Ashley nodded. “You know about my scandal, don’t you?”
Farah bit her lip, nodding. “Yes, but not the full story.”
Ashley took a deep breath, her eyes distant as she recounted her past. “I tried to help a friend who fell for a totally unsuitable man. But my help backfired in the most horrendous way and I… Needless to say, I was ruined, through no fault of my own. The scandal nearly destroyed my brothers. As you know, I lost my standing in society, and my family was shamed.”
Farah’s heart ached for her friend. “I’m so sorry, Ashley. That must have been terrible. But you are so strong. You look society’s scorn in the face and don’t cower.”
“Because I did no wrong. But I’m judged, anyway. And it still hurts,” Ashley admitted. “But it taught me something important. It taught me that living authentically, being true to oneself,comes at a price. Sometimes, that price is steep. Only you can decide if it’s a price worth paying. With experience and age, I understand I would do it all again. Is loving Rockwell worth a risk? Or will you be happier alone? Rockwell may settle down at some point.”
“I have feelings for him, but we want different things out of life, out of a marriage and family.” Farah looked into Ashley’s eyes, seeing the strength and wisdom there. “Do you regret what you did?”
Ashley shook her head. “No. My actions saved my friend. Men place such value on honor. Women do too, but we are then scorned for it. I learned who I truly am, and I live on my own terms. It’s difficult, and it’s often lonely, but it’s honest. When, or if, I decide to marry, it will be to a man worthy of such love and he will love me back, regardless of any scandal.”
Farah felt a weight lift from her shoulders. Ashley’s words gave her the courage she needed. “Thank you, Ashley. Your story means more to me than you know.”
Ashley reached across the table, taking Farah’s hands in hers. “Whatever you decide, know that you have a friend in me. And if facing a scandal is what it takes to live the life you want, then face it with your head held high. You’re stronger than you think. You can stand up to Blackstone. Under his gruff exterior, I believe the man is as soft as wool.”
Farah squeezed Ashley’s hands, a new determination filling her heart. She knew the road ahead would be fraught with challenges, but she was ready to face them. For the first time, she felt a glimmer of hope that she could determine her future, no matter the cost. And as soon as they returned from their visit to speak with Courtney, she’d send for Lord Franklin and give him her answer.
The sound of hurried footsteps and the light laughter of a child interrupted the drawing room’s warmth. Farah and Ashleylooked up just as the door opened to reveal a small, vibrant girl with curly black-as-coal hair and bright blue eyes, clutching a stuffed rabbit. Beside her stood a serene woman with a gentle smile, holding the child’s hand.
“Good morning,” the woman said shyly. “I hope we’re not interrupting.”
Farah smiled, her tension easing at the sight of the newcomers. “Not at all, Caitria. Come in. Ashley, this is Caitria.”
Ashley rose gracefully from her seat, her eyes softening as she looked at the child. “It’s a pleasure to meet you both. And who might you be, young lady?” she asked with a kind smile.
Ava-Marie looked up at her aunt for reassurance before answering shyly. “I’m Ava-Marie. Caitria is my second cousin.”
Ashley knelt down to the child’s level, her smile widening. “Hello, Ava-Marie. I’m Ashley. It’s lovely to meet you. You look just like your father.”
Before Ava-Marie could respond, the door opened again, and Ivy entered the room. “I hope I’m not too late for tea,” she said, her eyes lighting up when she saw the little girl. “I’ve been longing to meet you. Your auntie Lauren is my best friend.”
Ava-Marie’s face brightened as she ran to Farah, who scooped her up into a warm hug. “Who is Aunt Lauren?” she exclaimed, her earlier shyness forgotten.
Farah bit her lip. Ivy had put her foot in her mouth. As Ivy settled into a chair with Ava-Marie on her lap, the child looked around the room, her expression turning curious. “Where’s my daid?” she asked, her pronunciation of “dad” bringing a smile to everyone’s face.
Caitria exchanged a glance with Farah before answering gently. “Your father is out meeting your grandfather and your other aunties, sweetie.”
Ava-Marie’s brow furrowed in confusion. “I have a grandfather and other aunties? Why couldn’t I go to meet them too?”
Ashley leaned forward, her voice soothing. “Your papa needed to talk to them about some important grown-up things, Ava-Marie. Sometimes grown-ups have to do things that aren’t very fun for little ones.”
Ava-Marie pouted, her lower lip trembling slightly. “But I wanted to go, too.”
Farah hugged her tighter, brushing a kiss against her forehead. “I know, darling. But these ladies wanted to meet you too.”
The little girl considered this for a moment, then nodded slowly. She said to Ivy, “I like your house and my bed is so comfortable. My room has a rocking horse in it too. Can I stay here? With Caitria and Daid and Farah?”
“Your daid has a house just like this up the street. You’ll be moving there with him and Caitria.”
“Will my room have a rocking horse too?”
“I’m sure that can be arranged,” Farah laughed. If only she could brush off the changes in her life as easily as an innocent child.
“Will you be living with us?” the child asked Farah. “My Daid likes you, I can tell.”
Silence settled on the room and three pairs of womanly eyes turned her way. “No. I live with my brother and must return home. Besides, your daid and I are just friends.”
