Chapter 23

CHAPTER 23

A couple of days later, the tension that had hung in the air after the visit from Ciara's parents began to lift, replaced by a sense of anticipation as word arrived that her husband's cousin Rebecca and her husband, Lord Kirdale, along with their children, would be visiting. Ciara found herself looking forward to the distraction and the company of someone who might, in time, become a friend.

The Kirdales arrived in the early afternoon, their carriage pulling up to the grand entrance. Ciara stood at the top of the steps, a genuine smile on her face as she watched Rebecca step down, followed by her husband Archie and their lively brood.

"Ciara, my dear," Rebecca called out, her eyes sparkling with warmth. She hurried up the steps and surprised Ciara with a tight embrace. "You look lovely," she added, once she released Ciara.

"You look even lovelier," Ciara returned the compliment.

"That is because I am taking such good care of her," Lord Kirdale said with a wink as he passed by his wife and greeted Ciara.

"Lord Kirdale," Ciara replied with a smile, "that must be it. How wonderful it is to see you again."

"Yes, you were fortunate enough to have met only me before, without these two whippersnappers," he joked with a charming grin. "And please, call me Archie. Lord Kirdale sounds like I'll be a grandfather all too soon."

"If we are fortunate, my love, you shall be a grandfather one day, but not yet." Rebecca leaned over to him, kissing him on the cheek.

Ciara knelt down to greet the children, who were full of energy and excitement. "And who are these young ones?" she asked with a smile.

Rebecca smiled. "These are Margaret and Henry."

"Hello, Your Grace," Margaret said with a curtsy, her brown curls bouncing.

"Hello, Margaret," Ciara replied, her heart warming at the sight of the children. "And hello to you as well, Henry. I think Your Grace is far too formal for family. Ciara will do just fine."

"Ciara," Margaret beamed at the name while Henry, the younger child, blushed and smiled.

"Come, let's go inside," Ciara urged. "Jonathan is in his study, but he is also eagerly anticipating your arrival."

Inside, the Kirdales were shown to the parlor where tea and refreshments had been laid out. The children immediately made themselves at home, exploring the room and peppering their parents with questions. Jonathan joined them several minutes later, and they were all seated together, catching up.

As the adults settled into their conversation, Ciara found herself naturally gravitating toward the children. Margaret and Henry had captured her attention with their bright eyes and inquisitive natures.

Margaret looked up at Ciara with a shy smile. "Ciara, do you like stories?" she asked, her voice filled with hope.

Ciara smiled warmly, kneeling down to be at eye level with Margaret. "I adore stories, Margaret. Do you have a favorite you'd like to share with me?"

"Please, tell us your favorite, Ciara," Henry requested softly, his voice barely audible. He was a shy little boy, so Ciara appreciated his comments even more when he had the courage to voice them.

"Hm, it is very difficult to choose a favorite," Ciara considered. "There are so many wonderful ones. But… I do have a favorite. It is the one my grandmother used to tell me so many times that I thought it was her favorite, too. It is the story of the Children of Lir."

Henry's eyes widened. "Is it about fairies?"

"Yes, it is," Ciara replied, her voice rich with warmth. "Once upon a time in ancient Ireland, there lived a king named Lir. He had four beautiful children, two boys and two girls, and he loved them dearly. But after the passing of his beloved wife, the children were left heartbroken."

Margaret leaned in closer, enraptured by the story. "What happened next?"

"King Lir married again, but his new wife was not kind to the children," Ciara continued. "Jealous of their beauty and the love their father had for them, she used dark magic to turn them into swans, condemning them to roam the lakes of Ireland for nine hundred years."

Henry gasped, his imagination ignited. "Swans? That sounds terrible!"

"It was indeed," Ciara said. "But the children remained strong, and despite their trials, they sang beautiful songs that enchanted anyone who heard them. Their voices carried across the waters, filling the land with sorrow and beauty."

"And did they ever turn back into children?" Margaret asked, her eyes wide.

"Yes," Ciara replied, a smile playing on her lips. "After nine hundred years, they were finally freed by the sound of a church bell. As the spell was lifted, they returned to their human forms, but they were old and weary. Yet, they had learned the value of love and family which endured through all hardships."

