Arabella hadn’t expected Arabella to agree so quickly. But after thinking it over, she realized that with the fall of the Marquis’s estate and Charles’s
is rising power in the court. it made sense for her to try to win him over.
“Now that’s more like it. Take good care of the household, and in the future, you’ll enjoy plenty of comfortable and prosperous days. Charles is young but already accomplishing great things.
It won’t be long before he’s made a marquis or even a minister. When he succeeds, so will you,” she said.
Arabella lowered her head slightly, giving the appearance of being humbled and respectful.
Seeing that Arabella wasn’t pressing for a divorce anymore, Helena panicked.
If Arabella didn’t leave, she’d be stuck as a concubine for the rest of her life. She had given birth to the Farrow family’s heir, and her family background was decent. She wondered. Why should I have to settle for being beneath others? I can’t accept it!
“I heard Mr. Farrow spent the night in Kaitlin’s room. She should be coming to Chamber of Roses to pay her respects this morning. 1 completely forgot to prepare a gift for her.”
Arabella raised an eyebrow. Helena only mentioned Kaitlin in order to sow discord between her and Charles. She thought, “How clever.
You’re all concubines, so there’s no need for any special gifts for each other. Arabella said.
The moment Arabella said that, Helena nearly rolled her eyes in frustration. She thought. This woman’s tongue is sharp!
“I heard Mr. Farrow was planning to visit the main house last night, but Kaitlin intercepted him. Aren’t you feeling a bit regretful, Mrs. Farrow?”
Helena believed that Arabella’s lack of consummation after three years of marriage was a sore point for her, so she jumped at the chance. to rub it in.
Little did she know, her actions were making her look utterly foolish Arabella couldn’t be bothered with her, so she turned her attention to Seraphina
“I’m going to visit Daphne at Princess Celia’s estate now. I’ll take my leave, and please be sure to rest and recover. I’ll come to visit again soon.” Arabella said.
Seraphina didn’t want to deal with her either. Now that the money was secured, Arabella could come and go as she pleased.
“Go ahead, go ahead. Don’t forget to send my regards to the Princess Cèlia.
“Sure.”
After Arabella left, Helena looked up at Seraphina, her eyes filled with tears. “Mother, do you see how she always uses my position as a concubine to poke at me? Soon, she’ll be saying Maxwell is an illegitimate son and can never be recognized.”
Seraphina gently patted her hand and spoke soothingly, “Once we’ve drained all her wedding gifi, I’ll have Charles send her to a secluded courtyard to live out her days there.
“By then, you’ll have full control of the household. Don’t worry, just be patient. In time, you’ll have your moment.”
Patient? Helena scoffed inwardly. How long would I have to wait? She couldn’t wait that long. Since Arabella wasn’t leaving, she’d have to find a way to get rid of her.
Back at Silver Suite, Arabella changed into another outfit and prepared to leave.
Rosalie ran in her face alight with excitement. “My lady, guess who’s here!”
Arabella instinctively looked toward the courtyard entrance, and a familiar, graceful figure appeared.
ou here? I was just about to go visit you at Princess Celia’s estate,”
She gasped, “Daphne!” and hurried over, lifting her skirts “Why are you
Daphne collapsed into her arms, tears streaming down her face like a broken string of pearls, falling relentlessly. The cold droplets. landed on Arabella’s neck.
Arabella shivered slightly and quickly pulled her away, her eyes wide with surprise.
Daphne’s sally calm and composed face was now streaked with tears..
de
Daphne, why are you crying? Did Noel do something to you?” Arabella asked.
Daphine stompest her foot, startling Arabella
“My heavens, take it easy–you’re pregnant?” Arabella said.
Daphne wiped away her tears angrily and said bitterly, “I can’t stand Norl! How could he hide the truth about you? I only found out this morning what’s been happening these past few days. Arabella, how much must your heart be hurting
As she spoke, she started crying again.
No one knew better than Arabella how hard she had worked to make her marriage work. Especially after Alexander died, Arabella had come to see the Duke’s estate as her home, as her final resting place.
She had devoted herself to managing the household, waiting eagerly for Charles’s return, only to have Charles–the useless man shatter her dreams so easily.
is be betrayed by family, whom she has treated with all her heart, felt like having a dagger plunged into her chest. She thought, How could that not hurt?
She’d already endured the worst of it, and by now, it didn’t sting as much. So when Daphne asked how much it hurt, Arabella simply
smiled and brushed is off.
“Let’s not talk about that now, Let me help you inside to rest. My situation’s already tough enough as it is. If you stress yourself out and cause a miscarriage, Princess Celia will tear me to pieces.
Daphne glared at her. “What nonsense are you saying?
“Isn’t it the truth? And Noel–he’d want to tear me apart 100:
Daphne fumed, muttering as she walked, “Looks like I’ve been worrying for nothing, and the tears were wasted. You really are clueless.”
“No, no, your tears weren’t wasted. At least they moved me.”
“Go away!
The two of them bickered all the way from the courtyard into the main hall.
Once they were seated, Arabella asked how Daphne was doing with her pregnancy. When she heard that Daphne wasn’t feeling as sick anymore, she let out a sigh of relief.
“Don’t put too much pressure on yourself. Whether it’s a boy or a girl, it’s beyond our control.”
Daphne smiled wryly. I know, but if it’s another daughter, life at Princess Celia’s estate is going to be tough.”
She quickly shifted the conversation, trying to comfort herself. Tim having a child for myself, not for anyone else.
“If the Princess isn’t happy, I can always divorce and go back to my family. My brother is the head of the Royal Vanguard and a close confidant of the king. He can take care of me”
Arabella pinched her nose playfully. “Be careful what you say. If Noel hears you, he’ll be furious”
Daphne scoffed and steered the topic back to Arabella. “Stop avoiding the question. What are you going to do now? Stay here and waste away, or kick Charles to the curb and live freely?”
Arabella rabed an eyebrow. “Do you really think I’d just waste my life here?”
Daphine immediately understood what Arabella was planning
“Well, you’ve got my support, but before you leave, you should at least make sure you get luck everything you’ve put into this family,
with interest
Arabella blinked and smiled. “That’s exactly what I’m planning to do.”
Daphne, always the lively one, leaned in and whispered in her car. “In a few days, it’s my mother–in–law, Princess Celia’s birthday.
Ill have the butler send you an invitation. You should come to the banquet. I’ll introduce you to some handsome young men let’s refresh our spirits and change our mood.”
Arabella curled her lips and scoffed. Tve already seen most of Althoria’s noble sons before I even came out of the household. None of them are worth looking at
She took a sip of the coffee on the table.
Daphne rolled her eyes and lowered her voice. “There’s one incredibly handsome man you haven’t seen yet.”
Arabella, still sipping her coffee, didn’t respond.
Daphne leaned in closer. “And that’s His Majesty. He’s really quite a handsome man
Arabella choked on her coffee, coughing violently and clutching her chest as she gasped for air.
“You–you really have no shame, peeping at the king’s face! Aren’t you afraid of the consequences?”
Daphne grinned widely. “I just take a quick look–won’t let His Majesty know, What’s there to be afraid of? Are you going or not. Acaredy–cat?
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