Chapter 303
Eleanor was speechless, stunned into a long silence by Margaret’s sharp retort. Finally, she stood, a cold laugh escaping her lips.
“You clearly know nothing about art, yet you use this as a pretext to argue. It seems we can hardly exchange a word without clashing. I shall take my leave.”
After speaking, she shot Helen a fierce glare. Helen was momentarily stunned. What had she done to offend Eleanor? It was Margaret who had crossed her. Why was Eleanor glaring at her?
Still, Helen had suffered enough at Eleanor’s hands before, and given their business dealings, she didn't want to provoke her further.
“Your Highness,” she asked, “won’t you stay a bit longer to enjoy the paintings?”
Eleanor walked over to Helen, leaning in close to whisper a threat: “I do intend to enjoy them. After everyone’s finished, you’ll send the paintings to my residence. I expect them delivered by the end of the day.”
With that, she left, Jessica in tow. Serena hurried after them. Some of Eleanor’s close confidantes hesitated, but eventually rose to take their leave.
Many guests remained, however—particularly Rosalind, the royal chancellor’s granddaughter. She was utterly captivated by each painting, seemingly wanting to engrave every line into her memory.
Some didn't understand the art but chose to stay, unwilling to offend Helen. Reflecting on the earlier confrontations, they felt more confused than anything. What they did realize was that they needed to be cautious of the Warren girl. They didn’t want their sons involved with her—she was clearly trouble.
Families with sons of marriageable age quickly crossed Serena off their lists. They would rather their sons remain single than marry a woman like her.
Helen propped her chin in her hand, admiring the paintings for a while, but soon grew troubled. She wasn’t well-versed in art, but she knew these paintings were valuable. If she sent them to Eleanor’s residence, they would surely never be returned.
Should she send them or not? If she didn’t, who knew what trouble Eleanor might stir up? That mother-daughter pair was such a headache!
Soon, Luke arrived to report, “Your Grace, ladies, Lady Sinclair has sent word that if you are still interested in viewing more paintings, you are welcome to visit Northwatch Estate. Lady Sinclair and Mr. Spencer will be ready to receive you at any time.”
“I’ll go!” Rosalind exclaimed, her voice loud and clear. She didn’t care about maintaining composure or decorum—meeting Kyle was far more important than appearances.
With the king himself at Northwatch Estate and so many eager to see Kyle, the remaining guests quickly agreed to go as well.
Luke bowed respectfully and asked Helen, “Your Grace, should I prepare the carriage?”
Helen was in a quandary. She wanted to go, but today was supposed to be her day to host. Yet, it had somehow turned into a gathering at Northwatch Estate. The king and all the civil and military officials had gone, and now the ladies were following suit.
She was vexed, but what could she do? She hadn’t invited Carissa, and yet Carissa had graciously extended an invitation to her instead.
The situation had been pushed to this point; she had no choice but to nod and say, “Prepare the carriage.”
As she climbed into the carriage, leading a grand procession of noblewomen toward Northwatch Estate, a sudden thought struck her. Had she fallen into Carissa’s trap? Had she been outmaneuvered? Who was truly hosting the event today? How had everything changed with just a few paintings?
The more Helen thought about it, the more she felt she had been played by Carissa. Her anger surged, but with all the ladies following her lead, she couldn’t turn back. Wouldn’t that make her seem petty and narrow-minded?
No, she had to see this through. And if Carissa dared to show her any disrespect, no matter who was present—the king and all the officials included—Helen was determined to make Carissa pay. Helen’s temper flared, unstoppable once ignited.
To her surprise, Carissa herself greeted them upon their arrival at Northwatch Estate. As Helen stepped from the carriage, Carissa extended a hand with a warm smile. “Your Grace, please be careful. Allow me to assist you.”
Helen had expected a trick, but instead, she was met with such hospitality that she was momentarily disarmed. Still, she reminded herself that she was the elder and held higher status. Carissa’s deference was only proper.
So, with an air of entitlement, Helen accepted Carissa’s assistance. Draped in her rich purple and red robes, paired with a fox-fur cloak, she carried herself with the dignity befitting her rank as she walked into Northwatch Estate.