Chapter 637

Leona remained weak, aware of her baby's loss. She had felt it even before the delivery, upon Sebastian's arrival. She restrained her tears before Carissa, but wept quietly in private after her cousin left the room.

Violet wanted to comfort her, but Carissa stopped her. "Any consolation now would feel hollow," she said. "She needs to endure this alone." Some pains ran too deep for comfort; it would only stir more tears and heartache.

Claire reported that Molly and Fiona had gone to Silverstone Estate. Violet informed Carissa, who was startled, remembering Zoey's visit the previous day. The day had felt so long, the visit seemed distant.

"Keep an eye on them, within reason," Carissa instructed. "Don't attract attention."

"Don't worry," Violet reassured her. "Claire and the others are discreet. Winona trained them, after all."

Carissa nodded and went to see Alan and Leah. "Leona's divorce is inevitable," she began. "I asked you to care for her until her delivery, which I expected to be swift. Now that she's given birth and left Gracehold Estate, do you wish to return to Meadow Ridge, or stay a little longer?"

Alana's eyes filled with sorrow and self-reproach. "I've already informed our mistress that we won't return to Meadow Ridge for some time. We failed to protect the Duchess. I shouldn't have gone for the cloak yesterday. I never expected Samuel to be so cunning. He never mentioned needing the Duchess's help to restore his position; he only sought her favor, and we mistook it for genuine change. That was my fault. I'll stay with Lady Leona during this difficult time."

"Don't blame yourself, Alana. You can't prevent everything. You and Leah have done your best. Without you, Leona would have faced far worse."

"There's no need to comfort us, Carissa," Alana said. "Nor should you pay us. We feel unworthy. We'll leave only when the Duchess has healed, regained her strength, and can smile again."

"I can't—"

"Those in the martial world keep their promises," Alana said, heading to the kitchen. She couldn't leave Leona's medicine preparation to anyone else; Ivy was already overworked, and both she and Leah knew some pharmacology.

Violet, more concerned about Molly's visit to Silverstone Estate, checked back with Carissa. "Should we ask Claire to gather information? It could be risky."

Carissa shook her head. "No unnecessary risks. We see the bigger picture: winning over the Earl of Silverstone's family. Besides, I'm sure Zoey will seek me out again. With her family head away, I'm her best option for assistance."

Violet nodded. "True. Zoey is holding up the entire Earl of Silverstone household. Caspian is practically useless. He's honest, but lacks vision."

"Carmen mentioned Celeste's next target was Caspian," Carissa said. "Why no news?"

"Celeste found Caspian unsatisfactory," Violet explained. "Grand Princess Eleanor disciplined her. Perhaps she's injured? Or planning a reappearance under a different guise? Many recognize her from her past as a courtesan; Caspian may even have met her as 'Ruby.'"

Carissa nodded thoughtfully. "Possible. It must be tough for Zoey. One problem solved, another arises. I hope Caspian can hold his own."

"He treats his wife well, despite her merchant background," Violet remarked. "But men can be fickle. They're vulnerable to beautiful women, especially manipulators like Celeste. If she charmed your husband, she might steal his heart, and you'd be in trouble."