Please be Patient, Grand Duke - Chapter 114.2

“Call Edith.”

After dinner, Jasmine entered her study and took off the shawl draped over her shoulders. She pondered over the events of the dinner. With the wedding and the ceremony just three days away, the dinner had been arranged with dishes meant for the upcoming party.

“But… did she not eat anything properly?” She noticed an anomaly in Canilia. The usually hearty eater had a rather troubled expression today, and the only thing she touched was the fruit sorbet served as dessert.

“You called for me?” Jasmine motioned for Edith, who had come to the study, to take a seat before she began her serious questioning.

“Did the laundry maid say anything?”

“What’s the matter? Shall I call the maid?”

“No, I’m just curious if Canilia checked the sheets properly.”

“Well, she has been in Geore all last month, so I assume she did. Are you thinking about what happened earlier?”

“Well, a little… I’m just a bit concerned.”

A faint uneasiness settled in. Their marriage was an established fact, but it had not been consummated yet. However, if rumors were to spread among the maids, Canilia’s honor would be greatly compromised. Still, the news that hinted at suspicions wasn’t entirely unwelcome. In fact, whenever she saw the children, memories of Claude’s childhood came rushing back, and Canilia showed signs of excitement that verged on blabbering.

“She wasn’t feeling well this afternoon. They said they brought her tea for indigestion from the kitchen.”

“During the afternoon as well?”

“Yes. I was thinking, could it be that she’s truly expecting a child?” Jasmine took a deep breath.

“I’ve been thinking the same. But we’re not entirely sure yet.”

“Should we call a doctor?”

“No, not yet. It would be better to discreetly take care of her until after dinner. It seems she’s not aware herself, so let’s not alert her.”

“Hmm… I should summon the maid,” Jasmine murmured. She rummaged through the bookshelf, retrieving a volume tucked away in a corner. It was a foreign lady’s guidebook on pregnancy, filled with detailed instructions on foods that aid digestion and precautions to be taken.

“Considering her growing appetite, she must be nearly two months along. Let us ensure she is provided with dishes recommended in this book. And for a while, let us come up with excuses to keep her away from her usual duties,” Jasmine instructed.

“That would be wise. The children have grown fond of Canilia, and they can’t seem to leave her alone. And what about His Grace?” Edith’s eyes sparkled, as if she were part of a secret alliance. Jasmine raised her head, observing Edith clutching the book close to her chest.

“If that man were to find out, rumors would spread throughout the kingdom. I had no idea my son was so indiscreet,” Jasmine replied, shaking her head.

Edith nodded, understanding the implications of Jasmine’s words. After imparting a few more instructions on precautions, Jasmine dismissed Edith.

From that day forward, Edith remained by Canilia’s side like a shadow. During meals, they focused on dishes with delicate aromas and prioritized foods that were gentle on the stomach. Edith even called for a seamstress to create new undergarments for Canilia.

The same meticulousness extended to the dressmaking process. Despite being unable to sway Lya’s stubbornness, they compromised as much as possible. The wedding gown, adorned with heavy jewels, was stripped of its weightiest ornaments. Even the shoes were lowered in height. In the banquet hall, where Canilia would undoubtedly spend most of her time, an ample number of chairs were arranged to provide her with a legitimate excuse to rest.

Every decision was a precautionary measure for the unexpected.

Fortunately, Canilia graciously accepted Edith’s attentiveness and never complained about the food. However, Jasmine was aware of her occasional discreet visits to the restroom.

Today, as well, Edith eagerly awaited Lia’s return from the restroom, fully aware of Canilia’s recent changes, which had made Claude’s nerves as sharp as a blade.

Jasmine had turned the ducal residence upside down, demanding they call a physician immediately. Yet, she was left dumbfounded by Canilia’s seemingly improved condition, as if nothing were wrong. But she couldn’t reveal her concerns.

Jasmine’s words had been true. Observing the Duke’s current state, it was clear that if Canilia’s health were compromised, even the wedding would have to be postponed.

“I’m sorry, Edith. I don’t know what’s been happening lately…”

Edith opened the candy box with a pensive expression. “The weather suddenly turned warmer. And… it’s about time for a change,” she murmured. Canilia, with a mouthful of sugar-coated candies, rolled one around in her mouth, causing a bulge to form on one cheek. Unable to resist the overwhelming drowsiness, she began to doze off, her head bobbing up and down. Unfortunately, Canilia had been losing weight rapidly over the past few days.

Edith briefly contemplated whether she should tell the truth to the person involved, but she held her tongue and pulled the bedroom curtains closed.

Soon, the sound of a door opening and the footsteps of a couple of individuals could be heard.

“Lay the young lady on the bed and provide some fresh air. She’s not feeling well,” a voice instructed.

“You seem to know very well, my dear Edith,” replied the newcomer.

It was Claude. Undoubtedly, he should have been away due to an external conference.

Approaching Edith with a menacing glare, Claude gently lifted the nodding Lya into his arms.

“You must understand, there should be no secrets kept from me. Do you comprehend?” he uttered, as if ready to strike Edith with his words.