Chapter 52

Seeing Amelia’s restless and anxious state, Carissa smiled gently. “Go ahead, speak your mind.”

Carissa was leaving the capital tonight. If things weren’t resolved today, Amelia would return tomorrow or the day after. She didn’t want Amelia to spend days standing at the estate gates begging for a meeting, as that would only escalate matters.

Carissa knew Rebecca didn’t favor Amelia. Apart from not having a son, Amelia’s family background was unimpressive, her dowry meager, and she lacked the grace and elegance expected of noble ladies.

Amelia didn’t hesitate to pour out her grievances. Tears fell like rain as she recounted the chaos at the wedding party. Guests had fled, and even the soldiers Aurora invited had left disgruntled. Everyone blamed her, including her husband, Benjamin.

“On their wedding night,” Amelia continued, frustration and sadness lacing her voice, “Aurora overturned the table in their room. Barrett had actually left, but when Mother found out, she sent him back.”

“That’s not all,” she went on, her voice trembling with anger. “This morning, the maid went to their new room and found no signs of consummation. Mother thought they quarreled and didn’t sleep together, but Aurora boldly admitted they had already been intimate on their way back to the capital. Even the soldiers who returned with them knew. When Mother heard this, she fainted.”

Lily, listening nearby, frowned deeply. “Ma’am, there’s no need to discuss these matters. Lady Sinclair is young and hasn’t experienced such things. She shouldn’t hear such drivel.”

Carissa's status was unclear; why was Amelia telling her about a couple who were intimate before marriage?

Even though the Warrens had declined in status, Rebecca cherished their reputation and wanted Carissa’s dowry, finding many excuses to take it. After Carissa left Valor Estate, Rebecca complained about Carissa’s disrespectful behavior.

Most of the gossip circulating originated from Rebecca, embellished further by gossipmongers.

Lily, formerly the steward of Valor Estate, was greatly respected by Amelia. Seeing Lily’s sudden change in demeanor, Amelia felt a pang of fear and quickly said, “You’re right. I spoke out of turn.”

Meanwhile, Charlotte’s heart was filled with complex emotions after hearing Amelia’s words. Carissa hadn’t consummated her marriage with Barrett, even though they had been married for a year. Perhaps it was for the best; it prevented that ungrateful and insincere man from gaining any advantage over her. A future husband would be a pure match, free from criticism.

Amelia twisted her handkerchief in distress, feeling helpless. “I spoke out of turn earlier. Please, Carissa! For the sake of our past family ties, help me. Ask Sebastian to visit. Even if he doesn’t come, at least sell us some Snowdrop Pills,” she pleaded.

Carissa remained silent, her expression calm and neutral. Even Amelia suspected she was preventing Sebastian from treating Rebecca.

Lily had heard enough. “Ma’am, your words are strange. If you can’t invite him, do you think we can? Sebastian refuses to treat your mother-in-law because he disapproves of her character. It has nothing to do with Lady Sinclair. If this rumor spreads, our lady will be slandered again.”

Amelia sighed heavily. “No matter what I say, I’m wrong. I won’t speak anymore. Carissa, I’ll just kneel to you.”

Before Amelia could carry out her gesture, Lily swiftly held her back, unable to contain her anger. “Why humiliate our lady like this? You used to be her elder sister-in-law! If you kneel to her, how can she live with herself?”

Charlotte also found Amelia’s behavior improper.

“You came to Carissa for help, and did your best. If you can’t manage it, go back and tell them to figure it out themselves. They’re capable people, aren’t they? Why are you taking all this upon yourself? Are you an idiot?” she snapped.

Amelia’s voice choked with tears as she replied, “They said if I can’t handle this, Benjamin will divorce me! You know how they are. Everyone knows! They really will get him to divorce me!”

The final lines ("BIG SALE: 3500 bonus free fou you" and "回") appear to be unrelated and were removed.