Synopsis ー London, England 1860's. High society couldn't believe what they saw. A commoner marrying a nobleman? Had the world gone mad? It definitely is.
Featuring ー Victorian AU Bucci gang & Oc's
a/n. Thank you @theclairedelunemiracle for setting the AU in motion. This story took a lot of time to write, but it was fun nonetheless.
As you all may have known, she is the heiress of Spade, one of the largest tea company to ever be built upon England. It isn't uncommon for the nouveau riche to enter high society as a newcomer, the Spade family rose into riches a decade ago, earning themselves a place as one of the richest family in high society, surpassing several barons, viscountess, and even earls. The high society has never been merciful to the nouveau riches. So evidently, Miss Spade endures by waltzing her way into the ballroom, whilst whispered insults were aimed at her.
Recalling a few years ago, Angelica Spade was nothing but a mere merchant's daughter, her unclear past left an unimpressionable mark, leaving not a single clue to where her family had hailed from.
Being loved and hated at the same time sounds utterly ridiculous, Angelica thought so.
Her kind and merciful nature had made her a saint in the eyes of some, and the other whom hated her brings scorn at every turn. The world of the elite was a strange and dangerous place, just as treacherous as the low class.
Angelica Spade wasn't born in aristocracy or gentry. Her mother, a descendant of a fallen noble house, married a timid yet hardworking commoner.
The man's endeavors are well-paid by heaven's above, amassing an incredulous amount of wealth than expected. As of now, the Spade family are one of the richest excluding the nobles and the royals. Their wealth attracted countless attention, it wasn't a surprise if young, but destitute men knocked on house Spade's door in order to take her hand in marriage, of course, they are rejected. Most of them seeks to usurp her fortune to absolve debts, gambling, drinking, and many unspeakable acts she does not condone.
Although the lady bestows mercy, no forgiveness would be allowed to anyone who harmed her or her family.
It is the oldest friend to her.
Why should one be bothered by water? Most of people felt quite the discomfort when rain falls, huffing at the inconvenience. Nevertheless, as long as she can remember, rain stays where it is needed, and she's had her share of rainfall, particularly during those funerals she attended.
Her first funeral was dedicated to Angelica's dear old grandmother, dying beautifully in her coffin, surrounded by her favorite lilies. She can not remember who cried the most, but the hardest to fall onto his knees was her grandfather.
'Oh, how grandfather loves grandmother with his whole heart, more than himself, I did not know if it's true but I can confirm that thought. He must have cherished her a whole lot that he dug her grave in the middle of October.'
I know. I saw it from afar, behind the graveyard's gates.'
Many of her extended family died, one by one their funerals took a lot out of their meager wealth.
Some died in war, others submit to disease and famine, while a few died from unexpected or natural causes, and poverty crushed the rest.
Angelica was present in every single funeral arranged, and just like a loyal friend, rain arrives. In the very end, all that is left is her mother and her aunt. From a once great family, they were reduced into nothing but rubbles. House London, a once noble viscount household, had perished, courtesy of death.
Such a young soul, to be surrounded by death, the young Spade often thought if she would succumb to the same macabre fate as her ancestors. She never shed a tear upon those who are dead, but whoever said it didn't soften her heart? So soft, so merciful, yet so haunting.
'Would you believe if I say the memory of the smell never abandoned my mind? If you wish to perceive it, then you better search for something dead, entwine that something with withering lilies and roses. By then, you will know the scent of my family, the scent of death, a grotesque aroma.'
Known to be very fond of rain and hydrangeas, others had coined the nickname 'Lady of Hydrangeas' as a formality for her ladyship. The lady herself would gift a hydrangea as a token of her appreciation, most likely picked from her private gardens.
It was said that if one should visited the lady on a rainy day, she would be in a good mood. Any requests shall be granted on behalf of the calming rain.
Lady Aria Pamina Hertz, Baron Hertz's daughter, became close friends to Lady Angelica when they met each other on a rainy day.
Aria had lost her way. The gardens were akin to a maze, the way out wasn't in sights as she strolled. The sky had turned into a gloomy gray and not too long after, droplets of rain fell from the sky, heavy rain obscuring one's eyesight.
From afar, Aria saw a figure holding an umbrella, approaching her.
"Oh, hello there," a lady emerged from behind the curtain of rain.
The kind lady introduced herself as Angelica Spade, she offered Aria her umbrella as they searched and found a place to take shelter from the windy rain, that place being the garden's alcove.
