Jane burst into laughter upon seeing Cain’s expression, which seemed to say he really had no idea. Cain stared at Jane for a moment before realizing who she was talking about.

“It’s me.”

Jane pressed her lips together. She tried to hold back her laughter but failed.

“Why don’t you just laugh?”

Cain’s cheeks puffed up slightly. His undeniably sulky expression finally caused Jane to burst out laughing.

The refreshing sound of laughter went well with the bright summer.

It even put the people around them in a good mood.

“Oh, Mother is laughing!”

Joseph, who had been playing, turned around when he heard Jane’s laughter.

“They must be having a fun conversation. We can’t lose either, young master! Let’s play even more excitingly!”

Nas rushed towards Joseph.

“Stop it, I said stop!”

Joseph, who was lifted up by Nas, flailed his legs. Joseph’s voice was full of laughter.

“They seem to be having fun over there too.”

With his arms crossed and leaning against a tree, Cain watched Joseph and Nas’ bizarre martial arts.

“Nas plays well with him, right? To the point where he doesn’t need a separate playmate.”

“That’s true. Give him a bonus later.”

Jane was nodding in agreement when…

“I’ll fix your hair for you.”

A servant approached with a comb, mirror, and small basket.

The guests happened to be arriving one after another.

“I’ll go greet them, so come when you’re ready.”

Cain considerately left first for Jane’s sake, and the servant’s hands became busy.

* * *

“If I had known the Duke would also be out here, I would have brought my husband along.”

Lady Alex said.

“I heard Lord Alex is very busy these days. There are many trials related to property disputes lately.”

“Oh my, you even know about my husband?”

“Of course I should know, since he’s the father of Joseph’s friend.”

Cain made good use of the information Jane had told him while riding in the carriage. Of course, he also made good use of his face.

He personally escorted the ladies who brought their children to the rest area made with an awning, constantly flashing a brilliant smile.

“The Duke is always so gentlemanly whenever I see him.”

“It’s because Lady Caden thinks highly of me. I heard Shelly was very ill not long ago. If you need, I can call the ducal family’s physician for you.”

Cain’s calculated offer melted Lady Caden’s heart.

“It would be much appreciated if you could send him.”

Jane, who had been diligently getting ready and heading towards the shade, gradually slowed her steps.

She smiled as she watched the group of ladies chatting and laughing with Cain.

“He’s doing better than me.”

Today was a gathering prepared for Jane’s absence. It was thought that it would be helpful for Cain to get acquainted with the families of Joseph’s friends so that it would be easier to mingle with them later.

It would also be less awkward.

‘The other families might take care of Joseph more too.’

But it seemed to be meddlesome.

There was a reason Cain had a reputation as a playboy. He was skilled at handling women. He kept the women entertained without crossing the line.

‘I guess there was no need for me to step in.’

It might be better to just stay out of the way. Just as her thoughts were about to take a strange turn…

“Look, the Duchess is coming over there!”

Perhaps because they were people Jane had handpicked, or because the rumors about the Hastings had completely changed from before, everyone rose up at her appearance.

“May the Goddess’s fortune be with you.”

As Jane greeted them, they replied in unison.

“May the Goddess’s grace be with you.”

They lowered their bodies even more.

“Thank you for coming all this way.”

As the ladies sat down after the greetings, the servants brought out refreshments.

“You must have come without even having tea because you left early. Have a cup of tea and catch your breath.”

“Jane, I’ll go see Joseph.”

Cain, who had been sitting next to Jane, patted her shoulder and stood up.

Leaving the spot so the women could chat comfortably was also part of the plan agreed upon with Jane.

“Thank you, Cain. The servants are here, but I was still a bit worried about the children. It would be nice if you could watch over them.”

Jane held Cain’s hand that was on her shoulder. Cain bent down and kissed the top of Jane’s head, then gave a nod to the others before leaving.

“He’s good with the child too.”

“So affectionate. I wish my husband would take after even half of the Duke.”

“Half? I’d be happy if he took after even his toes.”

Laughter broke out.

Indeed, the atmosphere became much more relaxed after Cain left.

Jane listened to the ladies’ stories.

The conversation started with “Did you hear this news?” and continued with “No way.” It was just as Jane wanted.

The women asked about various rumors, but none of them were related to the ducal family.

‘Is Jexy keeping her mouth shut?’

Or were the women not telling her out of consideration for Jane?

