My Lady Chef
Chapter 21: Social Invitations

Ely's POV:

(End of Flash back)

My head hurt slightly at remembering such an unpleasant first meeting as I checked the theme of the party.

Lady Margaret is hosting an extravagant coffee tasting party with desserts that pair well with every coffee bean she possesses.

Hmmm...this is difficult. Accepting an invitation carries a certain weight in high society. A duchess may accept any invitations given by ladies whose stations are lower than them but they should be careful when accepting invitations from royalty because any faux pas or social mistakes will put a stain on my husband's name.

Speaking of faux pas, I have had a few memories of the old Alaina and she loves exploring the forest and seems more of a fey being, unencumbered by the rigorous restrictions of human society.

This is the reason why she absolutely hates parties with all their intricate manners and social rules.

There that one event when a visiting countess invited her to a small gathering since she was being hosted by her father at their home.

I winced at how nervous and at ease she was when she arrived at the venue and was forced to make small talk with ladies that were unfamiliar to her.

She cried so hard that night because she committed one small mistake. It was forgiven since the Countess was a kind soul but it seems that one moment just made her avoid social parties.

I, on the other hand, loved to socialize since I was a celebrity chef. I have interacted with a lot of A-listers in my life from fellow chefs, politicians, millionaires and on one occasion, a few European royalties and an Arab Sheikh.

Going back to Lady Lorax's party. If I do not attend, she might spread rumors that might harm the household. Well then, maybe I should go just to see how she operates.

"What is that you have on your hand?" My husband's voice made me jump. "It seems like Milford let a few rats slip by him."

He sat beside me and once again, I was dumbstruck by how beautiful he was compared to me. From the state of how he was all dressed in black and gold, he must have attended the royal court to report to the Emperor on preparations.

His messy black locks were slicked back today and tied in a ponytail which lent him a rather imposing yet charismatic air as he read through the 3 invites.

Until his gaze narrowed at his "lover's" invite but his expression did not change.

"I don't like you attending these parties, you should be focused on learning how to run the estate," he grumbled, his voice did not betray him after seeing Lady Lorax's invitation.

"I can do both at the same time. I have been inside the estate for a long time. Allow me to do my duty as the mistress of the house and attend events in your stead." I answered.

"Are you sure about that? You are the Duchess of Aisenburg. You do not have to kowtow to the ton. You are my wife and a woman who has my backing and support." His hand held my waist as he pressed against my hip.

"I know but I want to do this. Please....let me do this?" I asserted and placed a hand on his chest.

He looked unsure but he nodded reluctantly which made me smile, causing his voice to soften a bit

"I heard from Milford that you talked to every one of my servants during the tour of the whole estate."

"Yes, I did. It is important to know who works for you and to show them that you appreciate their work. In fact...I have scheduled a tour of your businesses and shipyard with Milford tomorrow so that I can greet them." I hoped my diligence would make him happy

I watched his gentle expression turn into a frown as a tinge of red also stained his cheeks.

"That damn butler..." he snarled softly.

"Is there something wrong?" I asked him and he coughed a little loudly as if to cover the fact that he cursed in front of a lady.

"My businesses are situated among the middle class like factories and the produce markets which are very noisy and the smells there may not agree with a lady's....sensibilities." He explained awkwardly." The shipping port I own is the busiest place and the men who often go about their work with minimal pieces of clothing..."

Oh. Does he think I might faint at the smell of strong fish or machinery grease and half-naked sailors on the wharf?

I almost laughed in his face but I covered my mouth discreetly. In my previous life; I often visited different places like markets, fisherman's wharf, and some night markets that had a variety of strong and pungent smells.

Plus I am a modern-day woman in my last life who has seen several naked males or half-clothed models and people.

But he does not know that.00000