Upon hearing her name, Aria recognized her as the heiress of Spade. She had always admired the mind behind the tea company, especially, their premium tea, launched by Lady Angelica herself, has proven to be wonderful, impressing the tongues of both the highborn and lowborn.
Flattered by such words, Angelica took an interest to the lady, so much that she offered Aria her friendship, deliberately landing a hydrangea on Aria's hand soon after.
The noblewoman, at the end of the day, was chaperoned by Angelica to the main house, the sky is getting darker by the minute. Strangely enough, Aria noticed her new companion did not take a step to the house, instead, the whimsical lady stood in the middle of rain, shielded by an umbrella. Before Aria could express her confusion, Angelica turned her back, returning to the gray gardens and equally gray skies, disappearing once again behind the curtain of rain.
"Come to my house any day, Lady Aria. I'll be sure to welcome you with the wafting scent of my newest tea."
Who would've known, Lady Angelica are well-acquaintanced with Lord Giorno Giovanna, Duke of Naples.
Rumor has it, that Lady Angelica had known the duke since he was a child. But is it true? Or was it another one of the gossips?
Even high-ranked nobles had difficulty arranging or requesting an audience with Duke Giovanna.
Additionally, her ladyship seems to be a member of Duke of Naples's inner circle. The story itself is quite a mystery, however, it couldn't be denied since Lady Angelica is truly Duke Giovanna's friend and one of his loyal confidante.
"Do you remember the time when we strolled by the slums?" Angelica said, reclining on the sofa inside Giorno's study. Now that he was the Duke of Naples, everything the previous duke belongs to him, "And we shared a basket of bread,"
Giorno leans to one of the finely-crafted bookshelves, reading a book, "Yes, I remember it clearly. You gave all the bread to me except for one,"
"I'm not fond of bread, one is enough," She rose from the plush seat, proceeding to gaze outside the palladian window, "But, that basket of bread led you to me, yes?"
The book was shut with a thump, "Indeed," he put the book down on his mahogany table, approaching Angelica, standing beside her as he too gazed the gardens below, "You, however, sent me to Bucciarati,"
"He could care for you better than I, and better than starving by my side," Angelica hummed.
If one inspects closer at the time they were but small children, Angelica and Giorno was similar to siblings, like an elder sister guiding her inexperienced younger brother.
But in truth, he saw her as a mentor, though she was far from it.
The lady knew who and what his true form is, with black hair and dull eyes, the color of dead leaves. She was utterly in shock when she realize his hair was dyed black, and that his true hair is golden, revealing his heritage, and his dream.
"However, if it weren't for you, I would never realize my dream. Grasping what is rightfully mine from the usurper Diavolo is nothing but a fool's daydream, impossible to achieve, if it isn't you who stoked the fire to my heart," glancing to his right, Giorno could see a small smile gracing her lips.
"You strive in light, while I strive in rain. Funny how the world works. Then again, my role was nothing but a wind to your firewood. Your actions are the ones who hoisted you to victory." She giggled, "You are the one who took Bucciarati's hand, I only showed you the way,"
The lady sighs, turning to face the golden-haired youth, "But, Haruno..." she gave him a wry smile, eyebrows scrunched.
The Duke of Naples felt something was amiss, "Yes...?"
"You were courting my landlady!?"
That day, Lord Giorno Giovanna, Duke of Naples, nearly received a slap, courtesy of Lady Angelica's fan.
But now, society know her as Lady Angelica Fugo, the Marchioness of Montierri, or simply as Marchioness Fugo.
Whilst Adrian Spade was given the honor of knighthood by the queen. Marchioness Angelica Fugo was almost given the title of dame, but the damehood was politely declined in favor for it to be given to her aunt, the now Dame Julia London.
The marriage between Marquess Pannacotta Fugo and Lady Angelica Spade shook London's high society to the core, earning many gossips and rumors encircling their matrimony. How did their union came to be?
March 1860. The night is young, the sun had just set. But tonight won't be a quiet night, not with the merrymaking of the ball's participant, and the debutantes. Twas a sight to behold, a party with men and women gliding through the dance floor, enthralled by the alluring music which is played by the recently popular musicians. Many young ladies could only dream about something such as tonight. Those bright-eyed maidens, dreaming about a grand ball, a dashing gentleman sweeping them off their feet. She would know, for that girl dreamt the same when she was but a child.
