“I know,” Edwina replied determinedly. “But I have to at least try.”
A heavy silence hung in the air as her aunt grew silent. Finally, she spoke. “Did you know that I was married before your Uncle Lionel?” Her words were tinged with sorrow.
Edwina reared back, surprised by this revelation. “You were?” she asked. “Why haven’t you said anything before now?”
“I didn’t think it was prudent to do so. It was in my past, and my future is with Lionel,” her aunt explained, her eyes growing reflective. “Hugh was the fourth son of a marquess, and thus his chances of inheriting were unlikely. He chose to pursue a career in the Navy instead.”
Her aunt’s voice softened as she reminisced about her late husband. “He was the most handsome man and he was a wonderful, ardent kisser.”
Edwina couldn’t help but giggle at her aunt’s unexpected remark.
“But he died shortly after we were wed when his ship was attacked,” her aunt said, her tone turning somber. “Fortunately for me, my wedding contract specified that my dowry would be returned to me in case of his untimely death. However, my father wasted no time in negotiating a marriage contract between Lionel and me.”
The sadness in her aunt’s words was palpable. Edwina couldn’t hold back her curiosity any longer. “Did you even want to marry Uncle Lionel?”
“Not at first,” her aunt replied with a wistful sigh. “Lionel was kind to me but I had loved Hugh with all my heart. That kind of love just doesn’t go away. But Lionel was persistent in his affection, and it was almost impossible not to fall in love with him over time. It was unexpected, but not unwanted. There is a difference.”
“Why was your father so adamant that you were wed again?” Edwina asked.
Her aunt let out a frustrated huff. “Why, indeed? I suppose he didn’t think I was capable of taking care of myself,” she said.
“But you had your dowry.”
“True, but maintaining a household is expensive,” her aunt replied. “And as for my father, he simply could not understand why I wouldn’t just move on from Hugh. But I think we both know that grief is not something one can simply move on from. Is it?”
“No, it is not,” Edwina agreed, understanding all too well the weight of loss and heartache.
Her aunt leaned forward in her seat, her eyes filled with empathy. “I know Lionel may seem impatient and aloof at times, but that doesn’t mean he loves you any less. He is just struggling to cope with his own pain.”
Edwina’s lips formed a thin line, unconvinced by her aunt’s words.
“I don’t expect you to believe me immediately, but it is the truth,” her aunt insisted. “Lionel may try to deny or ignore it, but the death of his brother has deeply affected him. And he is hurting.”
Edwina turned her head towards the window, gazing out at the passing countryside. She remembered when her uncle used to be kind and patient with her, before her father’s death had changed everything. “I wish it could go back to the way it was, back when Uncle Lionel used to tolerate me,” she said pensively.
Her aunt gave her an understanding nod. “Your uncle does love you, but he is doing a poor job of showing it.”
Edwina arched an eyebrow. “He is doing a terrible job.”
With a laugh, her aunt conceded, “That is fair.”
The scent of freshly baked bread drifted through the open window as they approached the village. Edwina turned her head to take in the picturesque cottages with thatched roofsthat lined the road. In the distance, she could hear the faint bleating of sheep grazing in nearby fields.
How she missed traveling to the village with her father. He would make an adventure out of it, just as he always did with everything. He had had a way of turning even the most mundane tasks into something enjoyable.
The coach came to a stop next to the pavement and her aunt remarked, “Bennett mentioned he was taking Lord Hilgrove to the pub for a drink. Since it is close to the ribbon shop, I wonder if he will come shopping with us.” Her words were light, playful.
“I doubt it, especially since I do not think Lord Hilgrove cares much about ribbons,” Edwina joked.
“No, he does not,” her aunt readily agreed.
The coach door opened and Edwina accepted the hand of the footman as she stepped down onto the pavement. She withdrew her hand and smoothed down her black gown as she waited for her aunt to join her.
“Before we begin our shopping, I was hoping we would get a treat from the bakery shop across the street,” her aunt said.
“I would never refuse such an offer,” Edwina responded as she stepped off the pavement and into the cobblestone street.
As they made their way across the street, the air was filled with the deafening sound of hooves pounding against the uneven stones. Panic seized Edwina’s heart as she realized a horse was charging towards them. She stood frozen in fear, unable to move despite seeing her aunt run for safety.
