Chapter 1174
Ellis accepted the coffee beans and banknote, but remained silent. “Once she meets Her Majesty, everything will be clear,” he said. “Mrs. Farrell holds a noble title; I doubt she would act inappropriately.” Lincoln smiled. “Indeed, Mr. Latham. You speak wisely.” Despite his smile, Lincoln inwardly cursed. Unless it was a matter of life or death, why refuse to share information?
Carissa planned to visit Gracewood Women’s Academy that day, as Jocelyn was causing trouble again. Catherine had sent for her last night. As Carissa stepped outside, she saw the Farrell family's litter approaching at speed. She hurried over. “Has something happened to the Farrell family?”
Opal lifted the curtain. “Your Grace, the queen has summoned my aunt to the palace. It’s likely about Thomas and Ms. Jocelyn Quinton’s marriage. My aunt fears a royal edict forcing the marriage and seeks your help.”
Carissa was startled. “Jocelyn? From Gracewood Women’s Academy?”
“Yes,” Opal said anxiously. “A matchmaker proposed the marriage yesterday, but my aunt refused.”
Carissa understood immediately. She ordered Violet to accompany her to the palace to greet the Queen Dowager. They mounted their horses and departed at once. Meanwhile, Alice was already en route to the palace with Ellis.
Carissa and Violet arrived first and greeted Victoria. Victoria, known for her consideration of the palace ladies, typically only summoned them for formal greetings on the first and fifteenth of the month. Salvador had already paid his respects that morning.
Hearing Carissa’s report, Victoria scowled. “Foolish matchmaking! Does she think I can’t see through her schemes?” Victoria knew Kylie aimed to leverage Thomas’s military influence to support Connor.
Since Connor’s contempt for Ryan, Victoria had been greatly displeased. The boy, neither too young nor too old, lacked manners and acted spoiled and willful. He seemed arrogant and condescending. Both the king and queen had tried to discipline him. While he behaved impeccably when greeting Victoria, she sensed underlying resentment.
Kylie, understanding the situation, sought to build Connor’s connections. The Quintons controlled nearly half the court officials, with many regional appointees being Malcolm’s former students. While publicly respectful of the military, they secretly looked down on it. Their current courtship was transparent. This was unlike Malcolm’s past behavior; his scandal involving a mistress had likely unbalanced him.
As Alice arrived at Everspring Palace, Victoria’s head chamberlain, Keith, appeared. He said Kylie was needed immediately. Kylie, before she could mention Thomas and Jocelyn’s marriage, said, “Please tell Her Majesty I’ll be there soon.”
Keith smiled politely. “Her Majesty requests your immediate presence.”
Reluctantly, Kylie arranged for Alice’s entertainment while she and Lydia went to Serenity Palace. Carissa and Violet were already hidden.
“Greetings, Mother.” Kylie entered, bowing deeply, her fur cloak against the cold.
“Sit down,” Victoria nodded.
“Thank you, Mother.” Kylie relaxed, removing her cloak and handing it to Lydia before sitting. “Why have you summoned me so urgently, Mother?”
Victoria, as always, showed respect. “On Midwinter’s Dawn,” she said, “your aunt and younger cousin came to the palace. Your cousin must have just come of age, right?”
Kylie’s heart sank, but she feigned ignorance. “I’m not sure which cousin you mean, Mother.”
Victoria fixed her gaze on Kylie. “Your cousin Jocelyn, from the fourth branch of your family.”