Chapter 19

Chapter 19

The dawn broke with a soft, golden light filtering through the drapes of Edward’s chamber. He was still in bed, his mind a blur of emotions and sensations. He kept conjuring up the previous night’s rendezvous with Vivianne, each memory more vivid and intoxicating than the one before. He felt like a fool, yet on top of the world all at once.

Edward had never been one to let his heart rule his head. He had always prided himself on his rationality and control. But now, as he lay there, he realized something had shifted within him. His feelings for Vivianne were growing, taking root deep in his heart. It wasn’t just the thrill of the forbidden or the excitement of their clandestine meetings. It was something more profound.

He sat up in bed, running a hand through his tousled hair. The realization hit him with a force that left him breathless: he was developing genuine feelings for Vivianne. It wasn’t just physical desire—though that was certainly part of it. No, it was the way she made him feel, the way she challenged him, and the way she brought out a side of him he hadn’t known existed.

Edward remembered the look in her eyes when she had told him about her past, the way she had responded to his kiss with such fervor and passion. But more than that, he remembered how he had felt the overwhelming need to put her pleasure above his own, to ensure she was happy and safe. It was a selflessness that surprised him, a stark contrast to his usual self-centered ways.

He swung his legs over the side of the bed and stood up, pacing the room. The more he thought about it, the more he realized that his feelings for Vivianne were changing him. He wasn’t sure if he was ready to confront these emotions, but he couldn’t deny their presence. They were as real as the rising sun.

The only person he could confide in about this drastic change of circumstances was Jonathon. That was why that same afternoon, Edward found himself at a local gentlemen’s club, a haven of leather armchairs, mahogany paneling, and the scent of fine tobacco. He had arranged to meet Jonathon for a luncheon, hoping to gain some perspective on the emotions that had been consuming him since the night before.

As he entered the club, Edward spotted his friend already seated at a corner table, perusing the menu. Jonathon looked up, a welcoming smile spreading across his face as Edward approached.

“Edward! You look like a man with a lot on his mind,” Jonathon remarked, his eyes twinkling with curiosity.

“Oh, you have absolutely no idea,” Edward replied with a chuckle, taking a seat opposite his friend.

They ordered their meal, and as they waited, Edward decided to cut to the chase, never having been one to prefer beating around the bush. “Jonathon, I need your advice.”

Jonathon couldn’t hide his surprise. He eyed Edward for a moment, then pointed a finger at him. “Don’t tell me. It’s about… Vivianne.”

“How on earth did you know?” Edward asked, aghast.

“One man in love knows another.” Jonathon chuckled. “But do tell me all about it. I want to know every single detail.”

Edward took a deep breath, recounting the events of the past few days—their growing closeness, the passionate kiss in the garden, and the overwhelming realization of his feelings for her. Jonathon listened intently, nodding occasionally, a thoughtful expression on his face.

When Edward finished, Jonathon leaned forward, a sly grin playing at the corners of his mouth. “Edward, my dear friend, you sound like a character straight out of a novel.”

Edward groaned. “Don’t start with your literary references. I usually enjoy them, but now is not the best time.”

Jonathon laughed. “I can’t help it. You’re like Valancourt, caught between your feelings for Emily and the tumult of circumstances.”

“Are you referencing The Mysteries of Udolpho ?” Edward rolled his eyes with amusement.

“You know I am.” Jonathon nodded.

Edward couldn’t help but laugh. “Do you know that I told Vivianne once that she reminded me of Emily?”

It was Jonathon’s turn to laugh. “Then it most certainly fits. You’re falling for her, Edward. And from what you’ve told me, it’s more than just a physical attraction. You care about her happiness, her well-being. That’s something real.”

Edward sighed, feeling a weight lift off his shoulders. “I suppose you’re right. But what do I do about it? How do I navigate these feelings without putting her at risk?”

Jonathon took a sip of his drink. “Be honest with her. Talk to her about how you feel. You both deserve to know where you stand. And as for the risks, you’ll face them together. That’s what makes it worthwhile.”

Edward nodded, feeling a sense of clarity. “You’re right. I need to talk to her.”

Their conversation turned to lighter topics as their meal arrived. Jonathon regaled Edward with humorous anecdotes and more literary references, making him laugh and easing the tension he had been carrying. Then a shadow appeared over their table, and both men looked up at the intruder.

“William.” Edward said the man’s name and it felt like a curse.

It was becoming increasingly difficult to ignore the animosity between them, no matter how hard Edward tried to do so. That was how they had endured every visit, every shared dinner or ball. But now, Edward felt that it was enough. The smug look on the man’s face was unmistakable, a clear indication that he felt victorious after their encounter the previous evening.

