Chapter 158
“How absurd!” Charlotte slammed her fist on the table. Her face, illuminated by the dim light of the courtyard, reflected her fury.
Benjamin and Amelia, chastised by her outburst, lowered their heads and remained silent, too afraid to speak.
“How dare you ask me to go to Northwatch Estate?! How can I show my face there? Am I to tell them that Barrett regrets his decision because he married a venomous woman who beat her father-in-law?”
“A household in disarray, and now she’s expected to come back and clean up the mess, use her dowry to pay for her mother-in-law’s medical expenses, and provide seasonal clothes for her younger sister-in-law?”
“Shame on you for even suggesting it! When you wanted Barrett to divorce her, did you show any compassion? You even tried to claim her dowry! If it weren’t for the king granting the divorce edict, wouldn’t you have also claimed her estate and shops?”
“If you have the nerve, go ahead and ask her! I won’t! Even if my face were as thick as a city wall, it wouldn’t be used as a stepping stone for you!”
“Since you’re so shameless, why don’t you go and seek Lady Avis? She was the one who mediated their marriage! You didn’t dare ask her for help when seeking a divorce. Now that you want reconciliation, shouldn’t you be asking her? Or are you afraid that Lady Avis will throw you out?”
“Or do you think you can bully Lady Avis because she’s ill and cannot take charge? You dare to trample on her? Don’t complain that my words are harsh! The disgraceful actions you’ve committed have tarnished the reputation of the Warren family! The first branch of the family has squandered all the merit accumulated by our ancestors!”
After delivering this tirade, Charlotte summoned servants to drive Benjamin and Amelia out, unwilling to hear any more excuses from them. She was determined not to catch a heart disease from their bickering. The Warren family’s assets had been squandered over the years, to the point that even she couldn’t afford Snowdrop Pills.
Benjamin and Amelia left Charlotte’s presence feeling utterly defeated. They exchanged glances with pale faces.
Amelia hesitated for a long moment before suggesting, “Honey, it seems Mother is being unreasonable. Carissa certainly won’t want to come back. Why should we mediate for Barrett’s side of the family?”
Benjamin scolded her sharply, “How can you say such divisive things? In the Warren family, we rise and fall together. When Barrett achieved merit, we too gained some respect. Whether Carissa returns or not is another matter, but as a family, we must speak with one voice.”
Amelia, inherently timid, fell silent under her husband’s reprimand, not daring to argue further.
In truth, she harbored deep resentment towards Barrett’s side of the family. She thought that with Barrett becoming a general, the family would achieve great prestige. However, despite his military achievements marking a promising beginning, he chose to marry Aurora and cast aside Carissa.
Since then, the family’s fortunes had declined. Rebecca couldn’t even afford medicine, and although Amelia had knelt at the physician’s office to gain a reputation for being a dutiful daughter-in-law, she had been subjected to harsh criticism and felt deeply distressed. And when Aurora had caused such a commotion, she had called Amelia incompetent and weak. Aurora did act; however, she only managed to nearly kill her father-in-law.
Strangely, no one thought to investigate this matter further. The sole focus was on bringing Carissa back, as if her return would solve all the problems the Warren family was facing.
Amelia knew she shouldn’t think this way, but she couldn’t help but agree with Charlotte’s words. The Warrens seemed to take Carissa for granted, as if she could be summoned or dismissed at will and was treated like a mere object.
Benjamin went back to consult with his mother.
Rebecca sighed. “Your aunt has always been unreliable, and she isn’t to be counted on. But right now, she’s the only one who can speak on our behalf with Carissa.”
She pondered for a moment.
“It seems Lady Avis is no longer a viable option. I’ve heard Prince Harvey and his wife have been placed under house arrest, though I’m not sure what offense they committed against the king.
“Carissa’s recent success has brought her into the limelight. Since Lady Heather is Melanie’s sister, and Melanie had always been kind to her, perhaps we should test her willingness to help. If she agrees to speak on our behalf, we’d have a good chance.”
“Agreed. We’ll go and ask Lady Heather,” Benjamin said.
Just then, Barrett entered the room. His expression was stern as he said, “None of you are to approach Carissa.”