Chapter 595

“Madam Viola!” Zoey’s maid, Jane, called, hurrying over. “What are you doing here?” Viola turned, her face pale. She murmured, “I heard he’s now a third-rank major general.”

“Who are you talking about, Madam Viola? It’s best not to gossip,” Jane replied. She had spent many years with Zoey and knew Viola’s meaning. She wanted to warn Viola to be cautious.

But Viola seemed oblivious, saying, “The king only made my brother a major general before he left for the Southern Frontier. A major general commands a region. Which region will he be stationed in?”

Jane’s tone turned serious. “Madam Viola, you should be more concerned about your husband. He’s here today, too.”

Bitterness filled Viola’s heart, but she ignored Jane, continuing, “What merit did he achieve to earn such a reward? Lady Kayla’s husband was granted an earldom, and she a noble title. He received a third-rank major general title. What great achievement is that? Wasn’t it just delivering messages? On what grounds? Don’t the soldiers who truly fight feel disheartened?”

Jane grasped Viola’s arm tightly, her nails digging in. “Madam Viola, mind your words. We’re at the Quinton family’s residence.”

The sharp pain jolted Viola back to reality. Shame and anger warred within her. “Who told you to follow me?”

“Madam Zoey was worried you might get lost, so she sent me to accompany you,” Jane replied calmly.

“Is she afraid I’ll get lost? Or that I’ll embarrass myself and tarnish the Earl of Silverstone’s family?” Viola shot back coldly.

“You wouldn’t do such a thing, Madam Viola. Madam Zoey doesn’t think that way. If the crowd is too noisy, I can walk with you in the garden. The breeze is nice. It will clear your mind and remind you of your identity as a member of the Warren family,” Jane responded. Viola glared. “Shut your mouth. If you’re following me, stay ten feet away.”

Fuming, Viola turned to leave, but it was too late—several eyes were on them. Every glance felt mocking. She wanted to leave immediately.

Lost in thought, Viola marched out of the Quinton residence, leaving even her maid, Poppy, behind.

Returning, Jane quietly reported to Zoey, who frowned. Viola left like that? Barrett was still in the courtyard. She hadn’t informed the host. This was embarrassing, especially with so many people at the entrance. Despite her anger, Zoey remained calm. She instructed Jane to find Poppy and have her return, adding, “Tell her to keep an eye on things and report back immediately. Also, give her an extra monthly allowance.”

Barrett learned of Viola’s departure after the feast. Returning to the estate, he hurried to Grace Mansion, finding her in bed.

“Why did you leave early? You could have told me,” he asked, irritated.

Viola rubbed her forehead. “I had a terrible headache and thought it best to come home.”

Seeing her pale face, his irritation softened to concern. He sat beside her. “You should have mentioned you weren’t feeling well. It’s not proper to leave without informing anyone.”

As he massaged her forehead, Viola couldn’t shake her gloom. Before Thomas’ return, his tenderness would have warmed her, but now…

The two men were incomparable. One was a low-ranking guard; the other, a third-rank major general.

That fleeting glance from Thomas had made her heart race. The meaning was clear—Viola understood it well after being married to him.

Thomas hadn’t let go of her. She was still in his thoughts.

Frustration bubbled, especially towards her sister-in-law, who had returned Thomas’ death pension, seeming to end their connection. She felt trapped and uncertain.

She had to see Thomas, no matter what.

Noticing her silence, Barrett’s expression grew worried. “Are you still feeling unwell? I can send for a physician.”

“I’m much better,” she replied, grasping his hand.