“Edward.” William grinned in turn. “Fancy meeting you here.”

“Yes, you keep appearing everywhere, like a fly,” Edward said without any hint of a jest.

William, however, chuckled. “Ah, yes. I like to be everywhere and nowhere at the same time. Helps me keep abreast of everything. Speaking of which, how is your lovely… friend?”

“Vivianne is fine,” Edward replied, his temper flaring, but he fought to remain composed. He recalled the memory of her from the night before. He could remember her face above his, the taste of her, and that was enough to steady him.

“I am glad to hear that.” William nodded. “And her parents? I can only imagine how they must feel about your... friendship.”

“You can stop all the posturing, William,” Edward said coolly, lacking a single morsel of patience for his cousin at that moment. “Vivianne and I are truly courting. We’re getting married, no matter what you think.”

William leaned down, resting both his hands on the table. “You can tell that to all the other people you know, but I know the truth.”

“You know nothing.” Edward frowned. “Your opinion is irrelevant. It has always been irrelevant and that is exactly what you can’t stand, so you resort to creating these little frictions you hope will start an avalanche. But let me tell you something, Will. Uncle has chosen me. And I have chosen Vivianne. It is as simple as that. You can also choose to be dignified about it and let bygones be bygones. If not, you may go to the devil for all I care.”

Upon those words, he stood up, turning to Jonathon. “I think I have just lost my appetite, John. Let’s go.”

Jonathon nodded, rising from his seat. As they walked away, Edward felt a sense of satisfaction. He had stood up to William, defended his intentions with Vivianne, and refused to be intimidated.

Outside the club, Jonathon clapped Edward on the shoulder. “Well done, my friend. You handled that admirably.”

“Thank you,” Edward replied, then added with slight amusement, “although I am still hungry.”

Jonathon chuckled. “I’m not particularly hungry, but I could have coffee.”

“Coffee? Over tea? Blasphemy!” Edward teased, much to his friend’s amusement.

“We could go to the George Inn,” Jonathon suggested. “My carriage is across the street, and we could be there in ten minutes. What do you think?”

“Yes.” Edward nodded. “Let’s get away from here. I don’t want to risk running into William again. I’ve had more than enough of him for the time being.”

Exactly ten minutes later, Edward and Jonathon settled at the inn, which was already bustling with activity as travelers and locals mingled in the common areas. The exterior was adorned with ivy climbing up the red-bricked fa?ade, and the wooden sign bearing the name “The George Inn” swung gently in the breeze.

Inside, the scent of roasting meat and freshly baked bread greeted them. The interior was warm and inviting, with dark wooden beams crisscrossing the low ceiling and a large hearth crackling with a welcoming fire. The walls were lined with oak paneling, decorated with framed prints of countryside landscapes and hunting scenes. Heavy wooden tables and chairs filled the space, each one polished to a deep, rich sheen.

Edward had always liked it here. He pointed to a quiet corner, away from the main crowd, where they could continue their conversation in relative privacy. A cheerful serving maid brought them tankards of ale and a hearty meal of roast beef, potatoes, and vegetables, all cooked to perfection and served with generous helpings of rich gravy.

Jonathon watched his friend curiously until the maid placed everything on the table, wishing them good appetite.

“What?” Edward asked with a smirk, his mind focused on the food and drink.

“I never thought I would see the day.” Jonathon smiled.

“What day?”

“The day that a lovely maid with her bosom out would be right in front of you, and you would barely even notice her,” Jonathon pointed out. “It is official, Edward my friend. You are in love.”

The idea was still as foreign as before, but Edward could no longer deny that there was something between him and Vivianne. His friend could see it plain as daylight.

“Maybe not in love,” Edward said defensively. “But… there is affection, and tenderness. I have not known those in a long time.”

“I am glad to see you like that,” Jonathon said gently, obviously not wishing to overdo it. “I wondered if there would ever be a woman to awaken those emotions inside of you, and finally, you two have crossed paths. You seem… different.”

“I feel different,” Edward acknowledged. “All because of her.”

As the evening wore on and the inn’s patrons began to thin out, Edward leaned back in his chair, utterly content. Edward felt invincible, buoyed by his recent declarations to William and the private moments he had shared with Vivianne.

He looked around at the familiar, comforting surroundings of The George Inn, a place that had seen countless travelers and heard countless stories. Tonight, it had witnessed a turning point in his own story—a night of realization and the first steps toward a future that, for the first time, seemed incredibly bright.