Melody of Strength novel

Before the meal began, the women gathered in one area to chat, while Salvador and his uncles and brothers conversed together.

Meredith sat beside Carissa and said, “When you married Rafael, I was unwell and couldn’t attend in person. I only sent a gift, so I must apologize for not being there. Please accept my apologies, my dear sister–in–law.”

Carissa understood that Meredith was not one to look down on others–she was simply expressing her concern.

Carissa smiled and replied, “There’s no need for you to apologize. I should be the one thanking you for the generous gift. Is your health any better now?”

“I still have a cough and have had a high fever for several days. At the time of your marriage to Rafael, I was truly bedridden,” Meredith said, coughing a few times.

Her maid quickly brought her a cup of honeyed lemon tea, which she sipped, helping to alleviate her discomfort, though her face. remained flushed from coughing.

“Please take care of yourself, Meredith,” Carissa said with concern.

Meredith nodded. “Thank you for your concern, Carissa.”

Henrietta, who had attended the wedding banquet, chuckled from the side. “You should have seen how nervous Rafael was that night.. He wouldn’t even allow them to carry out the First Light Revelry in the newlywed suite, as he was afraid of disturbing the bride. His devotion was truly enviable.”

Meredith shot her a look and said, “Isn’t your husband good to you?

Chapter 403.

I’ve heard that he wakes up early every day to help you with your makeup. It’s become a well–known story in the capital.”

Henrietta’s face turned red. “Meredith!”

Carissa laughed and sipped her coffee. The harmonious

atmosphere was genuinely pleasant. She made an effort to ignore any troubling thoughts. During the New Year, showing even a hint of worry in the palace was considered taboo.

Fortunately, she had learned how to suppress her emotions.

They were discussing Leona’s husband, Samuel, the proud scholar who had taken two concubines. One of them was the head

courtesan at Fragrant Parlor, renowned for her beauty, and her redemption cost an astonishing thirty thousand silver coins..

The other concubine was the daughter of a merchant from the Wagner family. It was said that Samuel took her as a concubine because of her substantial dowry, which was also thirty thousand.

silver coins, provided by the Wagner family.

Everyone was in an uproar.

In these prestigious families with centuries of history, there had never been a precedent for marrying a courtesan from a brothel. Even if one had a liking for such a woman, she would only be given a house outside and kept as a mistress. To actually marry a merchant’s daughter, with the primary aim of securing the courtesan with the former’s dowry, was unheard of.

Someone suddenly laughed.

“I never expected that scholar to be so infatuated! He used one concubine’s dowry to buy another concubine. He’s truly deserving of his title of a scholar, as he’s clever indeed. No one else would think

of such a perfect solution–raising the merchant’s status while marrying his beloved courtesan. But what about our Leona? She’s nothing but a pitiful person, unprotected by her pots and unloved by her husband‘

The speaker was Helen.

She had never previously had issues with Heather, mainly because Harvey was a minor prince with no skills or capabilities. Both he and his wife were utterly ineffectual Defeating someone like him provided no sense of achievement

However, after learning that Heather had refused Carissa’s gifts to add to Leona’s trousseau, Helen took an immediate dislike to

Heather and viewed her as an adversary.

Her scornful remarks left no room for Heather to preserve any dignity. Anger and embarrassment flashed across Heather’s face.

She dared not offend Helen. Besides being the queen dowager’s younger sister, Helen had a son who had returned with military honors. On top of that, Helen herself had a sharp tongue. If they argued, Helen might utter even more unpleasant words.

Heather knew she was in the wrong, but was powerless to change

the situation.

Leona was pregnant, and her husband was taking concubines–what could she, as a mother, do to interfere in her daughter’s household

matters?

Moreover, Harvey had stated that taking concubines was normal for men. If Leona couldn’t tolerate it, she would be accused of jealousy.

After Helen finished speaking, she gave Carissa a significant look. It was as if to say that there were things Carissa couldn’t say herself.

but Helen would speak on her behalf and protect her.

Carissa dabbed at the corner of her mouth with a handkerchief, concealing her smirk, Though she was upset, Helen’s words were precisely what she wanted to say.Copyright by Nôv/elDrama.Org.