Chapter 300

Eleanor’s casual remark undoubtedly confirmed Jessica’s claims.

“It’s no wonder Lady Helen dislikes Carissa—she must have used such underhanded tactics,” she said.

“It’s shocking to think that someone of the duke’s direct lineage would resort to such a despicable method,” Jessica added.

“Lady Heather, now I understand why you’ve kept your distance. It turns out there’s a reason for it,” Eleanor continued.

Heather held her teacup; she looked as though she wanted to speak but caught Eleanor’s icy gaze. She managed a bitter smile, took a sip of her tea, and remained silent.

Helen felt unsettled. The decision not to invite Carissa was meant to show her who was truly in charge, a reminder not to get above herself. Yet, the fact that Carissa was Rafael’s future wife was a reality Helen could not change. She didn’t want her future daughter-in-law being talked about in such a manner.

Eleanor’s words, however, left her at a loss. Though Eleanor spoke with apparent sincerity, Helen had no way of disproving her claims. In the end, she could only sulk quietly while sipping her tea.

“Oh dear, everyone’s arrived so early?”

A voice broke the tension. The crowd turned to see the Prime Minister’s wife, Natalie, entering with her maid. She was wrapped in thick layers of clothing and carried a hot-water bottle. Her slow steps were accompanied by a warm smile.

“Greetings, Lady Helen,” Natalie said as she approached.

Helen recognized Natalie and responded with a smile. “No need for formality, Mrs. Murray. Why have you arrived so late?”

Natalie smiled and replied, “I had to stop by Northwatch Estate. Oh, it was so crowded there that I couldn’t get in, so I came by to visit you.”

Helen was taken aback. “Northwatch Estate? Why was it so crowded? Are they hosting a tea party too?”

“A bunch of stinking men!” Natalie said, giving a nod of respect to Eleanor before taking a seat.

“A bunch of stinking men?” Jessica’s voice rose in surprise. “Carissa invited men to her gathering? Why would you go there, Mrs. Murray?”

“Of course, it’s because my husband also went there!” Natalie laughed and shook her head, as if helpless about the situation. “I told him I didn’t want to go, but he insisted. He said he wanted me to gain some new insights.”

“Oh? What kind of insights did you gain? Perhaps you could enlighten us, Mrs. Murray,” Jessica asked.

“What insights? I barely saw anything! So many men were crowding the room—half the officials have already left, and the rest are probably still on the way! Forget it. I was terrified of how crowded it was and left as fast as I could,” Natalie replied with a smile, dabbing her nose with a handkerchief.

“Men were crowding the room? What is she planning?” Jessica’s voice rose again as she glanced at Helen.