“Oh, my boy, she never hated you.”
Bless her maternal optimism. She likely couldn’t imagine anyone hating any of “her boys.” And she likely wanted to believe that all the brothers got on well with everyone.
“I can see you do not believe me.” Far from offended, she smiled all the more. “I daresay when you met at the house party we had here, you both found each other intriguing and confusing, handsome and clever. I would wager neither of you had the first idea of what to do with those feelings. She, as beautiful as she is, with her large dowry and significant connections, has likely endured a constant stream of insincerity from those looking to befriend her for the benefits they would receive. I have no doubt she has learned to treat others with that same insincerity as a means of protecting herself. And you, being a younger son, with a very loyal and open heart and the opportunity to surround yourself with sincere friends, didn’t know how to respond to someone you could tell was playing a role.”
Charlie shook his head in amazed surprise. “I think Mr. Layton and Mr. Barrington were correct.”
She tipped her head. “About what?”
“They told me that you are a genius.”
She laughed. “What an odd thing for them to say.”
Charlie eyed her more closely. “Is it true you had a passion for mathematics when you and Father were first married?”
“Ah.” Understanding dawned. “I have always had a passion for learning new things, but mathematics was, for me, the most intriguing.”
“Why did you never tell me?’ he asked. “All the times I’ve spoken of my mathematical interests, you gave no indication that you shared the same.”
She took his hand and held it as she had often done. “You have struggled to feel you have your own identity in this family. Every interest you expressed over the years had already been claimed by someone. I couldn’t bear to take this one away from you as well.”
“But I am happy to know we have this in common,” he said. “It does a fellow good to know he shares a trait with a parent. Gives him a sense of connection, like he belongs among his own family.”
“You are so essential a part of all of us,” Mater said. “I hope you feel that.”
“For my part, I hope Artemis feels that. She’s been lonely.”
Mater looked out over the gathering. “I have not seen her this morning. Have you?”
“Not since I came down for breakfast.” He rose. “I’d imagine someone has though.”
But when he asked those gathered there, the answer he received over and over again was no. Only when he posed the question to Mariposa, his most outspoken sister-in-law, did he get more information than that. “An invitation to join all of us was sent to her, but she has refused it.”
“Refused?”
“Sí.” Mariposa did not speak in disapproval or judgment, simply confirmation. “She has insisted she not be asked again.”
That was unexpected. She’d been so much more at ease amongst them of late. Had he made less progress than he’d thought? Surely he’d not imagined her softening the day before. Yet, she was refusing the hospitality of her new family members.
“I suppose I had best go discover the nature of her objections,” Charlie said.
“The ‘nature of her objections’ might be the prospect of all our company at one time,” Mariposa warned. “We are many, and we can be overwhelming.”
That wasn’t entirely untrue. But the enormity of this family was not going to change. If Artemis was unwilling to endure that, she’d never find her place among them. That rift would eventually either tear Charlie from his family or would become a chasm in their marriage.
Was he never to be permitted to hope without it being so quickly snatched away?
He made his way back toward the terrace doors. His feet took him past one of Father’s friends, Mr. Fortier, who stopped him.
“Excuse-moi, Charlie,” he said. “A moment, please.”
Charlie nodded, indicating he should say what he wished.
“You will, I am most certain, receive ample advice from the Gents. Your father would wish that of us, he not being here.” Mr. Fortier had very kind eyes. And something about his soft-edged French accent made his words even more gracious. “I will take a moment to suggest you approach your sweet wife with patience. Making assumptions tends to land one in greater difficulties.”
It was a good reminder, really. “I will,” he said.
“And I must warn you, should you injure the feelings of yourdoux ami, Mr. Layton will likely murder you. He has shown a very paternal fondness for her.” Mr. Fortier looked amused enough that Charlie knew his life was not actually in any danger.
