Page 66 of A Literary Liaison
“Essie, you and I shall have words after dinner,” the duchess said.
“Whatever became of her?” Edwin pressed, glancing around the table at the blank expressions. “The baker’s daughter!”
“Her name was Lily. You were correct in that,” Edgar said, clearing his throat. “We were young. It was mere youthful folly, nothing more.”
“I encountered her just last year with her infant. She had married a physician in a neighboring parish. She appeared content,” Essie offered.
Edgar smiled, grateful for the happy news. “I am relieved to hear it. In truth, I harbored guilt for causing her pain. I learned the harsh lesson that love, no matter how pure, often falters in the face of societal expectations.”
“You seem to have a predilection for ladies of common birth, Ed—ow!” Edwin glared at Edmund while rubbing his side.
Edgar sighed inwardly. The pattern had not escaped his notice. Lucia. Lily. And now Elisha. Here he was, repeating history yet again. Or was he? This time he was maintaining his distance before misleading her, before they formed an attachment. All because he feared what his family stood to lose.
But his friends’ voices echoed in his mind:Elevate her to the most sought-after woman in London. Increase her popularity, and thetonshall accept her.
A sudden, disquieting thought struck him—while he sat idly at his family’s supper table, paralyzed by old fears and family patterns, he might be relinquishing Elisha to Thornton. The man had been positioning himself as her protector, her patron, her guide through London Society. Steven Thornton, with his wealth and influence, could offer her everything Edgar hesitated to provide.
The realization filled him with a sense of dread that cut through his comfortable retreat. Distance had indeed revealed what truly mattered—and what he stood to lose through his own cowardice.
Edgar set down his wine glass with trembling fingers. Perhaps it was time to stop repeating the mistakes of his past and start fighting for his future.
Tender Hearts
The library atLancaster Hall was bathed in the warm glow of the setting sun as Edgar and Edmund sat opposite each other, glasses of port in hand. The rich scent of leather-bound books and aged wood permeated the air, a fitting backdrop for their weighty conversation.
Edgar cleared his throat, fixing his brother with a steady gaze. “Edmund, I find myself pondering the future of our family and estate. Tell me, are you content managing our ancestral lands? Have you given any thought to marriage?”
Edmund’s sapphire-blue eyes shone, a stark contrast to his dark hair. “I confess, I find great satisfaction in the work. As for marriage, I’ve no particular lady in mind at present. Why do you ask?”
“I’ve been reflecting on my duties,” Edgar replied, his tone measured. “I’ve begun to take a more active role in the House of Lords and would like to do the same in the management of our estate. However, I’m cognizant of the fact that you’ve shouldered much of the burden in my absence.”
Edmund nodded, a flicker of surprise crossing his features. “I see. And what does this mean for me?”
Edgar leaned forward, his expression earnest. “I propose this. We can work together as long as you’d like. When you decide you’d like more independence such as upon your marriage, I shall grant you a substantial portion of our properties and associated incomes. You’d befree to establish your own household, unless you prefer to remain here at Lancaster.”
For a moment, Edmund sat in silence, clearly stunned by Edgar’s proposal. When he spoke, his voice was thick with emotion. “Edgar, I… I’m deeply grateful for your generosity. I believe I would accept the offer. But tell me, what has brought about this change?”
Edgar’s gaze drifted to the window, where the last rays of sunlight painted the gardens in hues of gold. “I’ve come to realize the weight of my responsibilities, both to our family and to society at large. It’s time I assumed my proper place.”
Edmund studied his brother’s face, noting a newfound gravity in his demeanor. “Edgar, forgive my impertinence, but… is there a lady who has inspired this transformation?”
Edgar’s chest felt heavy, but he quickly masked it with a wry smile. “Perceptive as ever, brother. There is someone. But the situation is… complex.”
“Complex?” Edmund echoed delicately.
Edgar sighed, rubbing the stubble on his jaw. “She’s not of our social circle. Brilliant, passionate, but a commoner. I find myself at a crossroads, torn between duty and desire.”
Edmund’s expression softened with understanding. “Ah, I see. And you fear the repercussions of such a match?”
“Indeed,” Edgar nodded. “Yet I cannot shake the feeling that she might be worth any scandal, any societal backlash that may ensue.”
A moment of silence stretched between them, thick with unspoken implications. Finally, Edmund spoke, his voice gentle but firm. “Edgar, I’ve watched you carry the weight of our title for years. If this woman brings you happiness, if she inspires you to embrace your responsibilities rather than flee from them… perhaps she’s exactly what our family needs.”
Edgar’s eyes widened in surprise. “You would support such a match?”
“I would support your happiness, brother. I… I wish I had stood up to Father, had supported you more with Lucia. I have regretted my cowardice ever since.”
Edgar’s heart filled with gratitude. “We were both too young and powerless for such courage. He was the law, he was God. Father could have broken us, and we both knew we stood no chance.”
