Love's Unexpected Awakening Elowen's Choice novel Chapter 247

Chapter 247 Quiet Interrogation

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Alistair inclined his head slightly. “Your Grace, I had every intention of coming myself once I finished my duties. I was only delayed by a few matters at the last moment.”

Elowen gave a small nod. “Then it seems the fault lies with Lydia.”

She turned to Lydia. Her tone remained calm, but there was an edge beneath it. “If you knew the Marquess would come personally to escort aunt, why rush here in the middle of the night with a child in such a fragile state? The road is long, the night air is cold. If anything had happened along the way, would that not have been blamed on her?”

Lydia stiffened. “I was worried there might be tension between you and the Marquess. I only came to help smooth things over. I didn’t think about the hour…”

“If you truly meant to mediate,” Elowen said evenly, “you could have waited for the Marquess and come together. Or sent a servant ahead with a message, explaining the situation discreetly. Why bring a sick child all the way here at night, only to remain outside the gates, crying and pleading instead of entering?”

Her gaze settled on Lydia. “Those who know you might say you acted out of urgency, though poorly judged. Those who don’t might think you meant to draw attention, to air private matters in public, to stir conflict until it turned into something irreparable.”

“I… I didn’t…”

Lydia’s face flushed, then drained of color. Her lips trembled as she tried to argue, but her words collapsed under the weight of Elowen’s questions.

She looked helplessly toward Alistair.

Alistair remained silent, his expression unreadable, offering no defense.

Elspeth had never had the upper hand like this before.

Watching Lydia falter, she felt a rare sense of satisfaction. Her gaze toward Elowen grew brighter with each passing moment.

Unhurried, Elowen shifted the subject. “By the way, I heard Nina fell ill recently after eating some pastries, vomiting and suffering from severe stomach upset. She’s only just recovered. Since we’re here, Doctor Dray should take a closer look. A child’s health is not something to take lightly.”

At once, Lydia panicked. “That won’t be necessary, Your Grace. Nina is much better now. The physician said rest would be enough. There’s no need to trouble another doctor.”

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15:01 Sat, Feb 21

Chapter 247 Quiet Interrogation

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Elowen seemed not to notice her reaction. “That won’t do. One can never be too careful with a child. Or do you doubt the skill of the physician I invited?”

She let out a quiet breath. “I know I’m young, and my position may not command respect. Many may not take my words seriously.”

Lydia hurried to correct herself. “That’s not what I meant…”

Elowen smiled faintly. “Then let Doctor Dray examine her.”

Lydia fell silent, unable to respond. Only then did she realize she had already walked straight into a trap.

Hugh stepped forward and gently took Nina’s thin wrist. The child shrank back in fear, but Hugh steadied her with calm assurance.

Silence filled the room. Only the faint crackle of candlelight could be heard. Every eye fixed on Hugh’s fingers resting against that fragile wrist.

Lydia’s nails dug into her palm. She barely dared to breathe.

After a moment, Hugh released her. His gaze remained steady. “Her pulse shows mild weakness in the stomach, consistent with recovery. However, there is no sign of sudden severe illness. The vomiting was not caused by spoiled food.”

He paused briefly. “It is more likely she caught a chill during the night.”

Another pause. “There are still traces suggesting she was not kept warm. Possibly even exposed to cold water. That would explain her condition.”

Elspeth let out a sharp, satisfied scoff, her expression saying everything.

Alistair said nothing, his face dark.

Lydia’s voice shook. “You… you must have misdiagnosed it…”

“How could that be?”

Elowen’s tone carried mild surprise. “Doctor Dray was personally invited by His Grace from afar. Even His Majesty has praised his skill. It is unlikely he would be mistaken.”

Lydia bit down hard on her lip, her face pale.

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