Chapter 25
Seraphina’s face instantly darkened.
To send a gift to Princess Celia’s estate, it has to be something truly valuable. But what did she have to offer? Even if she did, she couldn’t bear to part with it.
What’s that woman causing trouble with now?” Seraphina asked.
Gabriel seized the moment to stir things up. “She probably just wants to get something for nothing and doesn’t want to spend any money. She’s too clever for her own good and might have her eye on your private funds.”
Seraphina slammed her hand on the table in frustration. The thought of someone eyeing her hard–earned money was unbearable. Money was everything to her.
“Tell that servant to go back and inform her that His Majesty is about to promote Charles to Deputy Commander of the Royal Vanguard
-a second–rank official.
“Once that happens, as his wife, she should stop being so petty and prepare a proper gift. No more cheapness.”
Gabriel bowed and agreed, then quickly left the room.
Seraphina, who had been indecisive, was now fully resolved after Arabella’s words.
“You’re the daughter of a meritorious official, the sister of the newly honored Loyal Marquis, and the Empress Dowager’s favored concubine–of course you’re qualified to attend the banquet.”
When Helena heard this, her face immediately brightened. “Thank you, Mother. Don’t worry, I’ll make sure to rally Father’s old associates to support Mr. Farrow.”
Seraphina smiled with satisfaction and gently patted Helena’s hand. “You understand your duty, always thinking of your husband’s future. Unlike that Arabella.
“Her father has so many loyal supporters, yet she refuses to ask for help for Charles. If it weren’t for the little money she has, I would’ve thrown her out long ago.”
Helena nodded obediently, listening closely. Today, she was determined to make a good impression and network with the prominent women and noble ladies of Althoria
After receiving Seraphina’s reply, Arabella simply smiled and, accompanied by Clarissa and Rosalie, climbed into the carriage and headed straight to Princess Celia’s estate.
On the way, she received a message from Henry, confirming that Rene was indeed interested in a marriage alliance with the Duke’s
estate.
Arabella squeezed the letter in her hand, her brows knitting slightly. She couldn’t let Cecilia marry into the Clarke’s Estate. If Charles gained such an influential ally, it would become even harder to defeat him. But she thought, ‘How can I sabotage this marriage?
Clarissa, as though reading her thoughts, suddenly spoke, “My lady, yesterday when I went to the store to pick up some silk, I ran into the Second Miss’s maid leading a young nobleman into a narrow alley”
Arabella froze. A young nobleman into an alley? Could it be..
A possibility crossed her mind, and Arabella instinctively tightened her grip on the letter. It seemed that after returning from Princess Celia’s estate’s banquet, she would need to have a serious talk with Penelope and Cecilia.
The Duke’s estate wasn’t far from Princess Celia’s estate, and they arrived in less than half an hour.
Arabella straightened her clothes and, with Clarissa’s help, stepped out of the carriage. She had arrived early, and the house wasn’t busy with guests yet
Daphne had given instructions to the butler, who was in charge of welcoming guests, to lead Arabella directly to the venue.
The staff didn’t dare to treat her casually and respectfully guided her inside
“Mrs. Farrow, please follow me.”
Arabella smiled and nodded. As they passed by the area where the gift list was being registered, she suddenly stopped.
“The gifts from Duke’s estate will be brought over by my mother–in–law Seraphina. She’ll bring them later.”
The gift officer paused for a moment, then quickly smiled and said, “Mrs. Farrow, you’re too kind. Please, go ahead”
Arabella smiled slyly and followed the maid to Daphne’s quarters.
She should have visited Celia first, but since Seraphina hadn’t arrived yet, she couldn’t ahead
Arabella arrived at Wonder Hall and was warmly greeted by Daphne, who was eagerly waiting
When Daphne moved as if she were about to get up, Arabella quickly rushed over to stop her.
“You’re showing now, take it easy,” she said.
Daphne waved her hand dismissively and pulled Arabella to sit beside her.
Tve been stuck with Celia all day, unable to go anywhere. Can you stop nagging me and let me have a bit of peace and quiet?”
Arabella
gave her a disapproving look, then scanned the room, noticing the absence of a certain familiar face. “Where’s Tracie? I don’t see her around.”
Daphne pouted, looking somewhat pitiful. “Ever since that girl showed up, you don’t care about me anymore.”
Arabella rolled her eyes. “She’s your daughter! Are you seriously jealous of your own child?”
Daphne immediately grinned and changed her tone. “When you have a daughter, I won’t care about you either.”
Arabella thought. Such a child! Arabella, remembering the drama she needed to stir up later, leaned in and whispered a few words to Daphne.
Daphne nearly burst out laughing. “Now that’s the way to do it! Don’t worry, I’ll make sure that old hag loses all her dignity.”
Arabella thought for a moment, then asked, “Do you think this will ruin the Princess’s birthday banquet?”
Daphne snorted. “Please, she’s just a Duke’s wife. She’s not important enough to cause trouble. Don’t worry, if anything goes wrong. I’ve got your back.”
She grabbed Arabella’s arm and pulled her to her feet. “Come on, let’s take a walk in the garden.”
Arabella glanced at her belly, raising an eyebrow. “Are you sure you can walkaround?”
Daphne rolled her eyes. I’m pregnant, not paralyzed. Of course, I can walk!”
Meanwhile, in Celia’s main courtyard, Daphne’s husband, Noel Wyndham, led a young man into the courtyard. As they walked, he spoke respectfully, “His Majesty’s visit will make Mother very happy.”
Tristan had come incognito, so no one in the residence had noticed his arrival.
I
After a few steps, he spoke calmly. “It’s only right that I visit her on her birthday
Then, almost casually, he asked, “Where’s your wife? I heard she’s pregnant–how is the baby?”
Noel was a bit surprised. This was the first time Tristan had asked about Daphne since their marriage nearly three years ago.
However, he quickly realized that Charles was now the Royal Vanguard’s commander and a trusted official, so it made sense that His Majesty would inquire about Daphne.
“Your Majesty, my wife is doing well. She was supposed to come greet you, but Mrs. Farrow arrived and is attending to her, so she didn’t
Finally, after all the back–and–forth, Tristan heard what he wanted. ‘She’s already here?”
Chapter 23
The thought of being under the same roof as her lifted his spirits. He couldn’t even begin to imagine the joy he would feel if she came to the palace to accompany him.
At that moment, Celia stepped forward to greet him. “Your Majesty, thank you for coming in person. I’m truly humbled,”
Tristan smiled and gently helped her up.
“Celia, don’t stand on ceremony. Today is your birthday; you’re the most important person here.”
the most important person here.”
Celia smiled and stepped aside to lead him into the hall. Please, Your Majesty.”
But Tristan didn’t move. He smiled and said, ‘I heard the flowers in your back garden are in bloom. I’d like to take a look.”
Celia paused for a moment, then quickly understood. She called to her son, “Noel, take His Majesty to the garden.”
“Yes, Mother, Noel replied.
As the two men walked halfway, Noel was called away by the butler.
Tristan, now left to his own devices, decided to explore the garden on his own. He hoped to run into his heart’s desire by chance. As luck would have it, his timing was perfect.
Just as he turned a corner, he spotted a familiar figure. Then he heard Daphine speak. “Arabella, just now a maid came to report that His Majesty has arrived.”
