Chapter 11

Carissa recalled Jessica's desperation, reduced to picking up coins. It was clear she was at her wit's end. However, the situation had become increasingly complicated. While Jessica initially intended only to retaliate against Flora's mother, the outcome was far more severe—Flora lost her child.

Adding to this, Jessica later pushed Serena into a lake, knowing Serena couldn't swim. This proved Jessica's actions were deliberate, her malice toward Serena undeniable.

"I know it's wrong," Violet said with a solemn face, "but I can't help but find it a little funny that Serena was pushed into a lake."

She quickly muttered an apology and a prayer, hoping for spiritual redemption.

Carissa frowned. "What I don't understand is how Jessica could be so foolish. She's no longer a duchess, she's not respected at Ironridge Estate, her mother's imprisoned, her father's dead, yet she continues to cause trouble. Is she deliberately trying to ruin her life?"

"If she didn't want to live," Jacob asked, "why would she seek help at the workshop?"

Carissa turned to Rafael. "What do you think?"

Rafael paused. "This situation is likely more complex than we realize. Giles may not know the whole truth. Large families harbor many secrets, things they desperately try to hide. As for Madam Margaret, Jessica had to be cast out. Perhaps Madam Margaret discovered Jessica's involvement in usury."

Carissa nodded. "It could be a combination of factors. Perhaps Madam Margaret simply couldn't tolerate it any longer. The Marquis of Ironridge is indecisive, and his mother runs the household. Plus, the marquis clearly dislikes Jessica."

"They clearly can't stand each other," Rafael said with a hint of melancholy. "It's sad when a marriage deteriorates like that."

Carissa murmured in agreement, but her mind wasn't on their failing relationship. When a couple lacks affection, speculation is pointless.

Instead, she said, "The workshop has been open for some time, but no one is willing to come. Jessica was a duchess. Taking her in could be a good start for the workshop—but only if she didn't intend to harm the concubine's child.

"Let's consider this. She intended to give Madam Barbara a laxative. At worst, it was a prank. She didn't mean to harm the child, but the mishap caused the miscarriage. Madam Margaret wasn't fully enraged yet.

"But when Jessica pushed Serena into the lake, combined with her other actions—especially the usury—Madam Margaret finally reached her breaking point and cast her out."

Everyone nodded. Jessica repeatedly made the same mistakes and refused to change; her downfall wasn't unjust.

Carissa continued, "The problem is, how did the medicine that caused the miscarriage accidentally end up in Lady Flora's hands? How strong was the dosage? Who gave it to her? And what about Serena being pushed into the lake? As for the usury, Jessica didn't profit, and the court imposed a fine. We needn't worry about that."

She paused. "Of course, we must ensure her intention to work at the workshop is genuine. If she's only coming to eat, drink, and sleep without contributing, we can't accept her."

Violet disliked Jessica and initially opposed taking her in. However, Carissa's reasoning was sound. If someone of Jessica's former status sought refuge at the workshop, it might encourage others hesitant about social judgment.

They couldn't afford to wait. No one wanted another incident like Hollis's. And how many others had suffered silently?

Violet turned to Carissa. "What if you go to Ironridge Estate and ask them directly? If Jessica is truly at rock bottom, she'll likely return to the workshop for help But I doubt Madam Margaret will reveal the full truth."