And here she was, lounging on an armchair at the back of the hall, hiding half of her face with a fan.
"Daughter, we ought to go home." Mr. Spade, sauntered toward her, "There's something we have to discuss... immediately."
Angelica shuts her fan with a sigh, smiling in relief, "Finally, I'm dying to leave this place."
"Indeed, we must. What we will discuss would determine your future." Mr. Spade muttered, prompting Angelica to fumble her fan.
"My dear, you are getting married."
"Pardon...!?" The words left Angelica wide-eyed, the room around her seems to blur away.
All she could see were candlelights...
The first meeting between the two took place in Lord Pericolo's debutante ball, a ball he held for the sake of the season's debutantes. The star bachelors of the season all gathered there, including the young marquess, without doubt it was Duke Giorno Giovanna and his allies.
According to a reliable source, rich and powerful figures graced the hall with their presence.
Bruno Bucciarati, Marquess of Townshend, also known as the 'Port Marquess', a nickname he held to this day. Owner of the Townshend company, a man too kind for his own good, also a desirable husband for the young maidens.
And not to forget, the port marquess's right hand man, Leone Abbacchio, Earl of Surrey. Owning a mine and a bad reputation of being a drunkard. But it is all in the past now that Marquess Bucciarati has baptized him into a new man.
For the free-spirited, simple, and horse-obsessed Earl of Lennox, Guido Mista, Bucciarati saw him fit as another ally with great talents. Lord knows why he chose that wild horse. However, no one can deny his gallant features and charm, handsome as he is cheerful, inciting excitement wherever he goes.
The future Baron Berner, a boy as refreshing as a river stream, also a debutant, Narancia Ghirga. Sponsored by Duke Giovanna and Marquess Bucciarati, he has a considerable amount of wealth despite not inheriting his father's title yet.
It all led to today. Yes, Lord Pericolo's ball is today.
The ball was meant to elevate his ward, Trish Una, as a debutant.
And her soon-to-be husband would meet her for the first time. Then again, Angelica is nervous, as well as the night before, for she knows not the visage of the man she would marry. Everything happened all of a sudden!
Angelica found herself beside her father, inside Lord Pericolo's ballroom. Tonight, she would meet her fiancée.
But before that, there is someone she would like to meet.
And the most surprising is how Marchioness Fugo is also a friend of the Duchess of Naples.
Our dear reliable source also told a story about how Lady Angelica associated herself with foreigners in Lord Pericolo's debutante ball.
Moreover, they were diplomats from India? That certainly sounds mysterious, one might wonder who they are, however, it was revealed to be Duchess Bria Giovanna when she was but a maiden.
"Good evening, Mr. Spade," A man, slightly bowed to Angelica's father.
"Ah! Lord Adal, a pleasure to meet you!" Mr. Spade cheered, shaking the foreigner's hand, a sign of a warm greeting, "I can't believe you've graced us with your presence tonight. Oh, and may I know who this lovely young lady is...?"
Lord Adal gestured to the young woman by his side, she is a rare beauty, capable of binding the many eyes to her spell, but unaware of her own charm.
"This is my daughter." Lord Adal proudly gestures.
Black hair falling like waves upon one's shoulders, eyes imbued with a star-like light, skin shimmering like bronze tampered with honey, and adorned with a sweet smile to her rosy lips.
"Good evening to you, Mr. Spade. My name is Bria Adal." Bria Adal presents a feather-light curtsy. Her eyes then finds itself into a pair of eyes with the color of rain.
Angelica smiles in acknowledgement, happy to meet someone her age.
"A nice evening, yes? I never thought I would meet one of England's largest tea company's owner in the flesh, much less summoned to personally meet him."
Lord Adal swirls his glass of wine in delight, "Say, I mean not to be rude, but I have a box of fine cigars I'd like to share with you while we talk about our business. Shall we?" He turns his body toward the ballroom exit, obviously referencing to the lounge room.
"Ah, it's a shame, Lord Adal. But the one who summoned you isn't me." Mr. Spade grins in withdrawal, "The one who called for you is none other than my daughter."
"Your daughter!? You jest, Mr. Spade! That couldn't be--"
"It's as true as day, my lord. I believe anyone could initiate business matters despite their gender and status. That said, it was Angelica's idea to form a partnership with you," He leers at the baffled lord, "I implore you, my lord. Please give her a chance, you won't regret choosing her." Mr. Spade glanced down to his daughter who beamed brightly due to his praise.
