CHAPTER 911. RULE #1. Training

It almost goes without saying that dinner was a complete success. The guests wouldn’t stop praising Mariel, congratulating her on being such a remarkable hostess and assuring her that she would make an excellent countess. Even the earl, always reserved, regarded her with a bit more trust.

The only one who kept her expression impassive was Freda, though she couldn’t completely hide her frustration.

"Mariel, dear," said the Duchess of Briand as she bid her farewell,