“That I cannot say.”
Phillip’s eyes widened with surprise. “And you think marrying her will be beneficial for the boys?”
Christopher nodded slowly. “Yes. They need stability, and she brings them happiness. But I worry if that’s enough to build a marriage on.”
Phillip leaned forward, his expression turning more serious. “Christopher, marriage is more than just a solution to a problem. It’s about partnership, trust, and… dare I say, a bit of affection and joy. Do you think you believe that is something you can find with her?”
Christophe’s gaze drifted to the window. “I don’t know,” he admitted quietly. “As I said, it is too early to say.”
Phillip’s smile turned teasing again. “Well, you’ve always been a bit slow on the uptake when it comes to matters of the heart. Maybe this is your chance to catch up.”
Christopher shot him a mock glare. “Very funny, Phillip. I’m serious. How did you know with Esther?”
Phillip’s expression softened. “With Esther, it was a leap of faith. But I think that there was something about her, even in our very first meeting, that struck me as different.”
Christopher fell silent, mulling over Phillip’s words.
Different. There was no denying that Frances was nothing like the other women he knew. But how was that enough to just jump into marriage?
Could he trust in something so uncertain? An inkling, at most?
Phillip clapped him on the shoulder, breaking his reverie. “Look, Christopher, you’ve always taken your responsibilities seriously. But maybe it’s time to consider your happiness, too. The boys are important, yes, but so are you. Can you see yourself happy with her?”
“I suppose I will find out if I marry her…”
Phillip shook his head. “Well, it is not as though you have anyone else in your life, at the moment. Maybe this is a sign from the heavens?”
Christopher gave his friend an unsure look. “Really? Since when do you believe in signs from the heavens?”
“It felt like a poetic thing to say.” Phillip laughed, giving him a reassuring pat on the back. “I am only saying that maybe you should give it a chance. Sometimes, taking a risk is the only way to find out if it’s worth it.”
Christopher nodded slowly. It was going to be a huge risk.
But then, his own parents’ marriage had been thought out and well-decided between wealthy families who matched perfectly in status. It was a calculated risk, but look how it turned out.
Perhaps one never knows fully, before they dive in headfirst.
“Maybe it’s time to take that leap.”
Phillip smiled at his friend, his eyes glinting with a hint of mischief. “Well, don’t jump too far too fast. Remember, she might not be ready to dive into the deep end with you just yet.”
Christopher chuckled, shaking his head. “You’re impossible, Phillip.”
Their conversation was interrupted by Esther, who stopped by the drawing room to say hello.
“Christopher, how lovely it is to see you again this morning.” She smiled warmly.
Christopher gathered himself, not wanting to look like a mess in front of his potential sister-in-law, and long-time friend.
“What can I say? You threw such a fantastic dinner last night that I could not resist coming back for a second time.”
Esther exchanged a knowing look with her husband, laughing. “Knowing you, there has to be a double meaning behind that phrase.”
“You misunderstand me.” Christopher feigned innocence.
“I know you.”
Christopher shook his head. “I am only concerned about you, and how the event went last night. There were many guests—your family was there.”