Lord Adal came this far only to be met with his business partner, who happened to be a young girl, as not to waste his chance of gaining a promising partnership, he relents with a heavy heart.
"So, what business venture do you have to offer, Miss Spade?" He cleared his throat.
Angelica swelled with pride, fully supported by her father's praise.
It is here that Lady Angelica first encountered the future Duchess of Naples, Lady Bria Adal, now known as Duchess Bria Giovanna. Their friendship lasted for a long time, it was revealed Lady Angelica summoned Lady Bria to enter the court of London's noble society as diplomats and business partners.
The conversation fell onto a magnificent end with Lord Adal chuckling over his new business partner, a young lady at that. To discuss further transaction and partnership, Mr. Spade led Lord Adal into the lounge room, the latter requested Angelica to take care of his daughter whilst he was gone.
The two young ladies chatted the without a care for the ball whilst drinking tea and eating light snacks. They found common interests in tea, Bria loves the tea she grew back home, Angelica meanwhile found joy in blending tea. If it wasn't for the presence of Lady Aria Hertz, Lady Adal's best friend whom she met on a summer ball, the conversation would've lasted through the night.
Angelica let the two young women exchange their greetings and chats about their well-beings, just as she was about to go and see her father, she saw the Duke of Naples, Giorno Giovanna, entering the ballroom, not long after he descended from the stair steps with his entourage following behind, he's surrounded by women, young and old.
Blushing maidens, eager mothers, excited matchmakers, all surrounded them like waves, competing for attention.
It's like watching an animal pouncing it's prey for meat, Miss Spade thought. Then again, Duke Giovanna's business is none of her concern. Her old friend must defend himself this time, without anyone's guidance.
Angelica had seen enough, she was about to leave until the door opens, making way to blond young man, with brilliant purple orbs for eyes.
Angelica froze is shock. She almost dropped her fan as she glanced at his form bathing in the dim candlelights.
Pannacotta Fugo, the Marquess of Montierri, her betrothed. He joins Duke Giovanna's inner circle, mingling with the noble gentlemen, partaking his place as one of the duke's most trusted friends.
Not knowing what to do. Angelica slips among the guests and ran straight to the lounge room, where her father resides.
His name is Pannacotta Fugo, the sole heir of the prestigious House Fugo. His family had bore the title of Marquess of Montierri from a long line of generations. House Fugo is quite reputable for being a prestigious and old house, they are respected among the european high society. After all, their powerful stance goes a long way back to the past and that power has stayed within their house until now. However, that reputation collapsed not so long ago when Marquess and Marchioness Fugo's son, the heir of house Fugo, was involved in a scandal.
He was rumored to once bludgeoned a tutor to death. That rumor turned out to be not far from the truth, while it is true that Pannacotta had killed his own teacher, he did out of self-defense, rumor said. House Fugo didn't hesitate to release their one and only heir from the bonds of trial, much less the confines of a jail, using their wealth.
Since then, no one would dare to socialize with Lord Pannacotta Fugo and no house is willing to give their daughters to marry him. Not the royals, not the nobles, not even the gentry. Until now, the lord's father himself had to arrange a union for his troublesome son, and of all women in the world, it has to be a Lady Angelica.
And the question remains.....why?
Marquess Fugo's father and mother demands an audience with Mr. Spade. He travelled all the way from Italy to find a bride for his son. The marquess is now too old to rule, he intended to pass down his title to his only son. But his family was crushed by a great shame brought by said son. He admitted that he was turned away at every single great houses, lower houses, even the gentry dared to oust him, although subtly, he was rejected at every turn.
Out of ideas, the marquess heard of a kind and humane daughter of a successful tea merchant in England. With no other way, he swallowed his pride, negotiating a union between his son and a commoner girl, she is rich, but, still a commoner. His son will have a bride and all the wealth she had, while the girl would be given a title of nobility.
Fugo was supposed to meet his fiancée tonight, but, she's nowhere to be found. The ballroom is expansive, however, he had searched around the room for a sign of Angelica, and none he found.
If he listened to what his father said, he described Fugo's betrothed as a maiden with dark brown hair, almost as dark as soil, possessing a pair of pale blue eyes.
The color of rain, his father reminded.