Henry clapped his hands, his face alight with wonder. "That was amazing! I want to hear more such stories!"

"Well, all right then," Ciara smiled. "Let me think of another one…"

While Ciara was telling the children another story, Jonathan took a moment and got up, walking over to the window to open it. A part of him was unable to take his eyes off of Ciara. She had gathered Margaret and Henry around her, her melodious voice guiding their imagination to faraway lands where anything was possible… even him considering having children.

But that was a fleeting moment. Now, he needed another moment to himself, and the notion of opening the window seemed like a good excuse. However, he was not allowed even that semblance of privacy.

"She would make a wonderful mother, wouldn't she?" He suddenly heard Rebecca's voice behind him, spoken in a soft tone so as not to be overheard by the others. It was as if she could read his mind, wondering the same thing, then forbidding himself from even daring to think in that direction when he knew well that such a thing was impossible. He would never allow it.

Jonathan felt a pang in his chest. He turned to her, his expression carefully neutral. "That's not happening," he said firmly. That was not something he was willing to delve into or even discuss.

Rebecca raised an eyebrow, obviously sensing the tension in his voice. "Why not, Jonathan? Ciara is wonderful with children, and you know she would?—"

Jonathan cut her off, his tone sharper than he intended. "Rebecca, please. This is not a topic for discussion."

Rebecca evidently wished to say something else, but Ciara's voice interrupted her. "How about a game of Pall Mall? The weather is lovely, and it seems like such a waste to spend the afternoon inside."

Everyone agreed wholeheartedly, and soon, they were out on the lawn, setting up for the game. Margaret and Henry cheered as the adults prepared their mallets and balls, eager to watch the friendly competition.

"Ready to lose, Your Grace?" Ciara teased, a playful glint in her eyes.

Jonathan smirked with Rebecca's words still lingering in his mind. He couldn't quite focus on the present moment, but he tried his best. "Oh, you sweet thing… I never lose."

The game began with light-hearted banter and laughter. Ciara's competitive spirit shone through, and she surprised everyone with her skillful play. Margaret and Henry ran alongside, cheering and offering tips, their excitement infectious.

Ciara managed to take the lead, her precision and strategy impressing even Jonathan. As she lined up for the final shot, she gave him a challenging look. "This one's for the win, Jonathan. Are you ready?"

Jonathan chuckled, though the sound was more subdued than usual. "Do your best, Duchess."

With a decisive swing, Ciara sent her ball through the final hoop, securing her victory.

The children erupted in cheers, and Ciara did a small victory dance, her joy evident.

"I believe that makes me the champion," she announced, grinning widely. "What do you say to that, Your Grace?"

Normally, Jonathan would have had a witty retort ready, but today, he felt a strange discomfort. Ciara's laughter, her closeness, was stirring something within him that he wasn't ready to face.

He forced a smile and nodded. "You played well, Duchess. Congratulations."

Ciara noticed his lack of enthusiasm and tilted her head in concern. "Are you all right? You don't seem yourself."

Jonathan looked away, avoiding her gaze. "I'm fine, just a bit distracted."

Rebecca, observing the interaction, gave Jonathan a knowing look but said nothing. Archie patted his back in an effort to lighten the mood. "Come on, Jonathan, it's just a game. No need to be a sore loser."

Jonathan managed a genuine laugh at that. "You're right, Archie. Well played, everyone."

The group began to disband, heading back toward the house, chatting joyfully among one another.

Ciara lingered behind with Jonathan, evidently determined to understand his sudden withdrawal. "Jonathan, is everything all right?"

He shook his head, running a hand through his hair. "It's nothing. I just have a lot on my mind, that's all."

Ciara didn't seem convinced, but he appreciated her decision not to press him further. She always understood exactly what he needed at any moment. "All right, but… I'm here if you need to talk."

Jonathan nodded, feeling a mixture of relief and frustration. As much as he appreciated her concern, her kindness was starting to unravel the walls he had built around his heart.

He needed to distance himself before he lost control completely.