“Frances is suited to your temperament,” Phillip noted. “Her thoughtfulness and calm personality is something that will do you well.”
The corners of Christopher’s lips curled into a smile as he thought of Frances.
He did not quite know how to tell his friend that they did not have much of a romantic relationship.
“Is she as charmed as you now, as the other girls?” Phillip asked. “We know that your reputation with the ladies is something that most gentlemen of our class aspire to have.”
“There are no other ladies that I even think of now,” Christopher admitted.
It was like he had left the rake life behind overnight. The decision to marry Frances had been so sudden.
“Oh? Has the notorious Christopher Grant turned into a devoted husband already? I must say, I’m impressed.”
Christopher laughed, shaking his head. Did Phillip think that he did not have it in him?
“It’s not quite like that. Frances and I… we’re still finding our way.”
“But you enjoy each other’s company?”
“She’s kind, intelligent, and she cares deeply for the boys. For that, I am indebted to her.”
Christopher surprised himself with how mature his answer had been.
Phillip nodded, his expression thoughtful. “That’s a good foundation, you know. Many marriages start with less. And from what I’ve seen, the two of you have genuine respect and affection for each other. That can grow into something much deeper.”
“I have to say that I am still learning,” Christopher admitted. “I want to be a good husband to her, but sometimes I feel like I’m stumbling in the dark.”
Phillip smiled, leaning forward with a knowing look. “Marriage is like that, my friend. It’s a journey, not a destination. You’ll find your way together, as long as you’re willing to communicate and be patient with each other.”
Christopher nodded, taking another sip of his drink. “We had an argument recently,” he admitted quietly. “About me not taking things seriously enough. She was right, of course. I do tend to deflect with humor, and it frustrated her.”
Phillip chuckled softly. “Ah, the classic Christopher. Always trying to lighten the mood.”
“Since when is that a bad thing?”
“It’s not.” Philip chuckled. “But sometimes you need to weigh your words before making a statement. It might be misinterpreted.”
Christopher was not too convinced by his friend’s answer. Frances had snapped at him out of seemingly nowhere. He had an inkling that it was not the joke that had made her lash out, but something else entirely.
“She’s certainly keeping me on my toes. But I appreciate it. It’s making me rethink the way I approach things.”
Phillip leaned back, his eyes sparkling with amusement. “You know, when Esther and I first married, we had our fair share of misunderstandings. It’s all part of the process. What matters is that you’re willing to work through them together.”
Christopher looked thoughtful, his gaze distant. “Frances is incredible with the boys. They adore her. And I see how much she cares for them. It makes me want to try harder, to be the kind of husband and father they deserve.”
“That is how it should be.” Phillip nodded, offering him a toast. “Have you told her that you love her yet?”
Christopher nearly spat out his drink.“Hold your horses there. We are not quite there yet,” he countered swiftly.
Phillip chuckled, enjoying making his friend uncomfortable.“But soon you will be? Half the journey is making it to the altar, and you have already crossed that,” he said.
Christopher thought of Frances. He would be an idiot if he did not feel attracted to her.
She was gorgeous, and it was something that caught him off-guard quite often in the little moments, like when they were sharing their meals.
Old habits died hard, and hedidfind himself flirting with her inadvertently at moments. But they had agreed that their connection would not be a romantic one.
It would be foolish to complicate it.
