Melody of Strength novel

Janice had always accompanied Helen, so she had intended to go along as well. However, Carissa 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 Carissa noticed something?

Carissa 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 Carissa’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?”

Carissa 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.

They had been worried all day that Harvey and Heather might come to question them. But by evening, no one from Hartstone Estate had arrived, which offered them a slight sense of relief.

Just as they were about to settle in for the night, Helen arrived unexpectedly.

Knowing Helen’s reputation, Abigail understood that while Helen could be managed, she could also be quite formidable, depending on the situation.

Helen had barely settled down when she said, “Everyone, please don’t disperse yet. I’ll go see Leona first, and then return to speak with all of you.”

Though Helen spoke with a smile, her words cast a chill over the Earl of Gracehold’s residence.

After Helen left, the Earl of Gracehold, Noah, fumed, “That ungrateful brat! He’s disgraceful! He’s brought shame upon the Earl of Gracehold’s name!”

Abigail sighed. “Your mother indulges him and permits his behavior, which is why he’s so brazen. Today’s disaster only resulted in a few scoldings from her. Ruby was supposed to be expelled from the residence, but he refused to allow it. He even threatened to kill himself if she was sent away. Mother initially imposed house arrest on her, but relented when he pleaded, leading to this chaos. He’s truly a

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Noah’s face darkened. Ever since Ruby entered the household, their reputation had suffered. The indulgence of his mother, Dorothy, made Samuel unruly and arrogant. After marrying Leona, Samuel considered himself superior and disregarded everyone!

Now, Samuel had been dismissed from office and was under investigation. He blamed others for his downfall and scorned the officialdom, spending his days drinking and composing poetry, lost in his indulgences.

Helen and Violet arrived in the back courtyard, where Alana guided them in. The dim light cast a faint glow on the pale yellow curtains, adding to the atmosphere of sadness.

Leona’s eyes were swollen from crying. Seeing Helen and Violet, she thought it was her mother and called out, “Mom!”

Her tears flowed freely with the cry.

As the curtain was lifted, Helen and Violet stood at the bedside. Seeing Leona’s tear–streaked, swollen face, Helen’s heart ached.

“Don’t cry, dear. You’re pregnant. You mustn’t cry like this.”

Realizing the visitors were not her mother, disappointment flashed in Leona’s eyes. But hearing Helen’s comforting words, her tears continued to fall.

“Aunt Helen, did my cousin send you? Tell her not to worry about me. I’m fine.”

Her voice was so muffled with tears that her words were barely understandable.

“Tell me how he has treated you. I will speak on your behalf,” Helen said.

She gently patted Leona’s shoulder. Leona had frequently visited the palace to pay respects to the queen dowager. Every time Helen had seen Leona, she was refined and graceful.

Now, what had become of her?

Pregnant, frail, and pitifully thin, her once–round face had sharpened, her chin pointed. Her eyes, swollen and red, made her hollowed cheeks even more pronounced.

The once lively and radiant girl had transformed into this pitiful state.

It had only been a short time since her marriage!