Chapter 830

Back in their room, Viola was busy with needlework. After her previous outburst, she had calmed down considerably. Barrett nervously informed her that he had given Amelia authority over the household.

Viola shot him an annoyed look. “It should have been given to her in the first place. Not to mention, I'm pregnant now. Even if I weren't, I shouldn't be managing the household.”

Barrett sighed in relief. He sat down and looked at her. “Needlework is hard on the eyes. You really shouldn't be doing it. Let Mom and the others handle it. I remember Poppy is good at sewing, too. You can give it to her.”

“As a mother, I need to make a few things for the baby,” Viola replied, her face lighting up with a gentle smile. “Besides, even though three of you receive salaries, it's not easy to support a whole family. Mother still needs her medicine, so it's better to save wherever we can.”

Barrett was puzzled by her sudden frugality. Having servants do the needlework didn't seem connected to saving money. But as long as she wasn't upset and there were no conflicts at home, things could go smoothly. He no longer aspired to great achievements. He simply wanted a peaceful household and to keep his position.

“You came home early today, which is good. There are a few things we need to discuss. Now that my pregnancy is progressing, we need to find a wet nurse and the best midwife. Childbirth is always perilous. You've heard about Lady Legna's difficult labor, right? We need to go to the Arcane Sanctum and stock up on some medicine. While we're there, we can buy Snowdrop Pills for Mother.”

Barrett nodded, understanding the dangers of childbirth. “Sure. What's the name of the medicine? I can pick it up on my way home tomorrow.”

“It's called Evergreen Pills. It's made from Evergreen Root and donkey-hide gelatin mixed with pain-relieving herbs. Get about seven or eight. If the pain becomes too intense during labor and I start to lose strength, these pills will be the best remedy.”

“Okay, I’ll get them tomorrow. As for the midwife and wet nurse, I’ll ask Amelia for help. She might know someone, or Aunt Charlotte might be able to assist.”

“Aunt Charlotte?” Viola scoffed. “I wouldn't count on her. She doesn't involve herself in household matters anymore. If she had a place of her own, she would have moved out long ago. Even with your promotion, she still looks down on you. I have no idea where she gets her confidence. No one in her branch of the family has accomplished anything.”

Barrett sighed. Viola knew Charlotte was upset with his side of the family because of what happened to Carissa.

“It's not entirely her fault. Back then, our family was dealing with one mess after another. She's a straightforward person, so she got angry with us because of it. Now that things have calmed down, I believe she would be willing to lend a hand.”

“No need! I wouldn't bother her even if I needed help,” Viola replied irritably.

Noticing her anger, Barrett decided not to push the issue. “Alright, then. If you don't want her help, we can ask Amelia instead.”

“I know I'm putting her out, but once I have the baby, I'll make sure to thank her properly.” Viola set down her needlework, stood up, and stretched her back. “By the way, your salary has increased significantly, and there's an additional bonus at the end of the year. You should give a third of it to the family fund and leave the rest for me to manage.”

Barrett paused, surprised. “If Amelia is managing the household, then my entire salary should go into the family fund as well. Dad and Benjamin's salaries go there, too.”

Viola understood Barrett wanted to take care of his family, but having a child changed things. She took a deep breath and said patiently, “Isn't it enough that they contribute? We need to set aside money for the baby. We can't give everything to Amelia. What will we do when we need money ourselves?”

“Amelia gives us our monthly allowance, and anything the baby needs can be drawn from the family fund. The child's food and clothes are given extra consideration.”

Viola was upset. “You have the highest salary, with an annual salary of 138 silver coins. Including your food allowance and year-end bonus, you're bringing in 200 or 300 silver coins a year. Your father and brother's salaries don't even add up to 200 silver coins. Why should I put up with this? That won't work.”

Barrett frowned. “So, what do you want me to do? We can't just have Amelia manage the household without giving her any money.”

“Who says we're not giving her any money? I told you to give her a third of your salary,” Viola retorted.

“How can a third be enough to cover the expenses? Besides, I've already promised her that I’d give her the money. If that's not enough, we might need to sell some servants. It should save money if we're not keeping so many people under our roof.”

Viola sneered. “Sell servants? That's something only desperate families do. You've been promoted and now want to sell servants? If word of that got out, what would people think?”

Barrett felt the tension rising again, and the flicker of hope for a harmonious home was extinguished.