Judith smiled weakly, grateful for her friends’ support. “Thank you,” she said. “I just need to find a way to make peace with it all.”
“Judith,” Rosy began softly, setting her teacup down and looking at her friend with concern. “How do you really feel about him now? The Duke, that is.”
Judith hesitated, her fingers nervously tracing the rim of her teacup. The question struck deep, and she felt a wave of emotions surge up, threatening to overwhelm her. She tried to speak, but her throat tightened, and tears welled up in her eyes.
Before she could stop herself, she buried her face in her hands and burst into tears.
“I don’t know,” she sobbed. “I’m so angry, Rosy. One moment I think I hate him, and then the next I long for him and think I love him. It’s tearing me apart. I feel so rotten for being torn over it, when I have a good man who wants to share his life with me.”
Rosy and Joanna immediately moved closer, their faces filled with sympathy. Joanna wrapped an arm around Judith’s shoulders, offering silent support, while Rosy handed her a handkerchief.
“You’re not a bad person for feeling this way,” Rosy said gently. “It’s natural to have conflicting emotions, especially given everything that’s happened.”
Judith sniffled, wiping her tears with the handkerchief. “But Lord Leeds … I feel like I’m betraying him by having these feelings.”
Joanna squeezed her shoulder reassuringly. “Judith, you deserve to be happy too. You shouldn’t marry someone just because it’s expected or because you feel obligated.”
Judith looked at her friends, their kindness and understanding touching her deeply. “But what should I do?” she asked, her voice trembling. “I don’t want to hurt Lord Leeds, but I also don’t want to live a life full of regrets.”
Rosy took Judith’s hands in hers, looking at her earnestly. “You need to follow your heart, Judith. Do what feels right for you, not what everyone else expects. If you have doubts, it’s important to address them now, before you make any decisions.”
“And if you would rather be alone, then that is your right,” Joanna added. “People may judge you, butyoumust decide what is best for you. Not them.”
Judith nodded, taking a deep breath as she tried to calm herself. The truth in Rosy’s words resonated with her, and she knew she had to find the courage to face her true feelings.
“Thank you,” she murmured, her voice steadier. “I needed to hear that. I’ve been so caught up in what everyone else wants that I forgot to think about whatItruly want.”
Joanna smiled warmly. “We’re here for you, no matter what you decide. You don’t have to go through this alone.”
Judith felt relief wash over her. She had been carrying the weight of her emotions in silence for so long, and finally sharing her struggles with her friends made her feel lighter. She knew the path ahead wouldn’t be easy, but with Rosy and Joanna by her side, she felt more capable of navigating it.
As the conversation shifted back to lighter topics, Judith found herself smiling and laughing more genuinely. She still had a lot to sort out, but she felt more hopeful than she had in weeks. Her friends’ support had given her the strength to face her feelings head-on, and she knew she would find a way to make the right decision for her future.
For now, she decided to take things one day at a time, focusing on her happiness and well-being. With Rosy and Joanna’s encouragement, she felt ready to confront her emotions and find her path to true happiness.
CHAPTER 32
Aaron strolled through Hyde Park, his thoughts a whirlwind of regret and longing. The crisp morning air did little to soothe his troubled mind. He was haunted by the memory of Judith’s pained expression and her words that cut deeper than any blade.
He had spent the past week replaying every moment, every mistake, wishing he could turn back time and undo the harm he had caused.
As he rounded a corner, he spotted Rosy and her husband, George, in the distance. His first instinct was to turn and walk the other way, avoiding a confrontation he knew was inevitable. But it was too late, Rosy had already seen him.
“Duke!” her voice rang out, sharp and unyielding.
George, looking slightly apprehensive, followed her as she marched toward Aaron.
Aaron steeled himself, knowing there was no escaping this encounter.
“Good morning, Duke.” He nodded to the Duke of Cambridge, and then turned to his wife. “And you, Duchess. It is good to see you again.”
He shook hands with George and then bowed to Rosy.
“We need to talk,” she demanded, her eyes blazing with anger. “I can’t believe how you mistreated Judith.”
Aaron blinked, utterly taken aback by her outburst. He did not know any of Judith’s friends well, and certainly not well enough to speak with them so intimately.
George put a hand on Rosy’s arm, attempting to calm her. “Rosy, perhaps we should discuss this privately,” he suggested.
