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Scarcely having glanced at the envelope with the letter signed with the names of professors, Eileen remembered her university life.
In her former circumstances it was a place of which she couldn't even dream.
She never dared even to meditate on it until Cesare opened before her this possibility.
Eileen with enthusiasm utilized this possibility and, although the path was not completely flawless, entered thanks to a "recommendatory letter from His Highness the Prince of the Traon Empire."
The years in university became the happiest period in her life.
During this time she was able to find answers to a multitude of questions she couldn't resolve as a self-taught.
Merely communication with people who, like her, loved plants, brought her huge joy, and the possibility to professionally study development of medicines based on healing herbs made her even happier.
Especially useful turned out chemical experiments—many of them Eileen wouldn't have been able to conduct alone, and the university environment very much helped her.
At first it was hard for her, for all students and professors were significantly older than she, but they turned out so kind and responsive that soon she easily drew close with them.
Although because of family difficulties she didn't manage to finish studies and had to leave in the middle of the course, the time spent in university became for her a precious memory and a true treasure.
Knowledge obtained then until now serves her as a reliable support.
*‘Hope they are doing well...’*
Overwhelmed by nostalgia, Eileen opened the envelope.
It seemed to her very thick, and, as she had supposed, inside turned out a long letter.
[We only recently learned of your wedding and hurry to congratulate you.
We attach a small gift—please, accept it].
The professors, addressing Eileen who had now become Duchess Erzet, used respectful expressions.
However in the long story of recent events through the lines their familiar voices were clearly heard.
Eileen smiled and, having interrupted reading, peeked what they’d sent.
It was a part of an article from a scientific journal.
The article was based on the research Eileen had been involved in together with professors during studies, and her name stood among authors.
She thought that her name, of course, had been removed, for she had left in the middle of work, and besides much time had already passed, but the professors included it and published the article.
Eileen's chest suddenly squeezed from excitement.
Having clenched lips and wrinkled chin, she continued to read.
[Soon we will be in the capital.
If you find time, could we not meet?
We all very much missed you, and, although we understand that it is somewhat presumptuous, we yet dare to ask].
The letter finished with a polite request and assurances of respect.
Eileen with regret quickly reread it once more.
"The professors are arriving in the capital.
Is it allowed for me to meet with them?"
When she asked about this from Sogno, he shuddered from surprise and answered that, of course, it was allowed.
"If you have a desire to do anything, please, don't hesitate to speak about it directly."
For Eileen, representing to herself the life of a Duchess as harsh and strict, such words became a great relief.
She deeply exhaled, gathered courage and this time opened the letter from Ornella.
The paper was saturated with expensive perfumes with a light aroma of lilies.
The content of the letter turned out quite polite and ordinary.
It was an invitation to a tea party where Ornella sincerely congratulated her on marriage and expressed hope that she would honor with her presence exactly her meeting, making it the first social event in the new status.
The reasons for which Ornella, clearly having for her only hostility, so persistently called her, were obvious.
*‘If I go, they’ll tear me to pieces there...’* Eileen represented how Ornella and her friends would surround her and jointly release clouds of cigarette smoke right in the face.
She shuddered and tried to drive away these thoughts.
*‘Too much of a vivid imagination.’*
Having cast away thoughts of Ornella, Eileen pushed the letter aside.
Of course, as Duchess Erzet, she must fulfill her duties, but this didn't mean she needed to curry favor before Ornella.
Of course, the house of Parbelini was an influential family, but it couldn't compare with the Erzet Duchy.
Even the most noble families lately couldn't stand before Cesare.
There was no necessity to choose exactly Ornella for the first social event.
All she would achieve by this—only strengthen her position in High Society.
"Here's what I think.
And what do you consider, Sogno?"
Independently to take such a decision was difficult.
She shared her thoughts with Sogno, and he was deeply moved.
"Completely just words.
There are no reasons to give in to her provocations."
"Then where is it best of all to go for the first social event?"
The best way to sort out in something—simply to ask.
She scanned with a gaze the mountain of letters fallen on Duchess Erzet as if all only waited for her marriage, and timidly asked the question.
Having glanced at Sogno with pleading eyes, she saw how he smiled.
Having looked through the letters on the table a little, he spoke:
"It's only my humble opinion, but since your grace is the most noble lady of the empire..."
Dresser, for long years having served Cesare, with a light smile summarized: "Is it not more correct to yourself invite guests?"
Thanks to Sogno Eileen was able to look at the situation in a new way.
It was decided that the first social event of Duchess Erzet would become a reception which she herself would organize.
Sogno personally set about composing the list of guests for invitations.
Thanks to his enthusiasm everything went like clockwork.
Time during conversations with Sogno flew by unnoticed.
Senón, who should soon have returned, didn't appear until the very sunset.
Cesare, it seemed, briefly delayed in the study, but then, as she heard, again left.
Eileen dined alone.
"His grace rarely happens in the residence." Apparently, Sogno felt pity for her, sitting in solitude at the huge table, and, despite his busyness, came to keep her company.
But Eileen by no means felt herself single or abandoned.
For her it was natural—to always be alone.
That yesterday and today she spent time with Cesare was a miracle.
Waiting for Cesare was for Eileen so accustomed that her only humble desire was simply to see him again tomorrow.
Eileen finished dinner.
Then she read books on etiquette which Sogno chose for her, and early lay to sleep.
But, having turned up in bed, she couldn't fall asleep.
The body felt fatigue, but the mind remained clear.
Eileen lay with open eyes, tossing in bed.
When the vanity of the day subsided and calmness arrived, forgotten thoughts, like bamboo after rain, climbed in head.
Among all thoughts most of all place occupied, of course, Cesare.
He didn't intend to reveal to her his secrets.
But also fully hide them also didn't try.
Even having become a Duchess, she remained in those same one-sided relations.
If he indeed read her diary, then perfectly knew what she feels, but himself didn't say a word.
However to call this deception was impossible—he was too kind to her.
And from this it became only more painful.
She couldn't understand what he had on mind.
*‘He and earlier was not of those who reveal their feelings...’* What made him such?
How could she at least in something help him?
*‘I so want to be useful...’* Having become a Duchess, she began to want more.
She wanted to remain with him.
But if she too often showed her failure, he, possibly, would drive her away.
In this Cesare was similar to a blade.
If she once erred, he could in one night deprive her of favor.
*‘I must become a person who is needed by His Grace.’*
Having plunged into fruitless meditations, Eileen unnoticed for herself fell asleep.
Her half-sleep consciousness startle, having felt someone's presence.
The body, accustomed always to fall asleep in solitude, sharply reacted to a stranger.
Sleepy, Eileen blinked, scanning the darkness.
The first she saw—bright red eyes.
Cesare, whose image so harmonized with darkness, smirked, having flashed a sharp gaze.
A light smell of blood and his tired voice tickled the skin.
"Forgive me, did I wake you?"
Eileen slowly closed and opened eyes.
Cesare before her—it was surely a dream.
She for a moment forgot she was in the Duke's residence and smiled as if again met him on the small bed on the second floor of the brick house.
"Cesare..."
She called his name with an infinitely happy smile in which a light capriciousness was read.
"I missed you."
Cesare slightly narrowed eyes.
He moved his face closer and asked: "Since when?"
"Always.
Constantly." In her whisper there was not enough place for all her tender feelings.
It was annoying to her that she couldn't pass all her overflowing love.
She looked at him through slumber, and his red eyes reflecting her also seemed clouded, as if from sleep.
"Yes, Eileen." His lips touched her, as if a falling petal.
He kissed her cautiously as if fearing to crush, and quietly answered: "I also all the time missed you."