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When Sophie and Rafael arrived, she didn’t rise but called out, “Lady Sophie, Prince Rafael.”
“Greetings, Alana!” the couple greeted with a bow.
“Please sit. I’ll be brief,” Alana said calmly. She always approached matters with such composure-never in a rush, yet the urgency of her message might be significant.
“Alana, is something wrong with Leona?” Sophie asked as she and Rafael took their seats.
Alana nodded seriously. “Yes. As we’ve discussed before, Leah and I
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would generally avoid direct action, but tonight couldn’t hold back. I gave that cur of a man a beating, and knocked out two of his teeth. I thought I should let you know, Lady Sophie. If that scumbag comes looking for you because of our actions, feel free to give him another slap. I barely held back tonight. Half of my anger was vented, and I’m still fuming.”
Sophie asked, “If you lost your temper, he must have done something outrageous. What happened?”
“Madam Ruby was under house arrest, but she was released recently and came to provoke Lady Leona. Initially, Leah and I didn’t let her in But today, she deliberately came, fell on the stone steps, and scraped her scalp. She went back and told that scumbag that the duchess pushed her. Even though it was a blatant lie, that scumbag believed it and came to confront the duchess angrily.”
Alana then asked, “Can I have another cup of coffee? This one’s finished.”
Everyone was waiting for her to continue, but her sudden request for coffee caught them off guard.
Lulu hurried downstairs to fetch more coffee, and poured a fresh cup for Alana.
After Alana finished her coffee, she continued, “Lady Leona had been waiting for him to come, so we didn’t stop him. We thought it would be better if the couple resolved their conflicts openly. At least, before the child is born, the duchess should be in a better mood instead of crying alone every night.”
Sophie became anxious. “Did he go in and insult Leona?”
“Insult her? If it was just that, I wouldn’t have hit him. He pushed the duchess and made her belly hit the corner of the table. She was in so much pain that she broke into a cold sweat, which was when I stepped in and hit him.”
“He pushed Leona? How is she now?” Sophie asked urgently.
“The family’s physician has seen her. She’s experiencing a possible miscarriage and will need to stay in bed for a month,” Alana said, taking another sip of coffee. “Since the duchess kept crying out for her mother, I went to Hartstone Estate first, hoping to ask them to come and check on the duchess.”
Alana paused for a long time, making everyone anxious.
Sophie couldn’t help but ask again, “Did they go?”
“No!” Alana took another sip of coffee. “I’m so thirsty from running around and not drinking enough. Lady Heather wanted to go, but Prince Harvey said if they went, they would have to confront that scumbag. If they did, they needed to know the Earl of Gracehold’s family’s stance on the matter.
“They ended up discussing back and forth and decided that since the physician said bed rest would suffice, they would visit on another day and avoid the current commotion. Visiting in a few days wouldn’t be tied to today’s incident.”
Suddenly, an angry voice came from outside the door, “Damn that nonsense!”
Helen and Gillian entered, both with expressions of fury.
“His own daughter is being mistreated, and instead of standing up for her, he’s afraid of offending his son-in-law? What kind of reasoning is that? Is his son-in-law made of gold?” Helen snarled. Alana stood up to greet Helen.
Helen looked at Alana, and asked, “So, they’re just going to let it go? What exactly are they afraid of?”
Alana replied, “Lady Helen, Prince Harvey’s stance is that if we cause a scene now, the duchess’ future will be even more difficult. It might even hinder her ability to carry the child properly.”
“The present situation is already bad enough! What good will delaying do?” Helen was infuriated, fully embodying the role of a mother.
If Logan dared to mistreat her daughter, she would have demanded Sophie take immediate action, leaving no room for mercy.
“They plan to go in a few days,” Alana said.
“In a few days? What’s the point of waiting?” Helen retorted. “A few days to plan a reunion? Sophie, you go.”
Gillian quickly interjected, “That’s not appropriate, my lady. Lady Sophie isn’t a member of Lady Leona’s family. The duchess does have her own family. If her family doesn’t step in, and only the cousin does, it would seem like our royal household is bullying the smaller family.”
“If they’ve already been so rude, what do we have to fear in retaliating?” Helen replied.
Rafael observed his mother, who looked as if she were ready to tear Samuel apart, and remarked, “For matters of bullying… I think you would be perfect for the role, Mom.”
Helen was momentarily stunned. “Me? On what grounds would I go? I’m only the mother-in-law of Leona’s cousin. It wouldn’t be appropriate for me to go.”
Rafael reminded her, “Are you sure that’s all? Leona is my cousin, and you would be visiting on behalf of the queen dowager, which would be entirely appropriate. If you were to stumble upon this situation and react with anger, who could question your authority?”
He added, “Most importantly, you have a high status!”
Helen thought for a moment, and realized Rafael was right. Harvey and the late king were brothers, and Harvey had previously addressed her as a sister-in-law.
Given the situation, she was effectively part of Leona’s family. If she as a family member didn’t step in now, when would she?
“I’ll go!”
Without caring about the encroaching darkness, Helen immediately ordered the preparations for a carriage and horse. She would bring Alana and Violet, who were eager to witness the commotion. Sophie stopped Violet, whispered a few words in her ear, and instructed her to discuss the matter with Helen in the carriage.
Janice had always accompanied Helen, so she had intended to go along as well. However, Sophie asked her to stay behind.
“I’m short of people in my room. Please stay here and assist me for now.”
Janice bowed her head. “Yes, Your Grace!”
She stopped in her tracks, and did not follow. A hint of panic flashed in her eyes-had Sophie noticed something?
Sophie smiled warmly. “I’ve heard from Mother that you’re skilled at hairstyling. From now on, you’ll work as a hairstylist in my quarters.”
Seeing Sophie’s gentle smile, Janice asked, “Your Grace, Lulu has always been the one to do your hair. If I take over her duties, won’t it be inappropriate?” Sophie reassured her, “Lulu has other tasks to attend to. It’s not about taking someone’s place. There’s no need for you to feel uneasy.”
Janice finally felt somewhat reassured. “Understood. If Lady Helen agrees, I’ll serve you in Orchid Hall, Your Grace.”
She cast a secretive glance at Rafael. He remained indifferent, clearly showing no sign of suspicion.
–
Gracehold Estate was brightly lit. The Earl of Gracehold and his wife, along with other members of the household, came out to welcome Helen.
Helen said kindly, “There’s no need to make such a fuss. I’ve come just to visit my niece.”
The expressions of those present were hard to describe.