Chapter 675

When Jaina returned to Grovehill Estate, Gemma immediately approached her, eager to learn what had transpired. Gemma, a respected lady from a marquis’s family, would normally never treat a troupe performer with such kindness. She only did so as a favor to Eleanor.

However, Jaina’s red eyes clearly indicated she had lost her composure. Gemma couldn't help but ask sharply, “Have you been crying? Did you cry in front of them?”

Jaina pressed her hand to her chest, appearing shaken.

“Madam Gemma, you don’t understand. We went to Glimmering Tower and had a private room on the top floor. It was supposed to be the highest floor, but Ms. Spencer wanted to test my courage. She said that, since Thomas comes from a military background, I must be brave to be his wife. She took my hand and flew me to the very top! It was terrifying! I didn’t cry in front of her, but the strong wind made my eyes water. I only cried after we left, in the carriage. If you don’t believe me, you can ask Tamara.”

Gemma looked at Tamara and asked, “Is that true?”

Tamara nodded and replied, “Yes, Madam Gemma. When Ms. Spencer looked out the window, she provocatively asked Ms. Sanford if she dared to join her, saying a proper wife shouldn’t lack courage. I told Ms. Sanford to go with her, as I thought Ms. Spencer wouldn’t endanger her. When they came back down, their hair was tousled, and their eyes were red.”

Gemma’s expression softened slightly. “Were you there the entire time?”

“I couldn’t follow them up, but I was at the private room door the whole time. I could hear and see them.”

Gemma hummed thoughtfully, then frowned. “Ms. Spencer… frankly, even though she calls Thomas her godbrother and Alice her godmother, they’ve never formalized their bond. It’s possible Violet is harboring thoughts of marrying Thomas and is using this to make things difficult for you.”

“Is that possible?” Jaina asked, her eyes wide with shock. “Did she do this on purpose? It makes sense. I was enjoying snacks in the private room when she suddenly insisted on taking me up.”

“Be wary of her. If she invites you again, don’t go,” Gemma instructed firmly.

“Understood,” Jaina replied.

Gemma glanced at her sideways, sighed, and added, “Let’s face it, you’re getting on in years. Thomas claiming he wants someone older and more composed? That’s probably a farce. Who wouldn't want to marry a sixteen-year-old? You’re twenty-six this year, right? If fate had been kinder, you might already have a child nearing ten.”

Gemma looked down on Jaina’s background, especially considering Jaina's origins. To her, a farm girl was of higher status than a street performer—essentially lower class and unworthy of decent company.

This background was an embarrassment to the Sanford family.

“You’re right, Madam Gemma,” Jaina murmured softly.

“Enough. Return to your room. Stay out of sight to avoid offending anyone through your ignorance of the rules,” Gemma ordered.

“Yes, Madam Gemma,” Jaina replied, bowing respectfully as she and Tamara went inside.

Jaina couldn’t miss the disdain in Gemma’s gaze. She understood that, in the eyes of a noble family, acknowledging a traveling performer as a relative was a disgrace.

Jaina had previously kept silent about her lowly status. Now, knowing her true identity, she felt even less inclined to speak. Caution was best.

Once they investigated the bandits in Stonebridge County, they would discover whether Eleanor had helped Jaina out of justice or ulterior motives.