Chapter 48

Frederick took several decorated boxes and rode out. As expected, the royal guards didn't question him; their orders were to prevent Carissa from leaving the house. This restriction didn't apply to anyone else on the Northwatch Estate, and such a large household naturally had daily errands and purchases.

Arriving at Hartstone Estate, Frederick announced that he was delivering a bridal gift from the Duke of Northwatch's family. The gatekeeper reported this, and soon, Simon Zephyr, the steward of Hartstone Estate, appeared.

After greeting Frederick, Simon said, "Hello, Mr. Carter. The princess said that since Lady Sinclair has just returned home after her divorce, she must be in need of money. There's no need for her to spend on a gift for the princess. We appreciate the thought, but the gift isn't necessary. Please take it back, and there's no need to come again unless it's urgent."

Frederick was momentarily taken aback. When he saw the indifferent look on Simon's face, he understood. Heather looked down on Carissa because of her divorce and saw her gift as bad luck. Therefore, she rejected it.

Though angered, Frederick maintained his composure—a mark of his upbringing in a noble household. "In that case, please convey our lady's best wishes to the princess. Goodbye."

"We won't see you out," Simon replied coldly.

Frederick was furious. He knew all the rumors that had been spreading during the past month while Carissa remained confined to the estate. Everyone said she couldn't tolerate Barrett taking a concubine and was jealous and disrespectful to her in-laws. They said Barrett could have divorced her outright, but the king granted Carissa a divorce edict out of respect for her family's loyalty.

Still, it shouldn't matter what people were saying. After all, Heather and Carissa's mother, Melanie, were biological sisters. When Melanie was alive, her bond with Heather was strong, and they were very close. When Heather had problems giving birth to Leona, Melanie summoned Sebastian to save Heather and the child.

Carissa had suffered much with the Warren family, yet her aunt hadn't helped. Now, they insulted her by refusing her gift. What had Carissa done to deserve this?

Despite his anger, Frederick didn't forget his duties. He took the horse to the countryside villa outside the city, leaving the gifts there temporarily. He would retrieve them after Carissa had left to spare her feelings.

He bought another horse and some travel provisions, then stopped by Sebastian's office to purchase medicines for colds, epidemics, and injuries. Frederick didn't say anything, but Sebastian saw the medicine he was buying and gave him several bottles. "Take these to your lady. She knows how to use them."

Frederick tried to pay, but Sebastian glared at him. "Just take them."

Frederick bowed deeply. At this point, Sebastian was the only person in the Sinclair family willing to help Carissa. Frederick made a mental note to remember this kindness.

When Frederick returned to Northwatch Estate, he saw a carriage woman who looked exhausted and distressed. Lily was talking to a marked carriage outside.

"Please, let me see Carissa! I have something important to ask of her," the woman pleaded earnestly.

"Lady Sinclair has divorced Barrett. Whatever matters you have don't concern her. Ma'am, please leave and don't cause a scene," Lily said coldly.

"Please, Lily. My mother-in-law has fallen ill. I couldn't get Sebastian, and I can't buy Snowdrop Pills from the physician's office. Everyone's making things difficult for me, and I have no other option—"

"Ma'am!" Lily interrupted. "The general and his new wife are accomplished and capable. If they can't solve a problem, it's not something our lady should be troubled with. You know how well Lady Sinclair treated you before. I don't expect you to remember her past kindness, but at least don't create more trouble for her. She doesn't need more rumors of being disrespectful."

Amelia grabbed Lily's hand, her face filled with desperation. "Lily, I know Carissa was good to me. Please talk to her and ask her to help me one more time. I had nothing to do with the rumors! It wasn't me who spread them…. I'll be in trouble with my mother-in-law if I don't get Sebastian to treat her!"

Lily shook off her hand and glanced at Frederick. "Mr. Carter, let's go back inside."