Sacrificial Bride to the Feared Lord Hastings-Chapter 66: A friend (1)

"Then, keep watch of where he goes, but do not make it obvious. If he does anything suspicious, we must run and not look back," Ophelia said, crossing her fingers that war would not break out today.

"And what of Lord Hastings?" Alice inquired.

"What about him? He knows how to protect himself, and his knights are all around. We should run and hear of what has become of him later," Ophelia said, not the slightest bit concerned about Dante. "Who is the lady sitting away from the other ladies? The one in blue."

"Who? Oh. She is Mary Sterling. She married young to an older, wealthy gentleman. It is said that her family arranged the union for financial gain. She is always away from the ladies, but you shouldn’t think of becoming her friend," Alice said, thinking Mary was a bad fit.

"I wasn’t thinking of becoming friends. I am only curious about everyone in attendance. Does she love her husband?" Ophelia asked, seeing a bit of herself in Mary.

"She married young. I doubt she is in love with him. They have two sons together, so perhaps there is love," Alice answered.

"Love or a duty she needed to fulfil? When will families stop forcing us into marriage for their gain? I pity her," Ophelia said, looking away from Mary.

"You are more fortunate. Lord Hastings is not an old man, and he is quite handsome-"

Ophelia didn’t like what Alice considered to be good. "How does being handsome help? He could be a monster behind closed doors. Money, status and looks do not make up a good husband."

"I hate that it is being spoon-fed to vulnerable young ladies. Two people who love each other should get married. Not for the sake of securing your future, but what do I know?" Ophelia wondered.

Ophelia was still trying to understand the life she had been thrown into.

"I’m sorry," Alice apologised.

"You didn’t need to. You are simply following what was told to others. I do know I am lucky I wed Lord Hastings, but it is not because he is handsome. It is because he has a good heart," Ophelia corrected Alice.

Alice folded her lips into a thin line. She wanted to seal her lips shut since nothing she said was right.

"Is her husband close to mine?" Ophelia asked, trying to end Alice’s pouting.

"I have seen her husband in the castle, but I do not think Lord Hastings is fond of him. Lady Sterling’s husband is the kind of man who blows where the wind takes him. You will understand when you meet him and when you see him interact with the other families. Oh no!" Alice panicked upon seeing Mary approach them. "She is coming."

"There is no reason for you to panic, Alice. Do not make a fool of yourself and me. Gather yourself," Ophelia quickly spoke.

"Lady Hastings," Mary curtsied. "It is a pleasure to meet you."

Ophelia stood up and curtsied. "You as well. Did I do something wrong?" She asked after noticing Mary’s puzzled gaze.

"No," Mary smiled and shook her head. "I thought I should greet you."

"I saw a man walk over to you and disturb your peace. That must be your husband who asked you to come over here. You don’t need to trouble yourself. I am willing to say we had a good talk, should your husband approach me later," Ophelia offered.

Mary’s shoulders fell, her body no longer tense. "You witnessed it. I apologise for disturbing you as well and for your help. Do you need company?"

"Company would be wonderful, but I have a feeling you wish to get back to your seat. I won’t keep you here any longer. Thank you for greeting me even if it was your husband’s request," said Ophelia.

Mary peered at where her husband stood with a drink in his hand, though the event was yet to start. "If it is not too much of a request, can I sit here with you? I wouldn’t be asked to speak to other wives if I were sitting beside Lady Hastings."

"Then, I will have my guard get your chair and other belongings. Thomas," Ophelia looked up at Thomas. "Be a dear and help her."

"Thank you," May said, pleasantly surprised. "You are most kind, Lady Hastings."

"Kind? I have some plans to use you as well. The other ladies seem to be wary of you. I want to quietly watch the event and not be tasked with speaking to them. I won’t disturb your tea. We both win in the end," Ophelia revealed her plan.

"I see. You are quite intriguing, Lady Hastings. I did overhear the ladies speaking of coming to speak with you. They are a bit of a bother since they would want to pry into your life. You should avoid them," Mary said, sparing a glance at the other women.

Mary sat down when Thomas brought her chair. "I hope Lord Hastings won’t mind that I am in his corner. I know he doesn’t like my husband, but he puts up with him. I’ll keep my husband away if he comes near."

"Why should he approach me when my husband isn’t here? Surely he would know it isn’t proper," Ophelia replied.

"My husband lacks the power to be proper. Oh, look at me," Mary tapped her mouth. "Here I am speaking of my husband to you."

"I don’t mind, and I won’t repeat it to anyone. I don’t have time to go around gossiping since it does nothing for me. Your words are well kept with me," Ophelia promised. 𝗳𝚛𝗲𝕖𝚠𝚎𝚋𝗻𝗼𝕧𝗲𝐥.𝚌𝚘𝐦

Mary chuckled. "I see the ladies are going to have a hard time breaking you. Many of them wanted to marry Lord Hastings, and here you came."

"I came by the order of the king and Lord Valthorn’s wishes. Why does everyone skip over the fact that it was an arranged marriage?" Ophelia inquired, annoyed that this kept going on.

Mary looked away from Ophelia to hide her expression. "It doesn’t matter that your marriage was arranged. They will envy you and be nice under the guise of learning about your secrets."

"I already know. These women aren’t good at hiding their feelings or their plans. I know to be careful, and that is why I wanted to sit alone. What about you? Did you once have some interest in my husband?" Ophelia inquired, testing Mary.

Mary chuckled, a little too much for Ophelia’s liking.

"I get it," Ophelia said, regretting asking. "I spoke of something silly."

"It is understandable since many adored your husband from when he was young, but I never once cared for him in that manner. You are safe from me plotting to have him. I have had enough with men," Mary said, staring at her useless husband.