Her Graceful War Song novel Chapter 1047

The Marquis of Ironridge's family spent the entire night getting to the bottom of things.

Once everything was clear, Margaret summoned Leopold. She laid out her plans.

"Divorce Serena, bring Jessica back, and invite those storytellers to come and tell the truth. We need them to clear things up."

Leopold was already filled with disdain for Jessica. He didn't want her back, and strongly disagreed with Margaret's approach.

"I don't agree, Mom. We should just leave things as they are. People have already been gossiping about me because of what happened to Jessica. After all this time, I finally got some peace when I divorced her. All the gossip outside doesn't concern us—it's all about Jessica.

"If we clear things up now, it will only tarnish our reputation and Emma's as well. She's your niece, and she's also the mother of your two grandchildren. You're being too harsh. Either way, I won't take Jessica back—if she's divorced, she'll stay divorced."

Margaret looked at him, her chest tightening with frustration and sorrow. Leopold had a head and eyes, but he was as good as a mannequin. He neither thought nor looked around him.

In families with noble titles and a long history like theirs, the one thing they feared was a lazy and mediocre heir—a disgrace worse than a wastrel.

Margaret's head spun, but she forced herself to push through.

"Lady Carissa has already investigated everything thoroughly. If I don't speak up, do you think she won't? She came here because she still respects me and wants us to handle it ourselves. If this gets out because of her, we won't have anything left to hide behind. Fine, it's your decision now. Ironridge Estate is yours to manage. Whatever you decide, I'll support you."

Margaret took a slight breath, her breathing becoming a bit labored.

Leopold thought for a moment and asked, "Since Lady Carissa is willing to give you some respect, could we ask her to suppress the matter? That workshop is just for show and a way to gain attention, anyway. Wouldn't it be smarter to use that workshop to get a favor from us and keep the matter under wraps?"

Margaret's eyes widened as she stared at him for a long time, confirming he was serious before letting out a heavy sigh. "Fine. Go speak with her, but you'll have to explain it to her yourself."

"I'm not familiar with her. You should talk to her instead," Leopold said, hoping to pass the responsibility.

He was already annoyed with the whole situation—whether it was Jessica, Serena, or Flora who had miscarried—he was frustrated with them all. If Barbara hadn't provoked Jessica, none of this would have happened and Flora's unborn child would still be fine.

Margaret's heart sank. "I'm sick. I can't deal with this anymore. You'll have to decide for yourself."

The next day, Margaret personally invited a few storytellers to the estate to recount the entire situation to them.

The storytellers were taken aback.

Regardless of whether what Margaret said was true or otherwise, Jessica had already been disgraced and the Marquis of Ironridge's family had cast her aside. On the other hand, Emma had kept a spotless reputation, having borne a pair of children.

Why not just let the matter lie? After all, who could Jessica possibly rely on now?

To speak of this would damage the reputation of the Marquis of Ironridge's family beyond measure. It didn't seem like a wise choice.

Margaret noticed their hesitation and said solemnly, "I am ashamed. I once wrongly blamed Jessica, but now that I know the truth, I must do right by her. It's also a lesson for the future generations of my family—never trust just one side of a story.

"Only by listening to all sides can we truly understand. We must remain calm in the face of adversity, investigate thoroughly before making a judgment, and never let past mistakes cloud our judgment of the present."

Margaret's open and honest demeanor earned the admiration of the storytellers. They had seen their share of noble households, where scandals in the inner household were usually covered up at all costs—sometimes even at the expense of lives—to protect the family's reputation.