Lorraine sometimes wondered, what would those hypocritical women do if they were caught naked in a man's bed? And the man is not their husband.
They will marry that man. Certainly. However, what if the man refuses to take responsibility? Their father might find another man.
A mocking smile appeared on her lips. Was her decision at that time wrong? No, of course not. Even if now her status was just a spinster—no, the title of a virgin would not be appropriate. Even if now she was just a lonely disgusting woman, she never regretted her decision.
If there was any regret, it would be because she couldn't avenge her suffering. For not being able to reveal the truth of what happened a few years ago.
It was too busy at night. Everyone looked at her with hate and disgust. They chided and cursed without allowing her to make any defense. Even her anger was swallowed up by the anger of others.
She—Lady Lorraine MacLaren—the only daughter of the esteemed Laird of Bunchrew—Bhaltair MacLaren—was found naked on a bed in the inn with a man. Let alone anyone else, even her father was so shocked that he fainted on the spot.
Although Highland is not as strict as the Scottish cities full of royalty, this place still upholds the value of honor. Whoever makes a scandal, their life will not go well.
The morning after the night had passed, Bhaltair MacLaren came to open the bedroom door which had been locked all night from the outside. Lorraine's eyes were black and puffy, her cheeks were red with palm prints, her appearance was a complete mess.
“Bhaltair, they framed me! Do you not trust your daughter?” She was still expecting a 'yes' answer from her father. However, it was never out of the mouth of the laird's mouth.
“Believe it or not, everyone already thinks of you like a dirty woman. I'm giving you two options," said Bhaltair with drooping eyes. The red plaid cloth around his waist that should have looked majestic looked dull and gloomy.
"What choice?" Lorraine's voice was barely audible.
“Marry that man or stand behind me helping take care of the plantation? If you choose to marry, I promise your reputation will recover. And you will probably be a happy wife with several offspring.”
“What if I choose to take care of the plantation?” Lorraine asked, gritting her teeth.
Her father stared coldly. “Then don't ever think you can still have fun. Because from then on, you will be exiled and can only live in the shadows!”
Lorraine clenched her palms. Without hesitation, she replied firmly, “I will not marry anyone.”
For a moment Bhaltair's expression darkened, his teeth chattered, before finally turning around for the door. "Don't regret your choice," he hissed, then slammed the door.
Lorraine's eyes were closed. Then her life was ruined from that day.
“Lady, an invitation from Bac.” Tira's voice woke Lorraine from her thoughts. She looked at the invitation letter in the hand of her maid who was being pushed to the table. “If you don't want to attend, just tell your father.”
Lorraine didn't reply. The letter moved into her hand, then opened. The annual feast of lairds across the Scottish Highlands has finally arrived. The invitation reached her hand, which meant her father wanted her to come.
She had been thinking about that party lately. To be honest, she didn't want to come, there would be a lot of faces she didn't like. However, her father must have done this on purpose.
"It does not matter. We're coming," Lorraine said flatly. “Prepare my clothes. I don't want to be too flashy tonight. Make no mistake, Tira.”
"Very well, My Lady."
Tira takes out clothes for her lady. A light blue dress made of cheap silk with a simple cut, corset, and matching camis, was placed on the bed. Wig and mask were also issued.
Tira's face seemed to consider, maybe thinking whether the clothes would suit the lady. "It fits. I will wear it. Don't forget to prepare a chest strap," said Lorraine.
Tira immediately turned her head, then her gaze fell on Lorraine's chest which was fully under the clothes. There was rejection behind her face. "That's not going to work," she said. With such a large size, will the binding cloth succeed in reducing it?
"I'll arrange it." Lorraine immediately stood up after saying that. Her voice was cold. "I told you, don't be flashy!"
"Okay, I understand," Tira whispered. Being Lorraine's maid for many years made her understand how the lady's character was. Since that night, her attitude has changed a lot. This was nothing compared to how curt Lorraine was in the early days of her downfall.
"Prepare the soaking water for me," Lorraine ordered later, "use the scent of lavender."
"Well."
Tira fulfilled all of Lorraine's wishes. Moments later the bath preparations were finished and Lorraine entered the tin bath. The soothing scent of lavender immediately entered her nostrils.
She leaned against the tub wall. Her eyes were closed. "Everyone's gone," she said quietly.
“My Lady, you said something?”
"Why are you still living with me?" Then Lorraine opened her eyes, looked deeply at Tira, then splashed her bare shoulders with water dripping from between her long fingers. "Aren't you bored?"
“Everyone left. That's why I'm staying here, so Your Ladyship isn't alone.” Tira stepped behind the bath. Her hand went down to massage Lorraine's shoulder. Her smooth skin immediately greeted the palm of her hand.
"I'll listen to anything if you have anything to say," she continued.
Lorraine was silent while enjoying Tira's massage. Only that woman wanted to stay with her. The woman who looked after and accompanied her after her life turned into chaos.
“Sorry, I troubled you a lot.”
"Not. I know exactly what happened. That day, wasn't the ladies of Hell's Pleasure who starting? They went so far, but why has Your Ladyship been silent until now?”
The emotion in Tira's heart made her massage tighten. Lorraine groaned then Tira's massage immediately comes off. "Sorry ...."
Lorraine shook her head. Moments later said, “Who will be able to believe me? There was no evidence and many people's reputations would be destroyed. Even if they keep quiet, some lairds won't let me live well."
"Then why didn't Lord Bhaltair do anything?"
“My father… may look cruel, but he does this to make people feel at ease. If I roam freely, they will feel anxious and might do something about it. Mainly to harm me.”
Tira gets worried. She immediately crouched down by the side of the tub, then looked at Lorraine warily. "Then don't go to this party," she said earnestly. The party was no more important than the lady's life.
"No one will recognize me. Do not worry."
Finally, Tira tried hard to arrange Lorraine's appearance. After bathing, she helped her lady put on a chest strap strong enough so that her large size could be disguised.
Lorraine was wearing her loose corset. Maybe she's lost weight because she was worried the last few days at the upcoming party, or maybe it's because of her tight chest.
Her blue dress was successfully attached to the body. Although it looks great, it doesn't look too bad. Her wig was combed, then fitted to cover her light brown hair. Tira also powdered the wig several times.
It doesn't feel like it's taking up a lot of time. Now the sun is almost setting. The journey was quite far so they couldn't leave too late.
Lorraine's fake appearance looked soft and flat. There should be no attraction whatsoever to any man. And she feels safer. At least she didn't want to cause trouble with the men there.
It's been almost seven years since 'Lorraine the Seducer' has been missing from the public eye. Now there is only Lady Jillian, Bhaltair's assistant who helps take care of MacLaren's plantation. Seven years missing and Lorraine hopes no one recognizes her.
The cloth tying her chest made her suffocate. However, she paid no heed to that. A simple fur mask is put on the face. Finally, she stepped out of the room into the main room of MacLaren castle.
“Lady Jillian, Lord Bhaltair is waiting.”
“Thank you,” Lorraine said, clutching her folding fan. Time and time again she emphasized her belief. Perhaps it is time to find a turning point in her life.
