The Duchess and the Devil - Chapter 84.2

“Come to think of it, several months have already passed,” Countess Murray cast a quick glance, looking at everyone.

Because of the unexpected topic, the girls immediately fell silent. Some coughed, indicating that they did not like the topic, while others casually rubbed their eyes or drank tea, not paying attention to what was said. Obviously, there were more of the latter.

– After all, I heard that they got divorced?

“It seems true, because we hear rumors that relatives from the Duchy have arrived in the capital.”

“I’m so sorry… I can’t even call her Duchess anymore.”

Although rumors usually died out gradually, there were always embers that remained burning steadily. In the social world, this ember was Duchess Weisil. This time the rumors were about a serious political matter, that the two were stronger than the talk of love affairs.

“I never thought this would happen.”

— The Duke died early, unfortunately. But who will accept a woman who no longer has a husband?

It was a huge and offensive stigma on a woman’s life. Even if she had a huge dowry, it was considered that if she got divorced or lost her husband: she could not do her job well. That is why the social world greeted such women coldly.

Just as women who are not unloved by their husbands are looked down upon, society did not like divorced ladies. When it came to relationships between men and women, the Empire was extremely conservative.

“Besides, have you heard about the miscarriage?” And my health could worsen from this…,” she said.

At that moment, someone cleared their throat. This was a strong signal that this topic of conversation was extremely unpleasant for the person. The ladies looked back at the man who made the signal. It was the Marquise.

Before the incident, it was a generally known fact that she was well and intimately acquainted with the Duchess. And all because of frequent visits. Silence suddenly reigned at the table. The Marquise looked at the crowd with a cold gaze. Every now and then she came across the faces of those whom she had already seen at Judith’s tea party.

At that time, each of them tried to look good in the eyes of the Duchess. And now, after the terrible incident that shook the capital, they treated it as if nothing had happened. Judith’s reputation was damaged. Social gatherings were always awkward for Marquise.

About six months have passed since the Duke’s funeral. Judith, who collapsed that day from stomach pain, eventually miscarried. Since no one knew about the pregnancy, everyone was extremely saddened by this news, without even having time to congratulate her.

The Marchioness already had two sons. After a successful period, like any woman, she gave birth to children without any problems. That is why that day the woman was extremely shocked to see Judith pale, unable to breathe, lying in her own blood.

Out of excitement, the Marquise tried more than once to visit the girl, but every time she was refused. He justified himself by Judith’s still poor condition. Seeing the maids running around the mansion, she knew it was true. However, the questions only grew: starting with the story of the murder in the villa, ending with her unexpected illness.

— Maybe the rumors about the affair are true?

For a moment, just such a question arose.

The Marquise saw perfectly well the Duke’s attitude towards his wife. But the fact that this happened immediately after his revival also raised various questions. Looking back, many of the events that happened to Derrick were strange and shrouded in mystery.

“It’s as if people were simply replaced.”

But despite the numerous number of questions, every time the Marquise thought about the Duchess, her heart became heavy and bitter. Time after time she tried to meet with her friend, but it became more and more pointless.

But the Marquise could not relieve the pain in her soul: how will Judith live these days?