The New Duchess
Chapter 21: The Estafet

On a green field looks some people are ready with a riding suit. This field is beside the famous horse farm, almost half of the royal horses come from this farm. There are about 4 women, 2 ladies and 2 madams. As for men there are about 5 people.4 Lord and 1 sir. They are preparing to line up to form a special pattern that has been given a sign. Today will be a horse relay race. Of course they will pair up. Not all participate in this race only 6 people, divided into 3 pairs.

After conducting the random selection of the three pairs of races have started to strategize. The first couple was Lady Masy and Lord Fredy, the second pair was Lady Lansoria and Lord Baval and the last couple was Duchess Wellington with Lord Hardwin.

One of the Madams brought a handkerchief to start the race event. The first round is certainly men first then for the second round from the female side then followed by the third round or which is the deciding round will be done by the male side again. This sunny morning is perfect for this kind of vibrant activity.

The men are ready, they start to focus and set the comfort.  The handkerchief was raised high just waiting for the tiny hand to let go. The wind blew lightly and it was time that the handkerchief fell to the ground, the race sign had already started.

Enthusiastically the men drove his horse. The cheers of the screams accompanied although not throughout the round. The first round is almost finished, now the woman begins to compete with her horse. Waiting in a pre-arranged place.

“ come Hardwin, fast!” there was a loud cry from Ai. Other women are now shouting at their respective partners. Lady Lansoria is leading. Lord Baval is quite an expert as well in horse riding. Before long Lady Mosy and Ai started together. Hardwin smiled happily because he had pranked Ai. Ai's anxious and annoyed manner while waiting for her earlier was really funny.

The second round was completed where Lady Lansoria and Ai led the round and now the final round remains. Between Lord Baval and Hardwin it competes quite fiercely.

“ let's get out your strength Baval” shouted Lady Lansoria who looks confident will win the race.

“ I won't forgive you if we lose. Hard” of all words Ai prefers to threaten her partner in order to win the race.

The race is so fierce, now the three men are aligned with each other. No one leads the race. All the women were pounding who would win the race. The punishment is heavy. They do not want to be ashamed of their punishment.

The seconds of the race will be finished, all eyes have watched the ribbon rope that became the last substation is ready to be stretched. Each side was guarded by servants. There can be no cheating.

“ yeey, win” shouted Ai's frenzy. She was so happy and immediately ran towards Hardwin, and hugged him.

“ you really make me anxious” said the AI while patting hardwin's back.

“ how else, the last time we lost the race you ignored me for a month. You remember that, don't you?” hardwin replied which made Ai grin feeling guilty. Now they're getting close to the drinking table.

There were 10 bottles of wine. For the loser each must spend 5 bottles. Lady Masy and Lady Lansoria look upset by folding both their hands. While the Lords with their bold pretentiousness were already standing in front of the bottles of drinks.

“ come on Masy, Lansy this is just a race do you not want to help your partner ?” Ai who was already familiar with them tried to tease the two friends.

“ oh Duchess, it looks like this time we will give in, let those who enjoy the vibe” replied Lansy reasoned. Both of the ladies paid enough attention to the image. I don't want to go home drunk during the day. No. gabe. Their dignity will be at stake.

As a result the two Ladya also came forward and stood beside his partner, both Ai and Hardwin glanced at each other satisfied already pranking his friends.

“ okay I count, one two three” said madam carrier handkerchief.

The couple took a bottle and drank it. Obviously the two Lady could only spend 1 and 1 half a bottle. The rest of the God spent.

This time the dinner was different from the others. Lady Masy as the host invited her close friends to see the horse farm owned by her father. Armed with weekly routine events they are now familiar with each other and often spend time together. Like this, for example, holding a horse race that they had planned before. This is one of the reasons for their friendship. Both women and men are good at riding horses.

The banquet was closed with lunch together under a large shady tree. They really enjoyed the dinner. After it was felt enough that it was time for them to retreat, Milly was ready to help Ai get on the train.

“ Ai, have you been able to decide?” suddenly Hardwin held Ai back with his question.

“ Duke has not returned, I will send a letter if I have decided” Ai replied a little unwell.

“ I hope you can join this business” Hardwin a little carried away by emotions. He really wants to be close to Ai like he used to be in Barack. Now because status clearly gives them distance.

“ oh yes, I hope so” Ai goes directly into the car.

 Seeing Hardwin's sad look was really disturbing Ai's heart. All this time Ai had often seen the look, but somehow now more into his heart. In this town Hardwin was his only male friend. Almost all of the friends in Barack had gone on to enter the royal guard or army. This also makes Ai appreciate the existence of Hardwin here.

“ your mistress why?” asked Mily who saw her mistress pensively looking at the car door.

“ em, no I'm just tired “ replied Ai half lying. Yes he is a little tired but mentally tired, physically there is no special problem. Ai really wanted this matter to be resolved soon. Living a happy home and being loved by her husband. That's all, he misses the love.

“ mistress must be strong “ as if the advice spurs Ai not to grieve anymore. It was enough of his sadness in the past. He must be strong. Remembering Hardwin always made Ai remember her family.

“ received Milly” Mily grasped both hands Ai to provide support.

The journey was almost complete The Duke's residence was already in front. It was already afternoon when Ai stepped on the residence courtyard. AI immediately went up, while passing through the 2nd floor Ai paused for a moment, something caught his attention. He saw the door to Grace's room slightly open. With a slow step he approached the door and began to peek at what was inside.