Chapter 2
According to the customs of nobility, newlyweds were required to pay respects to the family elders on the morning following the ceremony.
The Grant household was a simple one, with only one elderly lady in residence—the deeply devout Catholic and reclusive Amanda Grant, Alexander's grandmother.
By the time I arrived, Alexander was already present, standing tall and erect in the main hall, dressed in dark casual attire.
His acknowledgment of my entrance was nothing more than a curt, indifferent nod.
Seated in the place of honor, Amanda held a rosary in her hands, her eyes scrutinizing me carefully.
I performed the required curtsy and offered coffee with flawless etiquette, leaving no room for criticism.
"You know your manners," Amanda remarked quietly after taking a sip, then dismissed me with a gesture.
There was no attempt to intimidate, nor any show of warmth—exactly what I had hoped for.
As I exited the hall, Alexander spoke abruptly, "You need not involve yourself in the affairs of Grant Manor for now. Everything will continue as before."
It was a clear warning not to overstep the boundaries of my new role as Mrs. Grant.
"Sure," I answered, crisp and direct.
He seemed momentarily taken aback, as though he had expected resistance or protest. With a frown, he turned and strode away.
Honestly, this was great. He handled the money and took care of the household, and all I had to do was sit back and enjoy. Where else could I find a deal this sweet?
The days that followed were wonderfully relaxed.
True to his word, Alexander and I rarely crossed paths except at essential royal functions.
He stayed at the barracks most nights, and when he did come home, he headed straight for the study.
I embraced the peace and began planning my own venture.
Before finding myself in this world, I had been a doctorate holder in herbalism, with extensive knowledge of the properties of various plants.
While noblewomen of this era seldom engaged in business, I saw an opportunity to create pure, natural skincare—serums, essential oil soaps, and aromatic balms. Starting with the ladies of the court, I could build a reputation and eventually open a perfumery, securing financial independence for my eventual divorce.
With the help of my maid, Hazel Summers, I gathered an assortment of glass containers and herbs, setting up a small still in my courtyard.
Whenever Alexander passed by, the distinct fragrance of flowers, herbs, and fruit would make him pause and frown, but he never commented.
He likely assumed I was dabbling in something unbecoming of a lady.
A month later, my first batch of products was ready—a brightening rose serum, a calming lavender balm, and a potent essential oil soap.
Hazel delivered them to a few acquainted noblewomen as tokens of leisure.
Within three days, inquiries began arriving, asking if more were available.
I couldn't help but smile, feeling a little pleased with myself.
That evening, I was humming a pop song from my old world as I sorted through freshly delivered rose petals in the courtyard, when Alexander walked in unexpectedly.
He had just returned from the palace, still wearing formal attire, and looked weary.
"What is all this?" he asked, eyeing the array of flora and equipment with clear disapproval.
"Just a little hobby," I answered lightly, continuing my work.
He stood in silence for a moment, the only sound being the rustle of petals beneath my hands.
Just as I assumed he would leave, Alexander spoke again, "Lillian... is returning."
My hands paused, and I looked up.
He watched me with a mix of emotions, clearly trying to see how I'd react.
So, the true love was coming back. My freedom drew nearer.
Setting the petals aside, I rose and offered him a sincere, gentle smile. "How wonderful. Congratulations, General."
His face darkened instantly. He had probably expected jealousy, sorrow, or resentment, but found none.
If anything, I seemed almost eager.
Soon after, an urgent letter arrived at Grant Manor, confirming the news. Lillian was indeed coming home.