The Engagement of the Baron of Flowers and the Withered Tree Lady.

Chapter 2: The Meeting of the Withered Wood Lady and the Baron

Though it wasn’t certain, Julia speculated that both families had probably not exchanged portraits prior to the meeting.

If they had, knowing her appearance-oriented sisters, they would have at least prepared themselves for the encounter, regardless of the social status difference.

In response, the Baron showed a perplexed expression and spoke as follows.

“I assure you, it’s not a misunderstanding.

I proposed to marry you, Miss Julia, to the Earl himself…”

“Oh? So, it was a marriage proposal from you, Baron, and not from my father?”

“Yes. Once you make your debut in society, I’m certain you’ll receive numerous proposals, making it impossible for a humble baron like myself to reach you. Therefore, though it may seem underhanded, I couldn’t wait for the return of the Earl from abroad, so I took the liberty to propose through a letter. I wonder what your father’s letter said about me…”

“A letter? I’m sorry, but my father didn’t… I haven’t received any letters myself.”

“Apologies for the misunderstanding. My intention was to express that I sent a letter to your father requesting the engagement. It appears there may have been a miscommunication or oversight. I apologize if I have caused any confusion.”

“And who did you hear this story from?”

“I heard it from my stepmother and the butler. They informed me about the engagement proposal with Baron Plant, and that it was an opportunity for us to meet. They emphasized that this was an offer that couldn’t be refused. However, I was under the impression that the discussion revolved around one of the daughters of the Woodcliff Earl’s family, without specifically identifying me.”

“Why me, when there could be anyone else?”

“Does that mean your older sisters rejected the proposal and imposed it on you?”

That was exactly the case.

Julia’s face flushed with a mix of emotions as she searched for the right words to convey her feelings.

“I deeply apologize.

Perhaps my father’s letter didn’t provide detailed information about you, Baron. It didn’t include a portrait either.

Until this moment, I had imagined you to be much older, around my father’s age…

If my sisters were to learn about you, I believe they would also feel regretful.”

“…”

Upon hearing that, the Baron fell silent and pondered for a moment.

Were her sisters really the kind of people who would willingly impose unwanted engagements on their younger sister?”

Did the butler, even if it was at the master’s command, proceed with this matter without even investigating the potential partner for the young lady?

And did the stepmother, even if it was a matter of duty, neglect her daughter, who is an earl’s daughter, to the extent of sending her to the meeting without a lady-in-waiting, only with an escort?

The Baron speculated that the reason Earl Woodcliff didn’t include detailed information about himself in the letter was to prevent her older sisters from showing any interest in him.

It seems that the Earl doesn’t trust the members of his household.

In fact, Miss Julia mentioned that she hadn’t received any letters from her father.

However, the letter from the Earl stated, “I received a positive response from Julia, so I decided to proceed with this matter.”

So, in other words, the letter written by the Earl never reached Miss Julia, and someone from the Earl’s household used her name to reply without her knowledge.

Upon careful consideration, the young Baron realized that he needed to proceed with caution and thoughtfulness.

As the Baron fell silent, Julia thought that she had angered him. Well, it was understandable for him to be upset.

Even if she turned out to be the desired engagement partner he had hoped for from the beginning, it wouldn’t sit well with her to know that her sisters had forced the situation upon her.

Furthermore, considering that she was actually referred to as the “Withered Wood Lady,” she couldn’t help but feel inadequate.

“Um, if it seems difficult for you to decline, I can talk to my father on my own accord. However, I’m not sure where my father is at the moment, so it might have to wait until he returns.”

“Decline? Why should I be the one to do that? It’s something I desired myself.”

“I’m not sure how my father explained me to you, but I’m actually a faux noblewoman.”

“A faux noblewoman?”

Julia decided to be honest and open about herself. She felt that it would be disrespectful to the baron to continue with the engagement without disclosing this information.

“I am my father’s illegitimate child. Until two years ago, I lived in the commoner’s world.

Moreover, I lost my mother and became an orphan. I was taken care of by a kind couple on a farm out of pity.

Although I received some formal education as a lady after being taken in by the Woodcliff family, it’s merely a superficial attempt.

I have never experienced socializing, and I honestly lack confidence in fulfilling the role of a nobleman’s wife.”

“I am well aware of Julia’s background and circumstances. However, despite that, I still wish to marry you. Do you despise me?”

“Oh? No, I don’t dislike you. However, since we have just met today, I’m not sure how to respond…”

“Of course, I understand that discussing immediate marriage may be too hasty. However, could we at least expedite the engagement process? As we engage in this relationship as fiancés, I will do my utmost to make you develop feelings for me.”

Julia’s eyes widened. This engagement couldn’t be refused in the first place. If Baron Plant desires it, there should be no issue in progressing with this matter smoothly. Yet, the idea of making an effort to be liked by her was unexpected.

Even though they had just met, Julia felt a favorable impression towards this man.

She had many questions about why he wanted to marry someone like her, but Julia decided to gradually inquire about them as they got to know each other.

“U-Understood. Thank you very much.”

As Julia lowered her head, Baron Plant let out a visible sigh of relief before gently smiling.

Once again, the rose smiled…

Captivated by his overwhelmingly beautiful smile, Julia found herself breathless.

During a first formal encounter, it is customary for women to simply touch their lips to the rim of a teacup without actually drinking from it.

While consuming food and beverages is not considered impolite, many women feel self-conscious about putting something in their mouths in the presence of unfamiliar individuals.

Of course, even Julia, who was not well-versed in social etiquette, was aware of this common practice.

However, desperate times call for desperate measures.

“What’s the harm in satisfying my hunger?” Julia thought, fearing that her rumbling stomach would only make the situation more embarrassing.

Moreover, it went against Julia’s principles to waste food by leaving it uneaten.

Julia gracefully and leisurely consumed the tea and strawberry shortcake that the baron had ordered for her.

However, beneath the surface, Julia was deeply moved by the cake after nine long years, savoring it slowly in hopes of prolonging this happiness as much as possible.

And just as Julia finished her refill of tea to cleanse her palate, it was as if the Baron Plant had been waiting for that moment to speak up.

“Would you like to take a short walk?”

And…