Chapter 14: Foolish Noblewoman [2]

Chapter 14

Sigrid regarded her step-sister in silence for several moments. Around them, the crowd waited with poorly concealed anticipation. Nobles were creatures who feasted upon scandal, and Maria’s arrival had transformed a simple disagreement into something far more entertaining. Sigrid could practically feel their attention pressing against her from every direction as they waited to see how the daughters of House Beaufort would interact.

At last, she spoke.

"And what precisely are you doing here, Maria?" she asked coolly. "One would think the Gods themselves whisper into your ear whenever a gathering forms within the capital."

Maria laughed softly, apparently missing the barb entirely. Her smile widened with familiar warmth as she folded her hands before her.

"I was merely enjoying a walk through the capital with several of the maids," she replied. "Then I noticed a crowd gathered here and saw that you stood at its center. It appeared you had fallen into some difficulty, so naturally I came to offer my assistance."

Sigrid’s expression did not change in the slightest. "How considerate."

Maria’s smile widened further. "I am your sister. It would be strange if I did otherwise."

"Would it?" Sigrid asked. "Then tell me, are you not displeased regarding the events of this morning?"

For the briefest moment Maria appeared surprised. Then, just as quickly, the expression vanished. A soft chuckle escaped her lips, the sort of laugh that made elderly duchesses adore her and servants defend her without hesitation. It was gentle, forgiving, almost saintly.

"Of course not," Maria said warmly. "The fault was mine from the beginning. I allowed my emotions to overcome my judgment, and I forgot my manners. Sister, I was preparing to apologize again—"

"How do you know Lady Maria?"

The sharp interruption shattered the moment.

Lady Evermere stared at Sigrid as though seeing her for the first time. The question carried enough force that several nearby spectators immediately turned toward Maria expectantly. Before Sigrid could answer, Maria smiled brightly and stepped closer.

"Oh? This is my elder sister."

A collective murmur swept through the crowd. Several ladies visibly stiffened while others exchanged startled glances behind jeweled fans. Maria, seemingly oblivious to the effect her words had produced, reached out and attempted to take Sigrid’s arm in an affectionate gesture.

The contact lasted less than a heartbeat.

Sigrid removed Maria’s hand with smooth, effortless precision. The movement was neither violent nor particularly forceful, yet it was decisive enough to momentarily unsettle her. Maria’s smile faltered before quickly returning, though Sigrid did not miss the brief flicker of discomfort in her eyes.

"Step-sister, Maria," Sigrid corrected. "Do not mistake the distinction again."

Maria’s smile tightened almost imperceptibly, but Lady Evermere looked as though someone had poured ice water down her spine. The color drained from her face with alarming speed as realization settled over her. Moments ago she had been speaking with all the confidence of someone convinced she stood above everyone around her. Now she had discovered precisely who she had chosen to insult.

How quickly pride abandoned people when reality arrived.

A faint smile curved Sigrid’s lips. It was almost disappointing. She had expected more resistance.

"What was it you were saying earlier?" Sigrid asked pleasantly, turning her attention toward Lady Evermere. "Something regarding commoners pretending to be nobles, if I recall correctly."

Lady Evermere visibly swallowed.

No answer came.

Sigrid continued regardless.

"Allow me to relieve your uncertainty. I am Sigrid Thea Beaufort, first daughter of His Grace Duke Vesper Beaufort."

The title fell upon the crowd like a stone cast into still water. Whispers immediately erupted throughout the street while Lady Evermere looked as though she wished the ground would open beneath her feet and swallow her whole.

Sigrid’s smile widened.

"Ironic, is it not? A short while ago you believed yourself qualified to lecture me regarding bloodlines and status. Yet if we are truly discussing impostors, I fear I ought to direct my attention elsewhere."

The woman’s eyes widened.

Sigrid already knew why.

The Sight had revealed everything the moment she had looked upon her. A frightened young woman stood weeping before her father, begging him not to allow society to discover the truth. She had seen terror. Desperation. Fear that the noble ladies of the capital would learn House Evermere was drowning beneath debt. Fear that the illusion of wealth so carefully maintained by the family would finally collapse beneath its own weight.

The Sight showed truths people desperately wished to hide at least from what God said.

Sigrid knew that much.

What she did not know was why it appeared for some people and not others. Lady Marigold had revealed nothing. Lady Evermere had revealed everything. For now, however, that mystery could wait. There were far more entertaining matters before her.

"Tell me, Lady Evermere," Sigrid continued softly, "does your father truly possess the means to purchase gowns of such remarkable expense? I confess I find myself curious."

The noblewoman’s face became deathly pale. Several nearby ladies immediately began whispering amongst themselves, the sound spreading through the crowd like wildfire. Sigrid heard every word.

So did Lady Evermere.

"I hear House Evermere suffers beneath rather substantial debt," Sigrid said. "If that is indeed the case, I wonder whether you ought to concern yourself less with the status of strangers and more with the condition of your own household."

Lady Evermere visibly trembled.

Sigrid felt no sympathy whatsoever. The woman had attempted to humiliate her solely because she believed Sigrid occupied a lower station. Had circumstances been reversed, she would have shown no mercy.

Why, then, should she expect any?

"I believe," Sigrid said with a pleasant smile, "that you may be the one playing at being something you are not."

Lady Evermere’s expression shattered. For a moment she looked as though her entire world had collapsed around her. Sigrid found herself smiling slightly wider as she observed the panic, humiliation, and fear battling for dominance across the woman’s face.

"Tell me, Lady Evermere," she said. "Do you know why assumptions are dangerous?"