Chapter 1242  Chapter 1242  The trio listened as the common folk continued to praise Carissa. They spoke of her efforts in establishing Gracewood Women’s Academy and skye Embroidery, and how she had now even cleaned up such a filthy place. She was truly a remarkable woman.  Of course, where there was praise, there was also criticism. Some whispered that a woman’s place was in the home, managing the household as well as bearing children and raising them.  “Lady Carissa has been married for so long, yet she hasn’t even had a child. She’s neglected her proper duties as a wife, and worse, she’s doing a man’s work.”  Violet, having grown used to such talk, merely rolled her eyes. But Cynthia and Bun, ever protective of their friend, were quick to react. They were about to step forward to argue when Violet caught them by the arm.  With a smile, she said, “Let them talk. Don’t waste your breath. It’s nothing to lose sleep over. If we engage, we’ll only cause Cari more trouble. Besides, there are plenty of people who will defend her. She has quite a following.”  And sure enough, voices soon rose in defense of Carissa.  Feeling reassured, Cynthia murmured, “Cari is only growing more remarkable.”  Meanwhile, trouble continued to brew at the Capital Guard headquarters. Gerald hadn’t eaten or drunk anything all day. By nightfall, a high fever struck him. Despite the heat of two charcoal stoves and the weight of two thick blankets, he trembled uncontrollably.  Carissa sent word to Malcolm, who panicked and was at a loss. He was too afraid to call in any outside physicians, so he could only rely on the household physician from the estate.  Malcolm had already received a stern reprimand from Salvador and had his salary docked for a year on top of his original punishment. After leaving the palace, he was relentlessly focused on how to fix the situation, and now, another problem had arisen.  The situation he found himself in now was like a wildfire only blocked by a thin cloth. Whether that cloth was burned through or set alight, it would be a disaster for the Quinton family. The only thing he could be thankful for was that Salvador didn’t seem to want to see the Quinton family fall.  In his heart, Malcolm felt torn toward Carissa–grateful yet resentful. Grateful that she continued to shield the Quinton family from disgrace, but resentful that she hadn’t warned him sooner. But he couldn’t voice this resentment, especially since Kylie had originally opposed Gracewood Women’s Academy. Why should Carissa tell him anything?  Carissa had already said it herself–she hadn’t expected Gerald would make another trip to the gentlemen’s retreat so soon after just having been there. Maybe this was just bound to happen; the Quinton family had grown too strong, too quickly.  1/2  +25 BONUS  Chapter 1242  With a high fever, Gerald rambled incoherently. Carissa wouldn’t allow anyone near him except for Malcolm and the household physician. Naturally, she insisted on staying, wanting to know exactly how Gerald was faring.  His fever–induced ramblings made little sense to her. His words were muddled and soft, yet heavy with sorrow. It was as if he was longing for something he could never have, no matter how hard he tried.  They fed him medicine, but by midnight, his fever still showed no sign of breaking.  The household physician explained that Gerald’s condition was brought on by the strain of emotional turmoil–an anxious heart, combined with two days without food or drink, had finally overwhelmed him. Simply put, it was his mind that had faltered first. The arrest had been a deep humiliation for him, something he could not bear to face.  By morning, Gerald’s condition hadn’t improved and the household physician shook his head in dismay.  Carissa called for Malcolm to step outside, then suggested, “I think we should call for Sebastian, or perhaps take Lord Gerald back to the Quinton family’s residence.”  Malcolm knelt, his hands pressed over his face, the weight of exhaustion heavy on him. He hadn’t slept in two days and was on the verge of collapsing.  He knew that calling for Sebastian meant that more people would be in the know. Taking Gerald back to the estate was an option, but it had its complications. Salvador could be appeased, but how could they bring Gerald back home in this state?  Not to mention, there were shops that opened early, and there were people hustling along the roads. There was also the chilly wind cutting through the air, making it impossible to let him out in his current state. With a fever that high, exposure to the cold could be fatal.  “Lord Malcolm, you should make your own decision. I’m just offering my suggestions.”  With that, Carissa turned away and returned to the building.  After a brief pause, Malcolm finally agreed to summon Sebastian. Carissa sent Max to personally handle the task.