Jane set down her teacup and said,

“There are many interesting stories. If I enjoyed social activities, I could also tell you amusing stories, but as you know, I’m still adjusting to the ducal family, so I don’t have much activity. That’s why I don’t have any stories to tell either. Unless it’s about the Hastings, that is.”

She indirectly said to ask if they were curious, but would anyone understand?

Contrary to her worries, Lady Alex, who understood well, poked Lady Stoy in the side.

They must have talked about the Hastings on the way here after getting out of the same carriage.

“It would be an honor if you could tell us about the Hastings. We are always very interested in the ducal family.”

“Not just interested! To us, the Duke and Duchess of Hastings are more famous than opera singers.”

“Me?”

Jane tilted her head.

“I guess there are some fun stories about me.”

“It’s not quite right to single out the Duchess. It’s stories about both the Duke and Duchess.”

Once the floodgates opened, words poured out like a faucet met with priming water.

“Is it true that the Duke gives a tremendous amount of gifts?”

“I heard you two were each other’s first loves?”

The noble ladies asked questions Jane hadn’t even thought of.

“Ah, about the gifts…”

He does give them often, but…

Jane was hesitating to answer when…

“I heard the Duke gave strict orders to the jewelers. From now on, any special jewels that come in should all be brought to Hastings.”

Lady Caden told a story even Jane didn’t know.

“Is that so?”

“Oh dear, the Duchess didn’t know. He must have been trying to do a secret event. What should I do? My mouth is so thoughtless.”

“It’s alright.”

Jane spoke before Lady Caden could apologize.

She didn’t think Cain had given such an order for her sake. He probably had some other use for them. However, she didn’t reveal all her inner thoughts.

Because Jane’s goal today was to show the harmonious side of the Hastings family.

“And about being each other’s first loves, that’s true for us.”

At least she had loved Cain sincerely, to the point where she wouldn’t mind giving her all to him.

“I want to hear more details.”

Although they were women who had given birth to children and readily made difficult decisions as the mistresses of their families, in fact, they were young people not much older than Jane.

In front of others, they pretended to be serious and maintained their composure, but in front of people of similar age and circumstances, they were a bit different.

They got excited over other people’s love stories and enjoyed gossip at this age.

“I’ll tell you that story after we go boating.”

The bell rang, signaling that preparations for boating were ready outside.

They couldn’t let the children ride the boats alone, so the adults decided to ride together.

“We can’t keep the children waiting, can we?”

Sighs full of disappointment flowed out, but the well-taught ladies quickly pulled themselves together and left the shade.

As soon as they went out, they put on an air of dignity and took care of their children.

“Shelly, I told you to wear your bonnet properly.”

“Andy, your shoes are wet. Change into new ones. A gentleman should always be neat in appearance.”

Jane also looked for Joseph. Joseph was already on the boat.

“Oh, Mother, over here!”

Joseph waved his hand vigorously. Jane quickened her steps and headed to where the boat was tied.

Cain helped her get on the boat. The other ladies were assisted by the Hastings servants.

Two families rode in the same boat, while the Hastings family rode in a separate boat.

“I’ll push off.”

After seeing Jane and Joseph safely seated, the servant gave the boat a strong push. Then Cain slowly rowed.

The boat was furnished comfortably enough to take a nap. There were mattresses and cushions on the seats, and a canopy was installed to avoid the scorching sun even if they took off their bonnets.

Jane held Joseph tightly by her side and leaned back comfortably on the cushion.

“It’s pre-pretty!”

Joseph looked around the lake.

Every time the wind blew, the blue surface of the lake rippled gently. Thanks to the good sunlight, the green leaves were clearly reflected in the lake.

Each time Cain rowed, the boat coolly cut through the waves and moved forward.

Joseph, seemingly finding the rippling lake curious, stretched out his arm.

“It’s co-cold!”

As water droplets splashed, Joseph laughed merrily.

The waves drew pictures according to Cain’s rowing.

It was a joyful and peaceful afternoon.

“Your Grace!”

It was a time to enjoy the beautiful scenery with the warm sunshine, cool breeze, and people’s laughter as companions.

They searched for Cain and Jane on land.

“I think something happened.”

They wouldn’t be the type to disturb the master and mistress’s time enjoying boating for a trivial matter.

“Go check and come back.”

Cain looked at Joseph. Joseph had already fallen asleep.

Cain nodded and steered the boat towards the shore.

“A guest has come to visit.”

“Everyone I invited has already arrived, what are you talking about?”

“Well…”

A woman with a parasol appeared behind the uncomfortable-looking servant.