Chapter 25

CHAPTER 25

A week later, Hanna sat at her writing desk, the soft light of the afternoon filtering through the lace curtains of her chamber, casting delicate patterns over the polished surface. She picked up her quill and smiled to herself, her heart warm with a quiet contentment she hadn’t expected to feel.

It had been a whirlwind of emotions since she agreed to help Edwin, and the kiss they shared lingered in her mind like a sweet, secret memory. It surprised her how genuine her feelings for him had grown, how effortlessly their bond had deepened. The uncertainty she once had about their marriage now felt like a distant echo, replaced by a sense of trust and care she hadn’t imagined when they first wed.

Her thoughts drifted to her sisters, and with a small sigh, she began her letter to Bella.

Dearest Bella , she wrote, her quill moving steadily across the page, I hope this letter finds you well and in high spirits. It has been some time since we last corresponded, and I have so much to tell you, though I must confess it is of a rather personal nature .

She paused, her smile widening at the memory of Edwin. How gentle his touch had been, how his eyes had softened when he looked at her, and how, for the first time in her life, she felt truly seen by someone. It was still strange to her that she had once feared him, that she had believed him to be a murderer.

Now, those fears seemed absurd. He’d been nothing but lovely to her these past few days. They’d kissed again but only on the cheek, as if he were afraid of becoming too close too quickly—and she had to admit, she was grateful. She was afraid of her own passions and desires, and her father’s misdeeds still loomed over them.

Edwin and I kissed , she confessed, the words forming on the page as if releasing a small but significant secret. It was… unexpected but not unwelcome. In truth, I am grateful it was with him. He has been so kind and honorable, and I cannot believe I ever thought otherwise. I find myself growing quite fond of him, Bella, in ways I had not anticipated. Our marriage now feels like something more, and it surprises me daily how much I care for him .

Her heart fluttered as she wrote, and a small laugh escaped her lips.

I have not told Emma yet. I worry for her, you see. She has been so despondent of late, and I fear it may only worsen should she learn of this before she is ready. Our father, thank heavens, seems to have lost interest in forcing her into an unsuitable match. He no longer pressures her as he once did, but he also does nothing to help her. He hardly encourages her attendance at balls or soirées anymore, and I fear she is feeling the weight of being overlooked. It breaks my heart to see her this way, for I know how much she longs for a proper match, a man who will truly care for her.

Hanna dipped her quill into the inkwell again, her mind wandering to Emma’s quiet sadness, and how different things could be for her if their father showed even the smallest ounce of care. But alas, the man seemed more concerned about his affairs than the futures of his daughters.

When you and Harry return, I thought that we might host a joint ball, both in celebration of our marriage and in the hope of finding a suitable match for Emma. Perhaps Helena, too, if she wishes it, though she seems far less concerned about such matters. I believe it would be a wonderful opportunity, and with a gathering at our home, Father would have little say in the matter.

She paused, contemplating her words, and smiled. Hosting a ball, not just for her own pleasure but for Emma’s future happiness, felt like something she could truly do for her sister. After all, Emma deserved to feel loved and cherished, and if their father wasn’t going to help, then Hanna would.

I look forward to hearing your thoughts on this, dear sister, she added as she finished the letter . And I cannot wait for your return. There is so much to discuss, and I know that with you by my side, we can ensure a future for Emma that she deserves .

Hanna folded the letter carefully, sealing it with her wax stamp before placing it aside. As she leaned back in her chair, she felt a sense of peace wash over her. The decision to help Edwin with his troubles had felt right, but the desire to do the same for Emma filled her with purpose. She was beginning to understand, in ways she hadn’t before, that love could come in many forms—not just romantic, but familial as well. And she was determined to see her sister as happy as she was beginning to feel.

As she looked out the window, watching the fading light of the day settle over the estate, her thoughts returned to Edwin. He had opened a door within her that she had kept closed for so long—perhaps out of fear, perhaps out of habit. But now, she couldn’t imagine a future without him in it.

Their kiss had been more than just a moment of passion; it had been a promise, an unspoken understanding that something deeper was growing between them.

And, as she prepared to send her letter, she couldn’t help but smile, hopeful for what the future might hold—for her, for Edwin, and for her beloved sisters.