After hearing Ellinorâs response, Veronica toned down her voice. âButâ¦â
Ellinor didnât want to be persuaded. She made her intentions clear. âI wonât be going back with you, nor will I go to the Howard familyâs home. Iâll stay in the hospital. If you want to see me or the babies, youâre welcome anytime.â
Marissaâs eyebrows were knit in worry, but she still wanted to take her home. âEllinorâ¦â
Ellinor softened her tone towards the elder lady. âGrandma, you donât need to say anything more. Until Theo returns, I wonât be going to your home. Iâm a bit tired now and would like to rest, so I wonât keep you. Ida, take Marissa and Veronica to the nursery to see the babies, then see them out for me.â
âSure! Marissa, Ms. Veronica, please follow me.â
Marissa frowned, understanding that Ellinor was still holding a grudge against Theo She sighed and gave up, not forcing her anymore.
She hadnât seen her greatâgrandson and greatâgranddaughter yet and was eager to do so.
Before leaving with Ida, Marissa turned back to Ellinor. âEllinor, you must take care of your health during postpartum confinement. Donât catch a cold or let wind in; keep the windows in the ward shut;
and donât eat anything cold, okay?â
Ellinor nodded. âIâll keep that in mind. Donât worry.â
Marissa sighed deeply. âAlright, Iâll go see the baby now and come to see you another day.â
Veronica made a face and reluctantly bid Ellinor goodbye. âEllinor, Iâll help Grandma leave. Remember to follow her advice and take care of yourself. Otherwise, my brother will worry when he comes back.â
Ellinor gave a noncommittal smile. âMmm.â
Ida then led Marissa and Veronica out of the ward.
Once the ward was quiet, Balfour approached her. âWhy donât you come home with me to properly rest during your postpartum confinement?â
Ellinorâs expression didnât change. âAs I said before, Iâm not going anywhere. Iâll stay in the hospital with my babies. Whenever they can be discharged, Iâll leave.â
Understanding his sisterâs stubbornness, Balfour gave up and rubbed her cheek. âAlright. Iâll stay with you in the hospital then and have a nurse come take care of you. But itâs not convenient to cook here, so Iâll have the confinement meals prepared at home and brought here.â
Balfour arranged for another nurse. Ellinor didnât want to accept it but didnât bother to refuse either, because she knew he wouldnât listen.
âThank you.â She replied indifferently, not wanting to chat anymore.
She felt tired and frustrated.
At this point, Bartlett, who had been sitting quietly by the bed, leaned in. âBalfour, where did you find the nurse for Ellinor? I know a very professional one. Do you want me to introduce her to you?â
Balfour looked up at Bartlett, only then noticing his presence. âWhen did you get here?â
Bartlett chuckled. âI came in just before you did and have been chatting with Ellinor. Balfour, are your eyes just for decoration? How could you miss a big person like me?â
Despite being friends, Balfour was in no mood for jokes. âAlright. Ellinor needs to rest now. You shouldnât linger here either. Come, letâs go.â