"I couldn't find her anywhere, GioGio," he sighed, "I've explored the entire ballroom only to find nothing, I'm starting to think she might have abandoned me here."
Giorno was perplexed to say the least, he was familiar with his old friend, she wouldn't avoid anyone unless she has a reason to, "Rest assured, dear friend. I'm certain she was merely shy to meet her future husband," he gave a reassuring yet playful smile, "Furthermore, it's rude of you to approach a lady without ever engaging a conversation with her. Give her some time, this is the first social gathering you attended as a couple,"
Fugo unconsciously scratched his hand, "I'm worried, Giorno. Something might have happened to her--"
"Fugo, calm down. You'll find her eventually," Abbacchio gave a harsh pat to his back as he downed a glass of wine, "This brat might be right, your future wife is shy," he hissed, delivering Giorno a condescending smirk, "But, isn't she three years older than you?"
"If you didn't find her, let's just hit the bar!" Narancia added, only to have his head smacked.
"Idiot! You're not even allowed to go there!" Fugo barked.
"Hey, I'm older than you!" Narancia tenderly nursed the spot where Fugo striked.
"Quit it, both of you," scold Bucciarati, "We're here to make sure Narancia had a smooth debut, not to bicker and roughouse like hooligans."
Both of them stopped their dispute immediately.
"Keep an eye when you find her, Fugo," Bucciarati commanded, "Unfortunate things happen so often these days. Accidents, death, it's common these days, as common as seeing an child factory worker wounded,"
The remark was duly noted.
Marquess Fugo was about to give up his pursue and return to Duke Giovanna when out of nowhere, Mr. Spade appears behind him. Truth to be told, he was startled but showed respect nonetheless. Exchanging a few greetings, Mr. Spade brought the young marquess to the lounge room where they chatted.
The gentle and amicable Mr. Spade continued to converse with the young man. Fugo deemed the conversation to be a hidden interrogation by his future father-in-law, then again, the man seemed to genuinely care for his future son-in-law judging by his words.
"Pardon me for interrupting, sir," Fugo gingerly opens his mouth, "But, I haven't seen my fiancée anywhere tonight. May I ask where she is?"
"Oh, silly me! I forgot to tell you," he let out a half-suppressed laugh, "Angelica is not feeling well, she went home,"
Mr. Spade could see the disappointment in Fugo's face, "I see..." he trailed off.
"Not to worry, you'll be able to see her tomorrow," Mr. Spade gently drops a box of fine cigars on the table, "Anyways, how about a smoke to pass the time? It would be a waste not to."
The edge of Fugo's eye twitched at the sight. He had always hated smoking, offering him a cigar sounds offensive to his dignity as a sober youth.
Fugo averted his gaze, "I hate to tell you this, sir," he waved off his hand, "But, I detest smoking."
"Ah! That's not a problem at all!" Mr. Spade chuckled as he took the box back, putting it where it belongs, atop the drawer.
Such a chaotic reputation!
A woman wouldn't risk being married to a known to be violent man, even commoners knew that.
How rude of him for daring to court his betrothed without a semblance of dignity. I'd say they never even had a simple conversation since they never met. The ball was meant to introduce them to one another but he chose an aggressive and direct way, asking the guests on the whereabouts of Lady Angelica.
However, we could not deny that Lady Angelica also has faults for not acknowledging her soon-to-be husband despite being present at the ball, what an un-ladylike action.
With that aside, is it a mystery that the lady chose to marry the brute of a man? Certainly she had a reason to accept, or was she forced to form a matrimony with the marquess?
Fugo left Mr. Spade impressed more than he expect. He had knowledge of the violence his son-in-law is capable of. But the more he examined, there was a caring and serious youth. He can tell Fugo carried a great burden inside his heart.
If he was honest, Mr. Spade intended to reject House Fugo's proposal, but he allowed them to do so, curious of what would come.
And why not? This was a chance to elevate their status, providing his daughter a comfortable life as a noblewoman. Mr. Spade could always trust her to take care of herself if her husband is not her type, or if he starts beating her. But, he knew, when he saw Pannacotta Fugo's portrait, history, and scholar diplomas, he knew this young man would caught his daughter's fancy. So he obliged to the noble's proposal.
However, he encountered a strange occurrence a few hours ago.
