The Princess and the Pauper (Arabella) novel Chapter 1847

If given a choice, they believe Carol would not choose to live in such a harrowing condition, with endless torment.

"Dad? Mom?" Clark thought he must have misheard. Could it be true that his parents were finally relented? They agreed to let him be with Carol!

Beside him, Belinda chuckled, "Truth be told, your mom and I had a talk about Carol quite some time ago. Your mom was just worried about the safety of the whole family. Now that the crisis is over, nobody in the family would object to you two being together."

Poor Crystal, though.

But then, when they heard about Carol's association with the Temple family, it seemed like a small comfort. The thought of her taking care of Crystal’s parents brought some solace to the Temples, who had lost their dear daughter.

"Hans, make sure you invite Molly over," Louisa instructed, "If her family extends an invitation, you should visit her parents first."

Visiting the girl's family first was a sign of respect and importance from the Collins family.

"And if they don't invite you, make sure to visit them before the New Year to bring some gifts and formally ask their daughter to join our family dinner. Got it, boys?"

"Sure thing," Hans and his two brothers nodded in agreement.

"Alright, your grandparents, and uncles and aunts, and I have to discuss the holiday arrangements. You kids go have fun for now."

They planned to give Bella a grand surprise and couldn't let her find out prematurely.

"What you’ve just said, as if you're about to blurt out 'surprise'."

Sean couldn't help but tease Louisa.

Seeing this, Chasel moved swiftly to her left. "If there's somewhere you want to go, just tell me. Not only me, but Myrna is free to join you as well."

Clark, feeling that he was about to be outdone, said, "Carol would love to join you too. She's in top form—hiking, rock climbing, you name it. Plus, you two could even make medicine together."

Carol's skill at medicine was something Arabella had known about for a long time. Carol had even used her homemade Deadly Seven Step on Arabella once.

"Making medicine during the holidays? How ominous! Bella, not just me, but Myrna would love to go shopping or grab a bite to eat with you."

"Like you're the only one who eats," Sean shot back unyieldingly.

Arabella was surrounded by a constantly shifting entourage of brothers, each vying for her attention, until Hans's voice cut through, "Molly is also available."