When Jaina returned to Grovehill Estate, Gemma immediately approached her, eager to know what had transpired.Original content from N?velDrama.Org.
Gemma was a respecteddy of a marquis'' family, and she would normally never treat a troupe performer with such kindness. She only did it because it was a favor to Eleanor. However, Jaina''s eyes were red, which was clearly a sign of losing herposure. Gemma couldn''t help but ask sharply, "Have you been crying? Did you do it in front of them?" Jaina pressed her hand to her chest, looking as though she was still shaken.
"Madam Gemma, you don''t understand. We went to Glimmering Tower, and we had a private room on the top floor. It was supposed to be the highest floor in the building, but Ms. Spencer wanted to test my courage. She said that since Thomases from a military background, I must be brave if I was to be his wife. She took my hand and flew to the very top! It was terrifying! I didn''t cry in front of her, but the wind up there was so strong it made my eyes water. I only cried after we left and were in the carriage. If you don''t believe me, you can ask Tamara."
Gemma looked up at Tamara and asked, "Is what she says true?"
Tamara nodded, and replied honestly, "Yes, Madam Gemma. When Ms. Spencer looked out the window, she provocatively asked Ms. Sanford if she dared to join her. She said a proper wife shouldn''tck courage. I told Ms. Sanford to go with her, as I thought Ms. Spencer wouldn''t endanger her. When they came back down, their hair was tousled from the wind, and their eyes were both red."
Gemma''s expression eased slightly, and she asked, "Were you there the entire time?"
"I couldn''t follow when they went up, but I was at the door of the private room the whole time. I could hear them talking, and see them."
Gemma hummed thoughtfully, but then frowned. "Ms. Spencer... To be frank, even though she calls Thomas her godbrother and Alice her godmother, they''ve never formalized their bond. It''s possible that Violet is harboring thoughts of marrying Thomas, and is using this to make things difficult for you."
"Is that possible?" Jaina asked, her eyes wide in shock as she stared at Gemma. "Did she really do this on purpose? It does make sense. I was minding my own business and enjoying some snacks in the private room when she suddenly insisted on taking me up."
"Be wary of her. If she invites you again, you mustn''t go," Gemma instructed firmly.
"Understood, I won''t," Jaina replied with a nod.
Gemma shot her a sideways nce. Then, she sighed and added, "Let''s face it, you''re getting on in years. Thomas iming he wants someone older and more
a
farce. Who wouldn''t want to marry a sixteen-year-old girl? You''re twenty-six this year, right? If fate had been kinder, you might already have a child nearing ten."
Gemma looked down on Jaina''s background, especially knowing where Jaina came from. To her, a mere farm girl was of higher status.
Someone who performed tricks on the streets? In essence, that was a lower-ss life-unworthy of being considered among decentpany, just like those entertainers.
Such a background was an embarrassment to the Sanford family.
"You''re right, Madam Gemma," Jaina murmured, her voice barely above a whisper.
"Enough. You may return to your room. Stay out of sight to avoid offending anyone through your ignorance of the rules," Gemma ordered.
"Yes, Madam Gemma," Jaina replied, bowing respectfully as she followed Tamara back inside.
Jaina couldn''t miss the disdain and contempt in Gemma''s gaze. She understood that in the eyes of a noble family, acknowledging a
traveling performer as a rtive was
a disgrace.
In the past, Jaina had kept silent about her lowly status. Now that she knew her true identity, she felt even less inclined to speak out. It was best to remain cautious.
Once they investigated the matter of
the bandits in Stonebridge County,
they would discover whether Eleanor had genuinely helped Jaina out of a sense of justice-or had ulterior motives.