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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.

CHAPTER 24

Ciara, bustling about the dining room, ensured everything was perfect for the evening meal. The Kirdales had graciously accepted their invitation to stay for dinner, and Ciara wanted the evening to be memorable.

As she moved around the table, adjusting silverware and straightening napkins, her eyes kept drifting to Jonathan. He stood by the window, looking out into the garden, his expression distant. It was clear his mind was elsewhere, and Ciara felt a pang of concern.

“Everything looks wonderful, Ciara,” Rebecca said, coming up beside her. “You’ve outdone yourself.”

“Thank you, Rebecca,” Ciara replied, managing a smile. “I just want everyone to enjoy themselves.”

As the group gathered around the table, the atmosphere was warm and welcoming. Archie entertained everyone with storiesof their latest travels. “And there we were, in the heart of Venice,” he began, his voice animated, “when Margaret decided she simply must feed the pigeons in St. Mark’s square. Well, one bird led to another, and before we knew it, we were surrounded by an entire flock! I was convinced we’d be pecked to death!”

Margaret and Henry laughed uncontrollably at their father’s antics. The entire table couldn’t help but join in, the joyous sound echoing off the high ceilings.

Rebecca, with her usual sharp wit, added her own commentary. “You forgot to mention how you slipped on the birdseed and landed flat on your back, Archie,” she teased, her eyes sparkling with mirth.

“Ah, yes,” Archie conceded, a mock-serious expression on his face. “It was a noble sacrifice to keep the pigeons entertained.”

Ciara found herself thoroughly engrossed in the lively conversation. Jonathan, too, seemed more relaxed in that moment than she had seen him in a while, his laughter mingling with the others. For a moment, all thoughts of the tensions and intrigues that had plagued their lives were forgotten.

Rebecca then leaned in, catching Ciara’s eye. “And you, Ciara? Do you have any adventures to share?”

Ciara smiled, shaking her head slightly. “None quite as thrilling as yours, I’m afraid. But perhaps someday. As long as there are no pigeons around.”

The table erupted in laughter once more, the shared joy serving as a balm for everyone’s soul.

Then, Jonathan turned quiet again, picking at his food and barely engaging in the conversation.

As it was late, the children were sent off to bed, leaving the adults for more serious matters of discussion.

At one point, Lord Kirdale leaned forward with a curious glint in his eye. “Ciara, I hope you won’t find this too forward of me, but… I’ve been meaning to ask you about your time at the nunnery,” he began gently, his tone more compassionate than inquisitive. “I’ve heard various accounts, but I would like to hear your experience if you don’t mind sharing.”

Ciara felt as if all blood had drained from her body. The memories he had asked for stood in stark contrast to the pleasantness of the evening and the company that she shared. But one look at him assured her that he was genuinely curious. He didn’t ask that question to be judgmental, like most other people did. He wanted to understand, and that gave her the courage to open up.

She felt all eyes were on her but most of all, Jonathan’s. His concern was palpable. She took a deep breath and smiled. “Of course. I spent many years at St. Catherine’s. It was… challenging to say the least.”

It was difficult to talk about it, so Ciara chose her words carefully. “Life at the convent was strict. The nuns had very high expectations and enforced discipline rigorously.”

She glanced over at Jonathan. She could see his jaw tightening as he listened. However, he remained silent, allowing her to continue.

Ciara’s voice grew softer, tinged with the pain of old memories. She didn’t like to talk about it. She wanted to bury all of that deep down and forget it, but she knew that could never happen. Perhaps sharing the burden was the only way she would be able to overcome what had happened.