Rochelle had been busying herself with the other noble ladies the entire duration of her trip to the northeast. Only when her husband arrived did she immediately go to him, but only an hour later, she was off with another group of ladies interested in tea and the kingdom's gossip.
However, all women had gone off in various directions to get themselves ready for what was to ensue at the banquet. It was in the interest of all women to dress better than they usually might. After all, the eligible young Duke was at his first banquet. Even those married wanted to dress their best just to add to the fun and show off their status, hoping to be seen as worthy.
An added cherry on top for Rochelle was that not all noble wives were able to stay in the Earl's home. It was only due to her husband's feats that she was able to. All the advisors to the Duke were allowed, after all. Everyone else was set to stay in the nearby township.
