Honestly, I couldn't understand why Ethan was acting this way.
If things continue like this, the only option left is to file for divorce...
But even if I did, it was almost certain that I would lose.
Not only did I have no chance against Ethan in terms of money or power, but the law itself was overwhelmingly in favor of men.
For me to win, I needed a clear mistake on his part.
Like cheating with another woman, for example.
Of course, even this did not guarantee victory, and Ethan was not the type to betray.
He was very particular about such matters and had little interest in women from the beginning.
If the direct approach is blocked...is this the only option left?
This was the method often used by the heroines of romance novels to get rid of their male counterparts: escape.
In most cases, the main man would turn the world to find her...but Ethan wouldn't go that far.
In fact, I had thought about this plan a long time ago, but I didn't want to use it unless it was absolutely necessary.
Not only will it be tiring, but a successful escape usually requires careful preparation.
If I had agreed to live on the run, with only a bag in my hand, I would have run away now. But I don't want that.
For a safe and bright escape, there are at least three things essential.
I needed a safe escape route, a place to hide, and money to fund my escape and my future life.
Including securing financing, the preparation will take at least a few months. Prolonging the preparation period may affect the decision to adopt Elodie...what a headache!
In the original story, Ethan was a fierce bachelor.
He reluctantly allowed Elodie and Roland to marry in the end, but even then, he had openly declared that he would never allow Elodie to marry.
In fact, Ethan never married again and never had another lover in his entire life.
Of course, that was after he divorced Camille because she cheated on him...had he always been this conservative when it came to relationships?
I never imagined that Ethan would suggest bringing Olivier to the duchy. At this point, Ethan wasn't the stranger—maybe I misjudged him from the beginning.
Am I missing something?
After some thought, I raised my head.
“Mary, can you call Victor for me?”
***
“So, what do you think of tea?”
“How wonderful, Duchess. It smells wonderful, and the flavor is perfect. I have never tasted such wonderful tea in my life.”
Ines burst into tears as she spoke, her cheeks a little red, and her eyes shining. It didn't sound like flattery, but sincere admiration.
“I'm glad you like it. Take your time. We also have some snacks, enjoy them together.”
"Yes, I was about to say, the pastries are delicious! Especially these scones. I don't think they're made with any special ingredients, but they are so rich and have a great texture! I'm amazed!"
"Really? I'll definitely tell the baker. He'll be happy to hear from you."
“I feel like I'm in a dream. I wonder if I really deserve this kindness... I'm so happy, I'm afraid I'll get into an accident on my way home.”
Although Ines said it jokingly, I couldn't laugh at it given the content of the original story.
“I cannot accept that. I will arrange a carriage for you to take home safely.”
Ines' eyes widened and she waved her hands in protest, "Excuse me? No, I can't impose on you more than this..."
"It's okay. Don't think of it as a burden. It will make me feel better. I'm sure Jack feels the same way. Right?" I turned to Jack next to me and asked him.
“Oh, yeah, I think so.”
Jack shrugged slightly as he answered. He had been embarrassed ever since he arrived.
"It's been hot for a while, but it's nice and cool today. The breeze is refreshing, isn't it?"
“You are right, Duchess.”
Ines quickly intervened.
I smiled as I raised the teacup to my lips.
I was having tea with Jack and Ines on the south garden terrace of the estate.
I invited them, and I felt sorry because I was always the one visiting them.
It was rare for a commoner to be invited to such a noble house.
Ines seemed still confused, while Jack seemed lost in thought.
There were two reasons I called them today.
One was the narrative I established during the Marcel Patch incident, where I had great sympathy for Ennis.
Although it is no longer necessary, cutting off contact with her suddenly may raise suspicions.
The other reason is the real motive behind this meeting.
At that moment, Mary returned from the main house, panting slightly from the intensity of the hurry.
“Ma’am, the master is calling for you.”
“Now?”
“Yes, and… Master Jack too.”
Mary looked at Jack as she spoke.
It seemed like she was still afraid of him after the interrogation incident.
“What could it be? It seems urgent… Ines, I’m sorry, but can you wait here for a bit?”
“Of course, Duchess. Don’t worry about me.”
“Okay. If it takes a long time, I will send someone to accompany you. You can take the carriage home, and I will make up for you later.”
“Oh no, there's no need for you to go that far.”
“I want that,” I smiled warmly.
Ennis's eyes filled with tears as if she was deeply affected, “Duchess...”
“Mary, please keep Ines company for a while.”
“Yes ma'am”
“Let's go”
I turned to Jack.
He gave Ennis a worried look before standing up silently and following me.
“Are you sure you can walk? It seems urgent, so maybe we should order a stroller now.”
The terrace where we had tea was about a 15 minute walk from the main house.
I had suggested going to it on foot, noting that the day was a good day for a walk.
Jack frowned slightly, as if upset.
Perhaps he thought Mary lacked the wisdom not to call the carriage.
“There's no need for that. The truth is, Ethan's not calling us.”
“...excuse me?”
“It was a pre-arranged excuse. I wanted a chance to talk to you alone.”
Jack looked at me in surprise, “Why…what do you want to talk to me about?”
“It's no big deal. I didn't want Ethan to know. If I had called you directly, it would have been eye-opening.”
“…Aren’t you worried that I will report this to the Duke?”
"I'd rather you didn't. Would you?" I asked, looking at Jack calmly.
“……”
Jack remained silent, averting his gaze.
He probably felt grateful to me because of what happened with Ennis, so I knew he wouldn't refuse outright.
I laughed softly.
“I'm just kidding. Listen, if you think it's important enough to report it after hearing from me, feel free to do so. If not, I'd appreciate it if you kept it to yourself.”
“……”
Jack sighed after a short silence, “Tell me.”
“Why won't Ethan divorce me?”
Jack stopped walking, startled by my direct question.
“Ethan is adamant about refusing to divorce. I don’t understand why. Do you know something?”
“……”
Jack didn't answer immediately. I kept my gaze on him, waiting.
I wanted to catch any hint of hesitation or inauthenticity.
“I'm not sure either. But I think it's something you can guess, Duchess.”
“What is that? If I can guess it, is it due to the suspicions about the informant I mentioned earlier?”
“Well... maybe...” Jack admitted with a slightly embarrassed look.
I frowned frankly.
"Does Ethan still suspect that I'm a spy? If that were the case, I would stay close to him, and not file for divorce. If I was afraid of being caught, I would run away. I've had plenty of chances."
“……”
Jack seemed a little annoyed by my blunt statement.