When Lord Adal has left a suitable negotiation term and bid adieu, Angelica came bursting through the door, her cheeks red and her breath is ragged. She was dead silent at first, then paced back and forth, toying with her fan, he could hear her mumbling incoherent sentences. Mr. Spade couldn't hold back his smirk, of course he knew his daughter's tastes. It seems the suitor he chose has enough to conquer her. It wasn't complete, however. Taking his daughter's trust issues into consideration, it won't be an easy path for a successful marriage between her and the marquess.
And so it was, his peculiar daughter asked him to give the marquess some cigars. If he gladly took a smoke, then she would refuse to accept him as her husband, but if he is not a smoker, then Angelica would accept his proposal with pleasure.
"Well? What do you think, Angelica?" Mr. Spade asked his daughter who hid half of her body with the bathroom's door. Her gaze was casted down as a soft smile crept to her lips.
"Father, I want to marry him."
The wedding was simple, but tasteful. If you weren't invited, shame one you!
It's one of the most gorgeous wedding of the season, or of the decade. Influential commoners, members of the royal court, and the high-ranked nobles attended the wedding, but the invitation was distributed as a private affair. It wasn't an open wedding per se, only those who knew Lord and Lady Fugo may enter the premises.
Lady Angelica Fugo's wedding dress was the current envy at the time. The designer was of common origins, yet talented nontheless. Lady Fugo is so grateful that she invited the tailor to attend her wedding as a guest!
"What would your bouquet be?" asked Trish Una, the young woman lounging on the boutique's sofa, fanning herself with a pink fan.
"Purple hydrangeas," Angelica stood still as the tailor tidied her wedding dress, "I've grown the flowers myself. The florist shall take care of the rest."
"Stay still, milady," the tailor mused, "The dress seems to fit you perfectly! All that is left is your headdress," she scurried into the back of the boutique.
Trish eyed her friend sharply, "Why did you choose this boutique anyways? I could have recommended a more high-end boutique for you. They all knew me, you see?"
Marchioness Trish Una, the flower of high society, and a socialite, was never out of style. A trendsetter, every fashion she wore would be trending the next day. As the daughter of the former Duke of Naples, Diavolo, she inherited half of his riches, increasing said riches by investing in the fashion industry and becoming a darling in the fashion industry.
Some boutiques even gave her dresses, free of charge. Her wearing their dresses are more than enough publicity to elevate their status among the top designers in Italy. And now, the Marchioness of Campania spent her days as a socialite and a singer. Her dulcet voice apparently has charmed the theaters, and Angelica is no exception.
"The designer of this boutique is a friend of mine, I am her patron, my lady." Angelica quietly smiled at her reflection, the picture of a bride, "Furthermore, she doesn't produce this dress off the backs of the poor and their children. I exalt her, she's a decent woman."
Trish closes her fan quickly, standing to admire her friend's wedding dress, "Yes, this embroidery is magnificent... there's sewn hydrangea flowers too." Trish appraised the flowing white cloth as the tailor is back with a veil headdress.
"There," she gracefully placed it upon Angelica's head, "What do you think, Angelica?"
Angelica clapped gently, "Fantastic! Your work never cease to amaze me, Abella." She draws out an embellished, fancy letter, extending her hand toward Abella.
"Angelica...?" Abella was speechless, to have the honor of attending a noble's wedding was something that doesn't happen every day. Also, she would see her friend walking down the aisle with the dress she personally tailored.
Trish softly laughed behind her fan, knowing she had to visit the designer for a boutique fitting the next time she shops.
"I'd be grateful for your presence if you decide to attend the wedding, not as a stranger, but as a friend."
No longer than a month, Miss Angelica Spade became Lady Angelica Fugo, Marchioness of Montierri. The news shattered the expectations of so many nobles. Most are relieved to see the marquess matched with someone who wasn't them. After all, the estranged Marquess Fugo was bad news, he was ruthless and short-tempered, there would be no more sacrifices to be made. But, on the other hand, some were enraged at the thought of a commoner girl marrying a nobleman, and of a powerful house no less.
It seems the court's panic died down when Marquess of Montierri seemed to be tamed by his own wife. How shocking!
It was told, the marquess's temper cooled off like Alaskan snow, melting in summer. But, make no mistake, he is still ruthless.
That beast of a lord had a mind sharper than knife, and no one had the power to deny his merits as a renowned scholar despite harming a soul.
What sort of tricks did the marchioness use? Surely the marquess wouldn't accept her into his family without a particular reason. Could it be the marchioness puppeteering her husband for her own again? If so, then she did a splendid job controlling the wild beast of a man who would sooner bash someone's head than to calm down.
