The Princess and the Pauper (Arabella) novel Chapter 1545

Kenneth sat down, his gaze lingering on the seats where Arabella and Serena had once sat, a heaviness settling in his chest.

Edith explained as she served the food, "This one is wrapped in dough and filled with shrimp. Then there's this one."

Louisa watched her speak with such animation that she couldn't help but ask, "You seem in a good mood?"

Caught off guard by Mrs. Collins' observation, Edith quickly composed herself and replied respectfully, "Well, these dishes are delicately made, so I can't help but feel a bit more spirited when I talk about them."

But after all these years in this home, Louisa knew Edith like the back of her hand.

Leaning back in her chair, Louisa said soothingly, "Since we're feeling a bit down, why don't you share what's got you so cheerful? Maybe it'll rub off on us."

Feeling guilty, Edith confessed, "The very thing that's made me happy is the same thing that's saddened you, Mr. and Mrs. Collins."

Kenneth and Louisa were surprised. What did she mean?

"Though I know it's not my place to say, the decision to have Ms. Serena Collins reflect on her behavior in the guesthouse was absolutely the right one! From today on, Ms. Arabella Collins won't have to endure Ms. Serena Collins's attitude any longer!"

Louisa perked up, "So, you know something about this?"

"Because I was kind to Ms. Arabella Collins, Martha went out of her way to trip me up. She'd push me when I was going down the stairs, hoping I'd fall. If I was cleaning, she'd intentionally dirty the place again. She even dumped trash on my bed, used my toothbrush to clean the toilet, and spat in my shower gel."

"What kind of person does that? Is she even human?" Kenneth was hearing about such behavior for the first time and began to regret entrusting Serena to someone like Martha. Serena's current behavior was likely influenced by her.

"Her treatment of me is one thing, but what really angers me is her disrespect toward Ms. Arabella Collins. From start to finish, she didn't show an ounce of respect!"

"A servant with more airs than the homeowner," Louisa was fuming. How had she not noticed this before?

"I think it's because of her that Ms. Serena Collins has gone astray. There was one time when I had a cold for many days, and it was Ms. Arabella Collins who noticed something was wrong with me and brought me some medicine. I was so grateful that on my day off, I bought a bouquet of flowers to arrange for Ms. Arabella Collins as a thank-you. But Serena intercepted me. She was in a foul mood that day because she wanted Clark to go shopping with her, but Ms. Arabella Collins had called him away. Serena thought I had tipped off Ms. Arabella Collins, leading her to 'steal' Clark away. Serena lashed out at me, calling me Ms. Arabella Collins's lapdog, and the things she said were truly vile."