The Mad Princess and the Dying Prince novel Chapter 93

When Aurelia heard Lady Beaumont mention the plan, she was instantly intrigued.

"Mother, I think it is a brilliant idea."

Lady Beaumont still hesitated. "I find her somewhat unnerving. She had barely returned to the Royal Capital before catching Prince Jareth's attention, and Physician Finch treats her remarkably well. If we let her out, who knows how many more allies she might gather."

The maid's reasoning was that outside the manor, they could surely find a way to force Lucia to remove her shoes and stockings to verify the birthmark.

Furthermore, Lord Marquis's daughter, Seraphina Marquis, was undoubtedly aware of the royal decree by now, and she would not easily spare Lucia.

Aurelia smiled and linked her arm through her mother's. "Think about it. What exactly are we going there to do?"

"To copy scriptures."

"Exactly. We are all going to copy scriptures. Afterward, Princess Corinna might even present them to the royal court, where the king, the queen mother, and the queen might examine them. It is a perfect opportunity for me to shine. But Lucia? She was raised in a remote village."

Lady Beaumont instantly understood her meaning.

"You are right. Your grandmother and your Uncle Mason Beaumont certainly didn't waste time educating her. She only studied for two years before she turned six. It will be a miracle if she can even write her own name, let alone transcribe holy texts!"

Before the age of six, Lucia had lived in the Royal Capital and learned the foundational texts, writing, and needlework, but her education had lasted a mere two years.

After being banished to the countryside, Old Dame Beaumont had definitely treated Lucia like a scullery maid. Rumor had it she toiled in the fields every day and never had the chance to pick up a quill.

If she attended a scripture-copying event, wouldn't she humiliate herself completely?

Lady Beaumont suppressed a smirk, though another concern arose. "But will she agree to go?"

"She doesn't know what the gathering entails. We will simply say everyone is attending. Since she is newly betrothed, refusing to show her face in high society would be an insult to Prince Jareth's honor," Aurelia reasoned.

"Very well. You go and convince her."

"Perfect timing," Lucia said, glancing at her. "When does Beaumont Manor distribute its monthly allowance?"

"Allowance?"

"Are you going to tell me there isn't one?" Lucia's eyes narrowed slightly.

She had some silver coins to spend now, but why should she use her own money?

"No, there is an allowance, but our family's wealth is modest. Relying solely on father's salary means we don't receive much," Aurelia explained.

"So how much do you get a month? And how many new dresses are made for you a year?" Lucia pressed.

Aurelia had intended to lowball the number, but meeting Lucia's piercing gaze, which seemed capable of seeing right through her, she felt a jolt of panic. She told the truth, but still carefully omitted a few details.

"Zella gets thirty Pfennig a month, and one new dress for each season. Around the new year, if the household has some extra coin, she might get one more."