As If I've Never Loved (Completed Main Story) - Chapter 34

Viscountess Merrill Blaine of Monmouth was unusually dressed plainly.

“Welcome, Bianca.”

Her pale golden hair, usually lavishly adorned with flowers and feathers to reflect her perfectionist tendencies, was today merely tied up naturally with no special ornaments.

Her skin bore no trace of makeup either.

Yet her bare face, accented by strikingly red lips, and her loosely draped robe exuded a surprisingly alluring atmosphere.

Though not a conventional beauty, Merrill Blaine’s elegant figure and uniquely captivating aura made her shine even in unadorned simplicity, as befitted a young lady not yet forty.

Yet, in truth, this unguarded version of herself was rarely seen even within the confines of her own mansion.

After all, it was routine here for several maids to spend hours meticulously preparing the viscountess’s appearance.

Except on days like today—days when Viscount Monmouth wouldn’t return and no visitors were expected.

Lady Talbot, in particular, was hardly a guest requiring formal reception.

The viscountess and Bianca had maintained an unusually close friendship for several years now, rendering their ten-year age difference meaningless.

“How have you been, Viscountess?”

“Oh, I was just about to lose my mind from boredom.”

The viscountess’s tea room was thick with cigar smoke.

For a lady of her refinement to smoke cigars was scandalous—certainly something that would invite public censure, no matter how illustrious her husband might be.

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