Page 70 of Wedded to the Sinful Duke

This new relationship felt strange. Ciara couldn’t tell if it was safe, if it was advisable to tell her mother about what hadhappened. But she didn’t have any of her friends around, and she needed to get her frustration out somehow. She decided to let her guard down against all instinct and common sense telling her to be cautious.

“Are you upset because your husband couldn’t join you this evening?” her mother asked, somehow managing to guess immediately.

Ciara hesitated for a moment then she nodded. “Yes. We… argued a few days ago.”

“About what?”

“He told me that he doesn’t want children, and it took me by surprise,” Ciara admitted. “I thought he just said it in the spur of the moment, that he might change his mind, but I doubt that now.”

Her mother reached out, taking Ciara’s hand gently. “My dear, I can see how much this is hurting you. Perhaps he did say it in the spur of the moment, and just needs more time to withdraw what he said?”

Ciara shook her head. “I doubt it. Jonathan doesn’t say things he doesn’t mean.”

“Remember, Ciara, that sometimes people act out of pride or fear. Your husband may need time to come around. After all, marriage requires a change from two people, a change that helpsthem adjust to each other, and some people need more time than others for that to happen.”

Ciara shook her head, her voice breaking. “It’s not just that. When I tried to reach out, he wasn’t willing to make the effort. And then… It’s like he’s pushing me away.”

Her mother’s expression softened with understanding. She took a moment to gather her thoughts before speaking. “Well… you know, my dear, us women have to endure men. Just look at your father and me. Sometimes, he does silly things, and I do forgive him eventually. It is all right to be upset with him. But if you have a good marriage, you will find your way back to each other.”

Ciara wiped a tear from her cheek. “I just feel so alone. It’s like I’m fighting for something that’s slipping through my fingers.”

Her mother squeezed her hand reassuringly. “You feel now as every other woman has felt at some point in her life. Marriage is hard work. Perhaps you couldn’t see that before, and now, you do.”

Lady Hartfield paused once.

“I mean, I don’t want to say that your marriage wasn’t serious before, it’s just… well, you didn’t know much about him. Now, you do. Perhaps you aren’t meant for each other. Time will tell, and even if this is true, I want you to know that it won’t be the end of the world.”

Ciara nodded. Her mother was right. After all, they didn’t marry because of love but because of convenience. It was nothing more than that. And she should have known that they would never have a real marriage.

“Thank you, Mother,” she said, her burden still present but somehow lightened by her mother’s words.

As she gazed at her mother, a surprising sense of relief washed over her. The evening’s troubles had not disappeared, but the heartfelt conversation with her mother had provided comfort to her troubled heart. For the first time in what felt like ages, she felt a connection with her family, something she had longed for but never fully experienced.

Her mother’s kindness and understanding had been more than just words; they had been a revelation. The compassion and support that Lady Hartfield had shown were exactly what Ciara had always wanted—a genuine, open-hearted dialogue with her mother, one that transcended the usual formalities and reached the core of her feelings.

Then her mother surprised her with yet another idea. “Ciara,” she began, her voice warm and soothing, “I’ve been thinking. If it would make you feel more comfortable, you’re welcome to stay here for a while. We can send for your things and make arrangements for you.”

Ciara’s eyes widened in surprise and gratitude. The offer was unexpected but immensely appreciated. She had been struggling with her recent arguments with Jonathan and the subsequentdistance between them. The idea of staying with her family, especially after the meaningful conversation they had shared, felt like a good idea.

“Mother, I… I don’t know what to say,” Ciara stammered, her voice thick with emotion. “Thank you. This means more to me than you can imagine.”

Lady Hartfield smiled warmly, reaching out to clasp her daughter’s hands. “You don’t need to say anything. We’ll arrange everything for you.”

Ciara felt a wave of relief and happiness wash over her. Although her childhood home was not a place of happy memories, it seemed to Ciara that things were finally changing. Perhaps Jonathan couldn’t see the core change that her parents had been going through. Who was she not to believe them when she wanted to do so with all her heart?

“Thank you, Mother,” she said, her voice trembling slightly. “I’d like that very much.”

“Now, why don’t you go up to your room and write a letter to your husband explaining everything?” her mother suggested. “We can send it off immediately, and then, we can enjoy a nice dinner together as a family.”

Ciara nodded in agreement, leaving her mother and ascending the stairs to her room as a sense of resolution guided her steps. Once in her room, she sat down at the small writing desk by the window, the soft light of the evening casting a gentle glow overher as she prepared to write to Jonathan. Taking a deep breath, she picked up her pen and began to write with a calm, deliberate hand. Her thoughts were clear, and her heart, though still tinged with the remnants of their argument, was at peace.

My Dear Jonathan,

I hope this letter finds you well. I wanted to inform you that I have decided to stay with my parents for a while. After our recent disagreement, I felt that this time apart might be beneficial for both of us.

My parents have arranged for my belongings to be sent to the Hartfield estate. I trust you will handle this with the usual efficiency.

Yours sincerely,

---