It was more than just a sense of duty or the hope for a stable future for his nephews that drew him to Frances. There was something about her presence that soothed him, something that made him feel seen and understood in a way he had never experienced before.
He wondered what Phillip would say to him if he sought his advice. Though, he had to be careful now. Frances was the sister of his friend’s wife, and he knew that he could not hurt her in the slightest. It would not only fill with endless guilt, but it would also ruin his friendship with Phillip.
Christopher closed his eyes, allowing the quiet of the room to envelop him.
He had always prided himself on his ability to control and manage every aspect of his life. But with Frances, control seemed to slip through his fingers, replaced by a feeling of surrender and acceptance that he couldn’t quite grasp.
He had proposed to her out of a sense of necessity and responsibility, but now he wondered if there was something more driving his actions. Could it be that he was beginning to care for her, to want her not just as a companion for the boys but as a partner for life?
The thought scared him, a lot. And for now, he was going to discard it.
After all, if he did not acknowledge that it was happening, he did not have to deal with the consequences. Whatever they may be.
* * *
Frances hurried down the corridor, her heart racing. She felt a mix of embarrassment and something else she couldn’t quite identify.
The intensity of their conversation and the brief, unexpected touch had left her feeling vulnerable yet strangely exhilarated.
“What has gotten into you?” she chided herself, catching a glimpse of her face in the hallway mirror. Her cheeks were reddened in the wake of their little moment.
She knew she needed to compose herself before facing the household again, but one thing was clear: her feelings for Christopher were growing.
He had admitted something personal to her in a vulnerable moment, and in turn, it had stirred feelings for him in her heart.
Was it romantic? It was too soon to tell. But it was clear that they were not strangers who only happened to be married to one another anymore.
Moving forward, she knew that she was going to have to tread carefully around him.
The walls she had built around her heart were not easily breached, but Christopher had a way of slipping past her defenses, of making her feel seen and valued in a way she hadn’t expected.
Maybe, just maybe, this marriage would grow into something more than a mere arrangement.
It was something that she always wanted, after all.
But then she quickly chided herself.
You are being a fool and getting far ahead of yourself than you ought.
One wrong move and she might just end up losing her heart to him.
The twins are your only priority. They need you, and you do not need to complicate things for them.
* * *
The next day, Frances had arranged a picnic by the river to help Christopher get closer to Ernest and Edwin. The day was bright and sunny, perfect for outdoor activities. She spread out a blanket and unpacked the basket, which was filled with delicious treats she hoped the boys would enjoy.
Christopher looked around appreciatively. “Well, what do we have here? It appears that the Duchess has arranged for a little outing.”
“I thought it would be good for the boys,” Frances replied, watching Ernest and Edwin explore the area, and then bit her lip. “Of course, there is the added benefit of a bonding opportunity between the three of you.”
Christopher nodded at her. “That is quite thoughtful of you.”
As they settled down to eat, Frances encouraged the boys to speak more.
“Boys, your uncle would love to play sports with you.” She shot Christopher a pointed look. “Wouldn’t you?”
“Of course,” he replied hurriedly, playing along.
