Melody of Strength novel

Chapter 53

Carissa looked at Amelia’s despairing eyes. She realized that Amella must have been deeply frightened by Barrett divorcing her.

Amelia sobbed aloud, hastily covering her mouth with her handkerchief before continuing, “Carissa, it’s true! I’m not lying to you. Mom thinks the Warrens have changed for the better, and can now mix with the elite of the capital. She often shows dissatisfaction towards me being the eldest wife in charge but lacking the demeanor of one. She even regrets letting Benjamin marry me.

“I’m not like you. I can’t return to my parents‘ home if I get divorced. They’ll criticize me and say I’m tarnishing my sisters‘ and nieces‘ marriages. I’d rather die than get divorced! I won’t even have a chance to enter a nunnery.”

Carissa knew a bit about Amelia’s family. Her father is a seventh–rank editor at the Privy Council. Although his official rank wasn’t high and he held no real power, scholars value etiquette and reputation greatly. If a family has a daughter who has been divorced, Amelia’s father would never be able to tolerate

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Rebecca felt that the Warrens were different now. Despite Barrett’s wedding being a joke, it wouldn’t affect his and Aurora’s future. The Warrens would only rise higher, which would benefit their eldest son Benjamin. Thus, the Warrens needed a true and capable mistress.

Amelia clearly didn’t fit the bill. Otherwise, Rebecca wouldn’t have allowed Carissa to take charge when she initially married into the family.

Upon hearing Amelia’s words, Charlotte remained silent and pursed her lips. She knew it was the truth. Being related to such a person was the biggest stain on her life. Yet, her own branch of the family couldn’t produce any outstanding individuals.

The Valor Estate was the Warrens‘ only residence. As Charlotte’s branch of the family hadn’t moved out for years, all their money went to the public family fund. Because of that, they couldn’t even afford to buy a small house away from Valor Estate.

Therefore, she had no ability to protect anyone–not Carissa, nor Amelia.

Carissa pondered for a while, then said, “Sebastian appreciates those loyal and dutiful the most. He’s currently upset with Rebecca for being too harsh. Perhaps if Barrett and Aurora kneel at the physician’s office for a day or two, it might sway him.”

Amelia shook her head vigorously. “Barrett and Aurora would never agree! They hold official positions. Why would they kneel to a commoner?”

Carissa looked at her meaningfully.

“Then you should go. Kneel for two or three days. If you succeed, it will be your accomplishment. If not, the people of the capital will still admire how dedicated you are. Besides, no one will criticize you if you

el at the physician’s office in such cold weather and feel unwell a few days later,” she suggested.

Amelia was taken aback by Carissa’s words, but she instantly understood the latter’s intention.

Carissa didn’t intend for Barrett and Aurora to go, but Amelia instead. If her reputation for being dutiful towards Rebecca widely known, the Warrens couldn’t possibly accuse her of being disrespectful and negligent.

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Charlotte nodded in agreement. “Amelia, you should thank Carissa. Establishing a reputation for being dutiful will elevate your status. Even prestigious families will have to address you respectfully.”

After saying that, Charlotte sighed.

Carissa was dutiful to her mother–in–law, but few outside the household knew. Amelia going to the physician’s office would spread widely. Even if Sebastian didn’t come in the end, Amelia’s position would be secured.

Amelia hurriedly thanked her. “Thank you so much for your guidance, Carissa! I wouldn’t know what to do otherwise.”

Since Amelia had taken over the household and managed Barrett’s marriage, everything had gone against their wishes. Amelia was criticized daily, forced to conform to strict rules. This short month felt like a lifetime.

Carissa could only help this much.

“I’ve set up a memorial hall in the estate. Over the next few months, I’ll be praying for the souls of everyone who had once lived in Northwatch Estate. I won’t be receiving guests until then. I hope you both will understand,” she said.

In other words, Carissa wished they wouldn’t come knocking no matter what happened.

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