Her Graceful War Song (Carissa Sinclair) novel Chapter 486

Heather covered Leona's mouth and warned, "Don't you dare say those words again! You're a duchess with an annual stipend and land of your own. You can support yourself without depending on the earl's family.

"As for your husband, I believe he'll come to his senses. That woman… that woman is Grand Princess Eleanor's illegitimate daughter. She's up to something by coming into this household."

Leona's heart sank further. She didn't care who Ruby was. No matter how scheming or filthy her methods were, none of this would've happened if Samuel had believed Leona.

Leona had already given up on Samuel.

Seeing her daughter's silence, Heather assumed she would listen and continued, "Trust your mother. Once the child is born, your husband will change his mind. And when the old matriarch sees her great-grandchild, how could she not love the child? They'll be good to you. You just need to endure. Things will get better after this rough patch.

"The real problem is that old matriarch—she caused all this. Your father-in-law and mother-in-law were both against that wretched Ruby entering the household. When I saw her today, I understood why your husband was bewitched by her.

"Despite her ragged appearance, she has a certain frail charm. But no matter her identity, real or fake, the earl's family will never keep her. She's someone Grand Princess Eleanor sent to a brothel. Does the earl's family dare defy Grand Princess Eleanor by keeping her?"

Heather stroked Leona's gaunt face, her heart aching as she continued, "In the end, you're the one who chose him. Even if it was the wrong choice, you'll have to bear the consequences. You know why we've kept such a low profile all these years. Your father's fief is in that bitter, freezing land. If we attract trouble and upset the king, we'll be sent back there. How often will we get to see you then?"

Leona raised her head, forcing her tears back. "Even if I get a divorce, the king won't send you back to the fief. I'm only asking you this—if I get divorced, will you and Dad let me come back home?"

Heather's tone turned sharp, "You foolish girl! After everything I've said, why are you still thinking about divorce? As for those two people your cousin arranged for you, you should send them away. I heard it was the one named Alana who struck your husband. She acted swiftly, but it only drove a wedge between you two. It seems to me that your cousin must have instigated this."