My dearest ladies and gentlemen, apparently Marquess Fugo's wrath has been quelled, here we have the proof of his decreasinfg temper slowly dying, especially in the presence of his wife. We shall rejoice in the fact that gone are the days where the infamous Marquess Fugo would extend his ruthlessness to innocents.
And why do we celebrate? Well, it's not difficult at all to tell the marquess is in lo--
"Which blundering whore wrote this article!? Ucciderò quella puttana!"
Marquess Fugo tore the gossip article in half. He was undoubtedly furious, how dare the writer discuss his wife's private life, their marriage, his his past, and the countless rumors surrounding them.
His wife, Angelica, meanwhile bursted into a fit of giggles, swelling into a laugh.
"My, my! What an interesting article!" She chimed, her husband was a whole different picture, he threw the papers onto the ground, Angelica embraced Fugo from behind, circling her arms to brought their bodies closer to each other, "All that happened in the past is not a burden, darling. I am rather grateful to have my name be graced upon the infamous gossip papers." Angelica stroke Fugo's torso as a way to calm his nerves, proven to be effective as his growling, heavy breaths died down.
When he turned to Angelica, concern was written across his emotions, his palms tenderly cupped her cheeks, "Do you think I would stand back and do nothing?" He seethed, "Your name is dragged through the mud, they accused you of being a two-faced, sly fox, I will not tolerate that!" Fugo snapped, arms gripping the edges of his study desk.
"If they refused to cease the nonsense, might as well I pay a visit to Abbey Mirror News to bring forth a complaint of defamation." The desk's wood cracks beneath the pressure of his grip.
Even though Angelica doesn't let her emotions show, Fugo has seen her deepest emotion after years of marriage. He's heartbroken to hear the love of his life turned into a laughingstock and target of insults, which is why to save her tears, he'd do anything.
"Pannacotta, please perish the thought," Angelica put a hand on his shoulder, "No offense were given, and none taken. As I said, if the story contains an ability to entertain its reader, I am truly happy my tale was used to entertain,"
Fugo admitted defeat, deciding he couldn't win against his wife.
What he didn't know was the fact Angelica strategically supported the prints of the gossip papers. Yes, she has kindness, but that doesn't imply she can not be cunning and shrewd, does it?
"How about a game of chess? To alleviate your darkening mood?" Angelica straightens his tie, giving a kiss to his collarbone. Imagine if this interaction happened in public. People would shun her and her husband for their improper act, but this is their home. Why should she abide to their rules?
"I'll brew you some tea. Wait here, alright?" Fugo acknowledged, planting a smile to his wife. He always knew what his wife wants, rarely did he missed the mark, five years of marriage tells a lot about each other.
Did they fight? Most definitely, even three years ago they almost killed each other in rage, but their marriage endured. Just like Angelica's plan to make her company withstand the tides of time at least for a century, she fully intended to dedicate her life to her beloved husband.
Thanks to the humane Angelica, Pannacotta learns what mindfulness and mercy is, while he stimulates her mind to do greater things, challenging her at every turn to rise to his level of knowledge.
Taking the fallen, ripped leaflet of society papers, Angelica reclined on a purple chaise lounge, piecing the papers together, reading the last lines.
--ve. Should we even call it a match made in heaven?
Despite the low status of the bride, the wedding was held with almost no trouble, except for the rowdy Baron Berner, Lord Narancia Ghirga and the Earl of Lennox, Guido Mista.
As of now, the Fugo couple is one of the high society's most respected aristocrat. Regarding the matters of the marquess as a talented scholar, and a trusted vassal of Duke of Naples, he managed to acquire several lands and factories over the years, inviting european diplomats and noble house hailing from his home, Italy, forming strong alliances under the banner of Duke Giovanna.
That said, were you on Duke Giovanna's party last week?
If not, how unfortunate of you! Almost half of the country's successful bachelors came gathering to meet Duke of Naples before he returned to Italy with the Duchess.
Interestingly, Marchioness of Montierri was responsible for providing scholarships for those successful gentlemen, and they came to give her their thanks.
Was it a mere rumor? A lie? Only time will tell.
"Say, cara. May I know who wrote their article?" Fugo moved his knight on the chessboard.
Angelica sipped her tea in a calm manner, "The name is on the bottom of the paper, my darling. Take a look."
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