“Oh, Thomas! What a sight for sore eyes. You are looking tanned from your travels!”
“Ah well, it has been a while.”
“Sit,” Philip insisted. “Let us have a drink.”
As he poured, Thomas began regaling him of his adventures. “…And you would not believe the things I have seen, Philip. From the bustling markets of Marrakech to the tranquil temples of Kyoto, it has been a journey like no other.” Thomas’s eyes sparkled with the memories, his tales rich with vivid descriptions and colorful anecdotes.
Philip listened with genuine interest, grateful for the distraction. It had been a long time since he had seen his old friend, and Thomas’s tales brought a sense of normalcy to his otherwise tumultuous thoughts.
“Sounds like you had quite the adventure,” Philip said, handing Thomas a glass of brandy.
Thomas accepted it with a grin. “Indeed. But enough about me. How have you been, my friend? It feels like ages since we last spoke.”
Philip hesitated, unsure of how much to reveal. “Oh, you know. The usual. Managing the estate, dealing with Mother’s endless match making schemes…”
Thomas nodded sympathetically. “I can imagine. Lady Adelaide is nothing if not determined when it comes to her family’s future.”
“Indeed,” Philip agreed with a rueful smile. “But it’s more than just the pressure. I feel conflicted. Torn between my duty to my family and the guilt I carry over the idea of moving on from Juliana.”
Thomas leaned forward; his expression thoughtful. “It’s natural to feel that way, Philip. Juliana was a remarkable woman and losing her was a devastating blow. But she would not want you to remain trapped in the past. She wanted you to find happiness again, remember?”
Philip sighed, running a hand through his hair. “I know she did. But knowing it and feeling it are two different things. I cannot seem to reconcile the two. Especially with a woman who I don’t even have anything in common with. I am not sure what sort of life my mother expects me to have without love.”
“Perhaps we should go traveling instead.”
Philip chuckled at the idea. But he knew there was no way that he could leave his family behind like that, even if it wasn’t forever.
“You know, Philip, there is no harm in seeking happiness. You deserve it as much as anyone.”
Philip nodded, though his mind drifted to Lady Verity. Their encounter had been unexpected, and it left him feeling both guilty and confused.
He pushed the thought aside, focusing on his friend’s words.
“Yes, I know. But for now, it just feels like it’s an impossible mountain to overcome. Especially with Georgina experiencing her first Season.”
“Ah, how is she finding it?”
“She seems to be enjoying it immensely,” Philip replied. “Georgina has always had a zest for life and she has taken tothe social whirl with enthusiasm. Mother is quite pleased, of course, seeing her precious daughter being courted by eligible bachelors.”
Thomas laughed. “I can imagine Lady Adelaide’s delight. Georgina has always been a charming young woman. I am sure she is turning heads wherever she goes.”
“Yes, she certainly knows how to make an entrance,” Philip said with a fond smile. “But it’s also a bit overwhelming. I feel like I have to keep an eye on her to make sure she does not get swept away by all the excitement.”
“Ah, the protective older brother,” Thomas teased. “You have always been good at that role.”
Philip’s smile faded slightly. “I suppose. But it’s more than just protection. It’s about ensuring she makes choices that will lead to her happiness, not just what is expected of her. I truly do want her to find a match who will make her happy forever.”
Thomas nodded thoughtfully. “It’s a delicate balance, is it not? Between duty and personal happiness.”
“Exactly. Sometimes it feels like an impossible situation,” Philip admitted.
“Well, perhaps you should take your own advice,” Thomas suggested. “Allow yourself the possibility of happiness, even if it means stepping out of your comfort zone.”
Philip sighed. “Easier said than done, my friend. But I will try.”
Thomas raised his glass. “To trying, then.”
Philip clinked his glass against Thomas’s. “To trying.”
