Philip nodded slowly, actually wishing that he had told Thomas all of this the last time he saw him.
“Yes. We shared a lot. We shared a rapport instantly, and this sparked an instant connection.”
“Interesting,” Thomas mused. “It sounds to me like this chance encounter might be a sign that your heart might be ready to open up once more.”
“Open up to what?”
“To the possibility of love, of course,” Thomas chuckled. “I know you have had a hard time over the last few years, but no one would want you to be miserable forever.”
It was the same thing that his mother had said to him.
The same thing that Thomas had said before.
But that did not make Philip feel any better about it. He could not shake off the guilt that flowed through his veins at the thought of moving on.
“The ghosts of the past are still dancing on your face,” Thomas commented. “And I know it must be challenging for you to envision any other life, because you were so settled with Julianna. I am sure that you would have had a wonderful marriage forever. But that is not what can happen now, and I remember you telling me that she wants you to find someone else. She would not like to see you in this way. You are like a shell of your former self. If there is a spark out there in the world to be explored, then I suggest you explore it.”
“Thomas, you make it sound so easy.”
Thomas offered him a one shouldered shrug. “I just don’t think that we need to overcomplicate things.”
Philip parted his lips, about to say something back, but before he could get a word out, his mother came barging in to the parlor without knocking.
Why was she like this? Why did she not seem to have any respect for his privacy at all? She could see that he was having a talk with his old friend, so her presence was most certainly not required at the moment. But Adelaide did not seem to even notice that.
“Philip, you will not believe what has happened,” she cried out, her eyes shining joyfully. “It’s wonderful news. I have arranged a private dinner with Lady Rosalind Fitzwilliam and her family, and we have just received their acceptance.”
It was clear that she wanted a reaction from Philip, but he did not feel a thing so remained stoic as he stared at her. This matchmaking was truly irritating. He needed her to back away from it, so Philip could live his life the way that he wanted to.
“Oh, Philip, you need to show more enthusiasm. I am making so much effort here, and I feel like you are giving me nothing back. Thomas, dear, do you think you might be able to talk some sense in to my son? Lady Rosalind Fitzwilliam would be the perfect match for him, and I am truly struggling to make him see that.”
Philip curled his hands up in to fists as he struggled to contain his frustration.
There was no point in saying a thing because any argument he gave would only fall on deaf ears. She did not wish to hear anything that he had to say.
Thomas, sensing the tension, stepped in diplomatically. “Lady Adelaide, you know I always respect your opinions and efforts. But perhaps Philip needs some time to reflect on his feelings. A decision like this should not be rushed, do you not agree?”
Adelaide sighed. “Oh, not you too, Thomas. I just want what is best for him.”
“We all do,” Thomas replied kindly. “Maybe a bit of patience will yield better results.”
Adelaide’s expression softened slightly, though her determination remained evident. “Patience has its place, but so does taking decisive action, Thomas. Philip’s future is of utmost importance, and I only wish to see him settled and content.”
Philip could feel the tension in the room thickening.
He knew his mother meant well, but her constant interference grated on him more with each passing day.
He needed to make her understand that his heart could not be rushed in to another match, especially not one orchestrated solely for convenience.
“Mother,” Philip began, his tone calm yet firm, “I appreciate your efforts, truly I do. But matters of the heart cannot be forced. Lady Rosalind may be a fine lady, but I am not ready to consider such arrangements.”
Adelaide’s brows furrowed slightly, disappointment shadowing her features. “Philip, you cannot remain in this state of solitude forever. It has been years since Julianna...”
“I know,” Philip interrupted gently, his gaze steady. “And I am grateful for your concern. But I need time. Time to find my own way, to come to terms with what has happened.”
“I will talk to Philip now,” Thomas interjected, seemingly sensing the need for this to end. “Let me….”
With a reluctant nod, Adelaide finally conceded. “Very well. I shall leave you two to your conversation. Philip do consider the dinner invitation. It’s tomorrow evening.”
