Chapter 1009

Carissa and Violet didn't need to delve into Jessica's situation. Luke, a longtime friend of Giles, Ironridge Estate's head steward, met with Giles the following day, uncovering the whole story.

The previous year, the Marquis of Ironridge had taken a new concubine, Flora Crawford. Flora's father was a scholar, and she was well-read. Though previously engaged, her fiancé had died in an accident two years earlier, earning her the unfortunate label of "widow-maker" and subsequent ridicule. She eventually met Leopold, who took a liking to her and made her his concubine.

According to Giles, Leopold took Flora partly to help manage the household. Emma, the Marchioness, had been gravely ill, nearly dying last winter, only recovering as the weather warmed. Flora's household management skills were invaluable, assisting Margaret (presumably a housekeeper or similar) in overseeing the estate's internal affairs, much to the old lady's appreciation.

Jessica disliked Flora and subtly tormented her. Margaret reprimanded Jessica several times. The treason case involving Eleanor somewhat curbed Jessica's behavior.

Three months prior, Flora became pregnant. Severe morning sickness limited her diet; only her mother's light dishes were palatable. Margaret, having been pregnant herself, understood Flora's longing for family and invited Flora's mother, Barbara, to stay.

Jessica, unable to torment Flora openly, turned her cruelty toward Serena.

Luke sighed. "Since Lady Serena joined the Marquis's household, she's endured much of Lady Jessica's torment."

Violet interrupted, "Enough about the Warrens! Get to the point—how was Jessica cast out? Did she harm Flora's baby?"

Luke shook his head. "No, not the baby. It was Madam Barbara. Lady Flora was taking pregnancy tonics, and Madam Barbara developed a cough. Madam Margaret had a physician prescribe medicine, but the remedies were switched one day.

"Lady Flora mistakenly took cough medicine laced with a laxative Jessica had added. Flora, already of weak constitution, miscarried within days.

"After Flora lost the child, Madam Margaret launched an investigation, quickly implicating Jessica. Jessica confessed, claiming she only wanted to retaliate against Barbara for perceived disrespect, not to harm Flora's child."

Violet and Carissa exchanged glances. "Just a laxative, and the child was gone? How strong was it?"

"Unclear, but the child was lost, and Flora's health was ruined. The physician said future conception would be difficult," Luke replied.

Carissa asked, "What kind of laxative?"

"Giles didn't specify. Madam Margaret handled the investigation," Luke explained. "However, days later, Jessica pushed Serena into a lake. The Marquis was furious and divorced her."

Violet asked, "On grounds of harming the child and mistreating a concubine?"

"No. Other reasons were cited."

Violet sighed. "At least she saved some face. But with her money and shops, why end up at Skye Embroidery?"

Luke waved a hand. "She has shops and property. Margaret gave her two thousand silver coins upon her divorce."

Violet inquired, "What about her dowry? As a duchess, she shouldn't need it."

"Giles said her dowry was long gone. Her shops weren't profitable. Only jewelry and silver remained, which she took with her."

Violet frowned. "How did she squander it so quickly? She wore a simple dress today, no jewelry. Is she stirring trouble?"

Luke shook his head. "I don't know."

A voice interrupted from the doorway, "I do."

Rafael, cloaked in deep purple, entered with Jacob.

Chapter 1010 (Begins here)