This is so well said I couldn’t agree more lol I think of course the previous duchess is exerting her authority to try to remain in power and sabotages the FL, but if the FL had any tact, then with the multiple chances that she’s had to fulfill the duty she wants to fulfill so badly, she could’ve proven herself in some way. She’s just not helping herself by humiliating herself and then saying the wrong things at the wrong times (ch 21 why would she say that the reason she wants to sleep with him is because she had an obligation to give him a child )
Yeah she’s definitely not making things easier on herself. She’s just not the sharpest tool in the shed. She still doesn’t deserve to be treated like that but two things can be true at the same time
I’m sorry but I do think she’s in the wrong here, just unintelligent, childish, self destructive decision making. If outdated clothes and a servants carriage is the only option then simple don’t go and instead start preparing for a future upcoming ball. She wants to take on the role as a duchess but even I could’ve told you that a duchess would never show up like that ever
But I also think all of that goes out the window considering she’s stuck with two narcissists