Chapter 272

+25 BONUS

Carissa suddenly recalled the Prince family's marriage proposal. It had been for Oliver's younger cousin, but Melanie hadn't been impressed. Forget the past; it was better to move on. She and Rafael were marrying in two months. The past felt like yesterday's death, the future like today's birth. They would bid farewell to the past and look forward to a new beginning.

The weather was growing colder, and the courtyard orchids were budding. They were expected to bloom in a few days, but this year, they bloomed early. Frederick called it an auspicious sign.

Ryan could now get out of bed, but could only walk a few steps before needing to rest. The Duke of Northwatch's household was busily preparing for the wedding. The bridal gown, commissioned on the engagement day, was being crafted by the embroiderers of Enchanted Boutique.

In the capital, many prominent families frequented Enchanted Boutique for their daughters' wedding garments. Their embroidery was renowned for its quality and speed, famous throughout the kingdom. Wealthy merchants and nobles from outside the capital often spent lavishly on gowns from Enchanted Boutique.

Lily, returning from checking on the gown's progress, had a strange expression, as if she wanted to speak but hesitated. Noticing this, Carissa asked, "Is there a problem with the bridal gown?"

That day, Carissa, wearing a high-collared cloak, took Ryan to see the orchids. Afterward, she carried him back. Though Ryan wanted to walk, Carissa followed Sebastian's instructions, limiting his movement to two or three short walks daily to keep his blood circulating and prevent foot stagnation.

After Ryan ate his medicinal meal, Lily cleaned the plates and said, "My lady, it's nothing serious. I just happened to run into someone from the Prince family."

"Someone from the Prince family?" Carissa immediately remembered Lily's earlier hesitation. "Yes," she said, "I recall their marriage proposal, but let's not discuss that now."

After settling Ryan, she went out with Lily. The sky was overcast, the wind strong. Carissa tightened her cloak and watched Lily give the plates to Joy before heading to the storeroom. They had planned to organize the newly purchased dowry items.

Lily's voice was almost lost to the wind. "It's not about the past. The Prince family commissioned Enchanted Boutique for their bridal gown. I inquired, and learned the third daughter is marrying General Warren."

Carissa paused. "Barrett's marrying again? Isn't Aurora his wife? Has she been divorced?"

"Aurora is his secondary wife, a concubine. The one he's marrying will be his primary wife."

"So, the Prince family's third daughter… That's the Earl of Silverstone's family, right?"

"Yes!"

Carissa recalled Viola Prince, who had also been divorced. Years ago, Viola had married Timothy's eleventh younger brother, a young, ambitious general who died in battle a year after their marriage. The virtuous Farrell family, not wanting to delay Viola's life, had Timothy's father write a divorce letter, return her dowry, and send her home. Viola reportedly wanted to remain to mourn her husband, but ultimately agreed to the divorce. She was twenty-six, three years older than Barrett.

"How did this marriage come about? Did Aurora agree? Did Barrett?" Carissa was curious, though aware she shouldn't pry.

"I'm not entirely sure. I only heard the prime minister's wife acted as matchmaker," Lily replied.

Carissa was even more puzzled. The prime minister's wife was known for avoiding such matters. Why would she facilitate this match? The Warren family was generally avoided by young women—who could compete with Aurora? The household's chaotic affairs made it undesirable. However, this union connected the Warren family with the Earl of Silverstone's family, which Rebecca likely welcomed. Hidden motives might be at play.

Carissa chose not to dwell on it. It was no longer her concern; mere curiosity, easily dismissed.