Chapter 444
How could Viola not wish to conceive an heir soon? Yet, she had her own silent struggles. Barrett seemed unenthusiastic about intimacy, and even when he did participate, he appeared weak. This was puzzling, as he was a strong guard in good health.
Viola ensured her husband's diet was nourishing and considered consulting a physician but refrained, fearing it might embarrass him. She felt an indescribable discontent. Though her life appeared smooth, an underlying frustration plagued her.
Just then, her sister-in-law, Zoey (the Prince family's current mistress of the household), arrived with medicinal food for Evelyn. Zoey was surprised to learn Viola also wished to attend Helen's banquet.
"If Viola wants to go, let her," Evelyn said. "She knows Lady Carissa. Even though the Warren family hasn't received an invitation, it's fine for her to join us."
Zoey furrowed her brow. "Mother, Viola is still a member of the Warren family, and Lady Carissa was once married to Viola's current husband. It would be awkward if she went."
"Zoey, don't worry," Viola reassured her. "Lady Carissa and I won't be uncomfortable. We've spoken privately before, and she's always been kind to me."
"Have you spoken since you both remarried?" Zoey asked.
Viola hesitated, then said, "Yes, a while ago, we met on the street. I dismounted to greet her, and she spoke to me courteously."
Zoey thought for a moment, then shook her head. "Meeting privately is one thing, but with so many guests at the banquet, your presence might make Lady Carissa uncomfortable."
Viola smiled. "Zoey, please don't worry. Lady Carissa isn't petty. She's even invited me to her home before."
Zoey looked at her younger sister-in-law, feeling her words hadn't fully captured the situation. Considering Viola and Carissa's relationship, they would typically avoid each other publicly to avoid gossip.
Evelyn's expression grew stern. "Enough. If she wants to go, let her. Now that Barrett has been demoted, Viola must think about his future."
Hearing her mother-in-law's decision, Zoey raised no further objections. "We'll do as you say, Mother."
However, even after Zoey left, her brow remained furrowed. Her maid, Mia, asked, "Madam Zoey, is it because you don't want Madam Viola to go?"
"Why would she want to go? Is she trying to make things difficult for everyone?" Zoey shook her head. "But Mother has always been indulgent towards her. Whatever she's asked for over the years, Mother has never opposed. If I stop her now, Mother might hold a grudge against me."
Zoey continued, "Besides, the Farrell family's men were once under the Duke of Northwatch's command and later followed the Hell Monarch. I heard General Timothy has returned to the capital, so the Farrell family will definitely be on the guest list. Didn't she consider that? How will she face the Farrell family when the time comes?"
"But didn't the Farrell family issue her a divorce letter? They must have hoped she would remarry, not spend her life mourning her former husband. The Farrell family is kind-hearted. They probably wish to see her remarried," Mia replied.
"But she married Barrett, who betrayed the Hell Monarch's princess consort. The Farrell family were all followers of the Duke of Northwatch back then," Zoey protested.
Zoey hadn't forgotten her younger sister-in-law's comparison of her dowry to that of the Hell Monarch's princess consort. Viola had been pleased with herself, thinking her dowry would surpass Carissa's, only to be dismayed when many valuable items were added to Carissa's trousseau just before the wedding. Viola had even cursed in frustration.
Zoey didn't believe Viola could have a calm conversation with Carissa. Even if Carissa was kind, it was likely out of respect for the Prince family rather than genuine warmth.
"On the day of the birthday banquet, keep a close watch on her," Zoey instructed. "My husband has just taken up command. We can't afford any criticism because of her."
"I understand, Madam Zoey. You can rest assured," Mia replied.