Chapter 144

After hearing Jonathan’s words, Rebecca began to seriously consider the possibility. Carissa was now the esteemed young lady of a duke’s family. If Barrett married her, he would immediately inherit a title. Rebecca had considered this before, but at the time, she believed Aurora and Barrett could forge a successful life together.

In that case, why bother letting her son be the subject of public gossip? But what was the difference between that and their current situation? With the scandal surrounding Aurora, there was no shortage of gossip. A defiled woman tarnished the family name and jeopardized the marriage prospects of younger relatives. If Barrett inherited a title, at least the marriages of Bryan and Serena could be given more consideration due to the prestige of the duke’s household.

Moreover, if Carissa returned, the vast wealth she brought with her would also return. The Warren family had been impoverished lately; they couldn’t even afford medicine. Plus, Carissa was known for her devoted and respectful nature. She would undoubtedly handle household matters meticulously, sparing Rebecca the trouble of managing everything herself.

Besides, Carissa had never mentioned that the Empress Dowager Victoria held her in high regard. Had Rebecca known, perhaps Jonathan and Benjamin could have secured better positions instead of being relegated to minor official roles. In the capital, such positions were scorned.

Rebecca mulled over the advantages she could gain from Carissa’s return but wasn’t entirely optimistic.

“The problem is, after everything that happened, Carissa might not be willing to return,” she mused.

“But why wouldn’t she? She’s dutiful, and she definitely has feelings for Barrett,” Jonathan replied.

Rebecca nodded slightly. “That makes sense, but I’m worried that because she’s achieved success now, she might become aloof and be unwilling to care for the household or me as she did before.”

“You’d be her mother-in-law. For the sake of being dutiful, she should care for you. Even if she’s unwilling to do it personally, she’ll return with money and staff. Must she personally attend to you?” asked Jonathan.

Rebecca replied, “That’s true, but a daughter-in-law should serve her in-laws. It’s something she’s always done.”

“Aurora didn’t serve you when she was here, and you didn’t criticize her.”

Pondering this, Rebecca thought about Carissa’s past obedience and demeanor compared to Aurora’s arrogance. For some reason, she felt that Carissa should serve her, but it didn’t matter as much if Aurora didn’t.

Rebecca retorted dismissively, “The two are different in temperament. Besides, when Carissa first married into our family, I didn’t set any strict rules for her or make things difficult. If she’s willing to return this time, I’ll certainly treat her even better.”

“Besides, who could she find that’s better than Barrett? Even if someone has a prominent family background and military achievements, a woman who’s served as a general is bound to be coarse and unrefined. The dignity she once had is long gone. No noble family would want someone like that. Finding someone better than Barrett would be nearly impossible.”

Jonathan reflected on Rebecca and Carissa’s past interactions, which had been warm and harmonious. He agreed that his wife had a point. Having been divorced, Carissa would no longer be acceptable to high-ranking noble families and would only be suited to lower-tier individuals. Such opportunists couldn’t compare to Barrett.

“But the problem is, who should we ask to help?” Jonathan asked. Rebecca considered for a moment, then said, “Perhaps we should approach Charlotte. She has a good relationship with Carissa. When Amelia went to Northwatch Estate to see Carissa, she didn’t get a response. It was only when Charlotte went that the door was opened.”

Jonathan shook his head. “She’s an outsider and might not agree to help. I think it would be more sincere if you, the matriarch of our family, visited Northwatch Estate yourself. If Carissa refuses to welcome you, it will only damage her reputation further.”

Rebecca frowned. “Why should I seek her out? Wouldn’t that make us look weak?”

“We’re already in a weak position. Do you think Carissa is naive?”

Despite her husband’s reasoning, Rebecca was still very reluctant. Having the mother-in-law go personally to plead with her former daughter-in-law seemed to diminish the Warren family’s standing even more!