Chapter 474
Rafael inquired about Leona. “How is she now? Is she feeling better? Samuel’s dismissal should have made him tone down his behavior, shouldn’t it?”
Carissa shook her head. “With all his talk of true love, how could he possibly change? Not only has he not toned down, he doesn’t even visit Leona’s quarters anymore.”
“True love?” Rafael frowned. “Isn’t that term completely tarnished? What about his other concubine? The merchant’s daughter, the one whose dowry was used to redeem the courtesan?”
“Since Nora entered the estate, she’s barely even seen him,” Carissa said, ceasing her embroidery. Irritation flickered across her face. “Nora is only seventeen this year. Given her family background and the difference in status with the Earl of Gracehold’s family, it’s nearly impossible for her to escape that cage. Isn’t she just another victim of her family’s schemes? Did she really want to marry Samuel as a concubine?”
“Outside, that’s indeed how they speak of her,” Lily said, entering with a bowl of soup.
Carissa replied, “I know. They say Nora is seeking to elevate her family status by becoming a concubine of an earl’s household, and that she married him willingly. But whether she was truly willing or not, who cares? Who pays attention to what a woman thinks or desires? Who cares if she might just want to find a stable, ordinary husband and live a simple life?”
Rafael was touched by her words. “You have had almost no interaction with Nora, yet you speak on her behalf. You truly empathize with women, unlike some who speak of righteousness but actually devalue women the most.”
Carissa was taken aback, suddenly reminded of Aurora, who had previously boasted to Carissa about being a model for women everywhere, claiming she wanted to fight for women’s rights. Yet, deep down, Aurora held women in contempt.
Lulu entered. “Lady Carissa, Lady Alana has arrived.”
“Quickly, show her to the sitting room,” Carissa said, rising swiftly. If Alana had come this evening, something must be afoot. Alana and Leah occasionally visited to discuss matters, but they generally chose daytime rather than evening or night.
Although Rafael hadn’t had much interaction with Alana during his time at Meadow Ridge, they had become acquainted after she arrived in the capital, and were aware of each other’s affiliations. Thus, Rafael felt there was no need for formalities between them. Since they were both from Meadow Ridge, he said, “I’ll accompany you. If she’s coming this late, it must be important.”
Alana was seated in the sitting room; servants had brought her coffee. She ignored its scalding temperature and drank it, clearly extremely thirsty.
When Carissa and Rafael arrived, she didn’t rise but called out, “Lady Carissa, Prince Rafael.”
“Greetings, Alana!” the couple greeted with a bow.
“Please sit. I’ll be brief,” Alana said calmly. She always approached matters with such composure—never in a rush, yet the urgency of her message might be significant.
“Alana, is something wrong with Leona?” Carissa asked as she and Rafael took their seats.
Alana nodded seriously. “Yes. As we’ve discussed before, Leah and I would generally avoid direct action, but tonight I couldn’t hold back. I gave that cur of a man a beating and knocked out two of his teeth. I thought I should let you know, Lady Carissa. If that scumbag comes looking for you because of our actions, feel free to give him another slap. I barely held back tonight. Half of my anger was vented, and I’m still fuming.”
Carissa asked, “If you lost your temper, he must have done something outrageous. What happened?”
“Madam Ruby was under house arrest, but she was recently released and came to provoke Lady Leona. Initially, Leah and I didn’t let her in. But today, she deliberately came, fell on the stone steps, and scraped her scalp. She went back and told that scumbag that the Duchess pushed her. Even though it was a blatant lie, that scumbag believed it and came to confront the Duchess angrily.”
Alana then asked, “Can I have another cup of coffee? This one’s finished.”
Everyone was waiting for her to continue, but her sudden request for coffee caught them off guard.