odessa.
"The ladies will not be kept there after it is sold. They are to go their own way. Whether they will join another brothel or go home is up to them. After this, your worries about me going to the brothel can cease," said Julie.
"It cannot cease when your grandparents will still be around to speak of the stories there. Julie, you are a lady. Your father does reputable work for the duke and has been acknowledged by the king. You mustn’t hear of brothels," Odessa said, bothered that the other side didn’t think of this.
"I know that it isn’t suitable, but I love my grandparents dearly. I can honestly say that I love the stories they share. They don’t speak of what men and women do there. Instead, they share gossip. Useful gossip," Julie said, standing her ground.
Odessa shook her head. "This interest you have is the reason you have not been taking part in the season. Ally has had many cards with gentlemen’s names filling them. As of late, suitors visited her home with gifts."
"That is not the reason why I have not been partaking in the season. My lack of interest in marriage was the reason why. How can I be ready to commit myself to someone when I do not understand myself?" Julie asked.
"You will have the answers when you wed. Your husband’s interest will become your own," Odessa answered. "You will understand yourself when you go from a young lady to a married woman."
"I don’t want to find myself after marriage or exist simply to mimic what my husband likes. My parents are not this way. They have different interests, but they manage to understand each other. My mother with her books and my father’s love of a sword," said Julie.
Julie wanted a marriage where she didn’t need to be her husband’s shadow. Her parents proved that she could find love with someone who didn’t need her to be like him.
"Your mother doesn’t need her books-"
"It is her love," Julie spoke over Odessa. "And my father has no issue with it. If you do not know, he will offer her help when needed concerning her books. I wish to find a supportive husband, and that is what I intend to do."
"I did hear that you are taking the season rather seriously now," Odessa said, but she was yet to believe it. Julie cared more about playing games.
Julie glanced at Ally.
It was Ally whom Julie first told of her plans to find a husband.
"I am. Along with trying to understand myself and what I want, I will search for a husband. I will soon attend a gathering with the Castros," Julie said, nervously picking at her fingers below the table.
Julie only needed one compliment. She had done as her grandmother wanted, which was to take part in the season.
Julie spoke to the men she was introduced to and played the part of a lady just as she was taught.
"Well done," Odessa said, happy Julie finally saw the light. "Though I am a little puzzled as to why you do not take Ally along with you. Why wasn’t she allowed to stay in the palace when you and your mother were given a room there?"
Julie smiled, scolding herself for expecting a proper compliment.