My Husband Caught Me Having an Affair - Chapter 18

‘So many names…’

Even with a rough count, there seemed to be at least a hundred names on the list. Of course, not everyone on the list would attend, but it was still important to be prepared.

“Could you possibly make a copy of this list for me? I know it’s a hassle, but I would really appreciate it,” I asked.

“Eh? Ah, no, that’s fine, but… may I ask why you need it?” Viscount Rochefort asked cautiously, watching my reaction.

“As you know, it’s been quite a while since I’ve attended a ball, let alone my husband. I’d like to know in advance who we might be meeting that night and prepare accordingly,” I said, smiling calmly.

“Don’t worry. I have no intention of interfering with the invitation list.”

At my words, Viscount Rochefort quickly waved his hands in denial. “Oh, no, I never thought that. It will take some time to copy, but is that alright?”

“Of course. I’ll wait,” I replied with a smile, taking a sip from my teacup.

‘Power certainly is useful… If I weren’t the Duchess of Dumont, this would never have been so easy.’

I had no intention of abusing my position, but there was no reason not to use the resources available to me. Especially given my current situation, I couldn’t afford to be complacent.

“Oh, and one more thing. Can you keep it a secret that my husband and I will be attending the ball until the day of the event? As you know, he doesn’t like being the center of attention.”

It would be troublesome if uninvited guests decided to show up after hearing that Ethan would attend.

“Oh, yes, of course. I understand completely. I’ll ensure absolute discretion.”

Viscount Rochefort looked at his secretary, who was copying the guest list at the desk, with a ‘you heard that?’ expression. The secretary quickly nodded in agreement.

‘Well, that’s one problem solved…’

***

The next stop was the Grandbert Mansion. As I was ushered into the drawing room by the butler, a woman with a cheerful demeanor greeted me with a smile. Her somewhat round and plump face exuded a very endearing atmosphere.

“Duchess Dumont.”

‘Wow, she looks just like her image in the original story.’

Viscountess Audrey Grandbert was introduced in the original story as the chaperone for the grown-up Elodie. Viscountess Grandbert was known for her kind and gentle nature and had an excellent reputation in high society. That was why Ethan had asked her to be Elodie’s chaperone.

While she wasn’t a major character in the story, Viscountess Grandbert played an essential role in ensuring Elodie made her debut in society as a proper lady.

‘She looks younger than I expected. Well, this is six years before she first appeared in the story, so it’s only natural. She’s probably just a few years older than Camille.’

“Please, have a seat. How is your health now?” she asked.

Officially, I had been confined at home due to health issues.

“As you can see, I’m perfectly fine now. Thank you for the letter and the flowers you sent.”

“Oh, it was nothing. I should have visited in person, but I didn’t want to impose.”

Viscountess Grandbert was the only person, apart from my brother Olivier, who had sent me a letter inquiring about my well-being during the past two months. That was one of the reasons I had decided to visit her today.

The other reason was a single line of description from when Viscountess Grandbert was first introduced in the original story:

‘Viscountess Grandbert was kind even to Ethan’s ex-wife, Camille.’

In other words, the author intended to convey how good a person she was by showing her kindness to someone as disliked as Camille. It was a bit of a sore point now that I was in Camille’s body, but it was a useful piece of information.

“To thank you for your concern, I brought a gift. It’s loaded in the carriage, so please have a servant bring it in.”

“Oh, you shouldn’t have. I was just doing what anyone would do…”

“I’m just doing what anyone would do as well. So please accept it, unless you want to make me look like a shameless person,” I said with a playful smile.

“Oh, well, if you put it that way… Thank you very much.”

“Thank you for accepting it. How have you been, Viscountess? And your husband?”

“We’ve been well, thank you for asking. My husband is the same as always.”

“And Louise? Is she well?”

At that, Audrey couldn’t hide her surprise. “You remembered my daughter’s name?”

“Of course. Louise is nine years old this year, isn’t she? You mentioned before that she often falls ill,” I said.

“……”

Audrey was clearly taken aback, her mouth slightly open in surprise.

Louise was a bright and lively girl despite her weak constitution. In the story, she debuted in society the same season as Elodie, and they remained close friends throughout.

“I included some tea that’s good for colds in the gift I brought today. The weather is getting colder, after all.”

“Thank you so much…,” Audrey said, still looking a bit bewildered.

Given her kind and unbiased nature, her reaction spoke volumes about Camille’s usual behavior. It was obvious she wasn’t accustomed to such attention from Camille.

‘Now, let’s get to the main point.’

“Actually, the reason I came today isn’t just to thank you. I have a favor to ask,” I said.

“You have a favor to ask of me, Duchess? What is it?” she asked, curious.

“It’s about my illness. Although I said I’m fine now, the truth is I’m not fully recovered. I’m still suffering some aftereffects,” I explained.

Audrey’s eyebrows furrowed with concern. “Oh dear, what kind of illness was it…?”

“At first, I thought it was just a regular fever, but as the fever persisted, my mind grew foggy, and my memory started to become unclear. If I seemed different today, that’s probably why. Even the staff at the mansion find me a bit unfamiliar,” I said.

“Oh…” Audrey looked as if she understood now.

“Particularly, I’m having trouble remembering names and faces unless they’re people I was very close to or admired. That’s why today, I seem different. I’ve tried to hide it, but it’s difficult.”

I gave her a meaningful look, hoping to convey that she was someone I admired.

“Goodness…”

Whether she fully grasped my meaning or not, Audrey seemed sympathetic to my situation.

“The fever is subsiding, and my memory is gradually returning, but it’s slow. I’m worried about the upcoming ball at Viscount Rochefort’s this weekend. I’m afraid I won’t be able to greet everyone properly,” I said, pulling out the guest list I had received from Viscount Rochefort and handing it to Audrey.

“This is the guest list for the ball. I asked Viscount Rochefort for it. I was hoping you could help me remember the people on this list. Could you tell me a bit about each person? What they look like, their personality, family background, and how I usually interacted with them?”

Before Audrey could respond, I quickly added, “I know it’s a lot to ask, but there’s no one else I can turn to. You were the only one who checked on me while I was ill.”

“……”

“It’s not to criticize others, of course. It just means I wasn’t well-liked. I probably didn’t behave well. If I’ve ever caused you any discomfort, I apologize,” I said, bowing my head.

Audrey, startled, quickly took my hands. “No, Duchess. You’ve never made me feel uncomfortable. Please, lift your head.”

“…Really?” I looked at her with as pitiable an expression as I could muster.