Chapter 415
Rafael waited patiently. When Carlsen remained silent, he felt no disappointment. Sooner or later, she would come to truly love him and express it in her own words. Then, a lifetime together was long, and he was willing to wait.
The next day, Carissa, accompanied by Violet and Rowan, visited Gracehold Estate with generous gifts. The Earl of Gracehold’s wife, Abigail, greeted them with her family. Samuel was the eldest legitimate son and the heir of the earl. With his noble background, accomplishments, and good looks, he was indeed someone many women would eagerly pursue.
As a princess consort, Carissa was accorded a grand reception. It was known that the Earl of Gracehold, Noah Langley, had many concubines. However, none were present that day; only the wives from the second, third, and fourth branches of the family, along with their children, came out to meet Carissa and her entourage.
Abigail appeared to be around forty. She was slightly plump but exuded the shrewdness and elegance of a seasoned matriarch. Noah’s sons and daughters came to pay their respects. Carissa personally presented the gifts. After conversing pleasantly with them for a while, Abigail ushered the Langley family members outside.
Carissa’s gaze then fell on Leona. Leona was still in the early stages of pregnancy, but her eyes were reddish, and she looked notably thinner. Carissa’s heart ached for her.
Abigail noticed this and smiled, saying, “Leona has been unable to keep any food down since her pregnancy began—everything she eats makes her sick. Only recently has she started to feel a bit better.”
Carissa understood that a pregnant woman needed extra care, both physically and emotionally. Though Abigail seemed shrewd, she didn’t appear to be the type of harsh mother-in-law. Her gaze towards Leona was gentle and kind. Of course, it was also possible that she was merely putting on an act.
Madison, the wife of Noah’s second brother, spoke with a smile, “Since Leona is pregnant, we have forbidden everyone in the house from eating lamb, as the smell makes her nauseous.” Her words carried deeper meaning, suggesting that everyone in the household would accommodate Leona’s needs and not neglect her.
Madison was articulate, but the wife of Noah’s fourth brother, Isla, who was rather blunt, interjected, “Yes, we all avoid the smell of lamb like the plague. But strangely, Ruby enjoys roasted lamb, and Samuel spends every day eating it with her. Afterward, he uses the excuse of the smell to avoid spending time with Leona.”
Abigail shot her a sharp look. Realizing her mistake, Isla quickly fell silent. Carissa glanced at Leona, who looked to be on the verge of tears. She sighed inwardly but acted as if she hadn’t heard Isla’s comment.
“I’ve brought a physician today. He’s an apprentice of Sebastian. I’d like him to examine Leona and see how the pregnancy is progressing.”
Upon hearing that the physician was one of Sebastian’s apprentices, Abigail quickly stood and bowed. “Thank you for coming all the way here, sir.”
Rowan returned the bow, then proceeded to sit beside Leona. After arranging the mat, Leona extended her hand. Rowan checked her pulse with both hands and said, “She’s anxious, and her pregnancy is unstable. You must have been using medicine to prevent a miscarriage, right?”
Abigail hesitated for a moment before replying, “Yes, we have been using the medicine since the beginning of her pregnancy.”
“It’s not very effective. I’ll prescribe a formula for her to try for a few days,” Rowan said, pulling out a prescription pad and writing. A maid came forward to collect the prescription.
Rowan added, “Any physician’s office will have these herbs. She should take it twice daily—morning and noon, but not at night.”
“Thank you, sir.” Abigail stood once more to express her gratitude and signaled for the maid to handle the payment. Rowan accepted the payment and gave Leona one last look before returning to his seat.
After the examination, the atmosphere grew somewhat awkward. Everyone knew well enough why Leona was in such a bad state. However, such matters couldn’t be discussed openly.
Noticing Carissa’s somewhat gloomy expression, Abigail was about to say something to smooth things over when a cold voice interrupted from outside.
“What’s this? Samuel said I could move freely within the estate. Why am I being denied entry to the sitting room now?”
“It’s not that, Madam Ruby. Madam Abigail is entertaining distinguished guests.”
The voice remained haughty, “Distinguished guests? Am I an embarrassment?”
Abigail’s expression changed abruptly, and she shot a sharp look at the maid beside her.