Page 27 of Lady Farah Creates a Scandal (The Season of Secrets #2)

T he following morning, after some semblance of sleep, Farah sat in the sunlit parlor, her hands tightly clasped in her lap. The delicate China teacup in front of her remained untouched. Across from her, Ashley, poised and elegant, studied her with a mixture of curiosity and concern.

Farah took a deep breath, steeling herself. She knew she had to be honest with Ashley, despite the fear that twisted her insides. “I need to talk to you about something important,” she began, her voice wavering slightly. “You may be the only person who will understand.”

Ashley raised an eyebrow, her curiosity piqued. “Understand what?”

“Don’t blame him for any of this. Should the scandal leak, it wasn’t Rockwell’s fault.” Farah hesitated, her heart pounding. “But whatever happens I… I can’t marry him. I don’t want to marry him.”

Ashley leaned back in her chair, her expression unreadable. “May I ask why? It’s clear that Rockwell cares for you. And I’m sure you feel something for him as well. It would be an excellent match. One even your stuffy brother would approve of.”

Farah swallowed hard, her mind racing. How could she explain the myriad fears that plagued her?

“It’s not that I don’t care for him,” she said slowly.

“But… I’ve spent my entire life being the timid mouse, doing everything my family and society expected of me.

Marrying Rockwell because we have to… No.

For once, I want to choose the path of my life. ”

“What if Rockwell is your path?” Ashley listened intently, her gaze unwavering. “What is it you’re really afraid of, Farah?”

Farah’s eyes filled with unshed tears. “I’m afraid of losing myself, Ashley.

Of being trapped in a life where I have no control, no say in my future.

I’ve been living my life for my brother as a penance, thinking my ten-year-old behavior killed my parents.

Marrying Rockwell would mean trading one prison for another, even if it’s gilded.

He would sail off around the world and I would sit at home being the demure wife.

I would be alone. I feel as if I’ve been alone my whole life.

I’ve never had a sister; our sisterhood is the closest I’ve had to being a part of something.

I’m an afterthought for my brother, who just wants to see me married off.

I’d rather face a scandal and take my chances than live a life that’s not truly mine. ”

Ashley sighed softly, her expression softening. “I understand. More than you might think.”

Farah looked up, surprised. “You do?”

Ashley nodded. “You know about my scandal, don’t you?”

Farah bit her lip, nodding. “Yes, but not the full story.”

Ashley took a deep breath, her eyes distant as she recounted her past. “I tried to help a friend who fell for a totally unsuitable man. But my help backfired in the most horrendous way and I… Needless to say, I was ruined, through no fault of my own. The scandal nearly destroyed my brothers. As you know, I lost my standing in society, and my family was shamed.”

Farah’s heart ached for her friend. “I’m so sorry, Ashley. That must have been terrible. But you are so strong. You look society’s scorn in the face and don’t cower.”

“Because I did no wrong. But I’m judged, anyway.

And it still hurts,” Ashley admitted. “But it taught me something important. It taught me that living authentically, being true to oneself, comes at a price. Sometimes, that price is steep. Only you can decide if it’s a price worth paying.

With experience and age, I understand I would do it all again.

Is loving Rockwell worth a risk? Or will you be happier alone?

Rockwell may settle down at some point.”

“I have feelings for him, but we want different things out of life, out of a marriage and family.” Farah looked into Ashley’s eyes, seeing the strength and wisdom there. “Do you regret what you did?”

Ashley shook her head. “No. My actions saved my friend. Men place such value on honor. Women do too, but we are then scorned for it. I learned who I truly am, and I live on my own terms. It’s difficult, and it’s often lonely, but it’s honest. When, or if, I decide to marry, it will be to a man worthy of such love and he will love me back, regardless of any scandal. ”

Farah felt a weight lift from her shoulders. Ashley’s words gave her the courage she needed. “Thank you, Ashley. Your story means more to me than you know.”

Ashley reached across the table, taking Farah’s hands in hers.

“Whatever you decide, know that you have a friend in me. And if facing a scandal is what it takes to live the life you want, then face it with your head held high. You’re stronger than you think.

You can stand up to Blackstone. Under his gruff exterior, I believe the man is as soft as wool. ”

Farah squeezed Ashley’s hands, a new determination filling her heart.

She knew the road ahead would be fraught with challenges, but she was ready to face them.

For the first time, she felt a glimmer of hope that she could determine her future, no matter the cost. And as soon as they returned from their visit to speak with Courtney, she’d send for Lord Franklin and give him her answer.

The sound of hurried footsteps and the light laughter of a child interrupted the drawing room’s warmth.

Farah and Ashley looked up just as the door opened to reveal a small, vibrant girl with curly black-as-coal hair and bright blue eyes, clutching a stuffed rabbit.

Beside her stood a serene woman with a gentle smile, holding the child’s hand.

“Good morning,” the woman said shyly. “I hope we’re not interrupting.”

Farah smiled, her tension easing at the sight of the newcomers. “Not at all, Caitria. Come in. Ashley, this is Caitria.”

Ashley rose gracefully from her seat, her eyes softening as she looked at the child. “It’s a pleasure to meet you both. And who might you be, young lady?” she asked with a kind smile.

Ava-Marie looked up at her aunt for reassurance before answering shyly. “I’m Ava-Marie. Caitria is my second cousin.”

Ashley knelt down to the child’s level, her smile widening. “Hello, Ava-Marie. I’m Ashley. It’s lovely to meet you. You look just like your father.”

Before Ava-Marie could respond, the door opened again, and Ivy entered the room. “I hope I’m not too late for tea,” she said, her eyes lighting up when she saw the little girl. “I’ve been longing to meet you. Your auntie Lauren is my best friend.”

Ava-Marie’s face brightened as she ran to Farah, who scooped her up into a warm hug. “Who is Aunt Lauren?” she exclaimed, her earlier shyness forgotten.

Farah bit her lip. Ivy had put her foot in her mouth. As Ivy settled into a chair with Ava-Marie on her lap, the child looked around the room, her expression turning curious. “Where’s my daid?” she asked, her pronunciation of “dad” bringing a smile to everyone’s face.

Caitria exchanged a glance with Farah before answering gently. “Your father is out meeting your grandfather and your other aunties, sweetie.”

Ava-Marie’s brow furrowed in confusion. “I have a grandfather and other aunties? Why couldn’t I go to meet them too?”

Ashley leaned forward, her voice soothing. “Your papa needed to talk to them about some important grown-up things, Ava-Marie. Sometimes grown-ups have to do things that aren’t very fun for little ones.”

Ava-Marie pouted, her lower lip trembling slightly. “But I wanted to go, too.”

Farah hugged her tighter, brushing a kiss against her forehead. “I know, darling. But these ladies wanted to meet you too.”

The little girl considered this for a moment, then nodded slowly. She said to Ivy, “I like your house and my bed is so comfortable. My room has a rocking horse in it too. Can I stay here? With Caitria and Daid and Farah?”

“Your daid has a house just like this up the street. You’ll be moving there with him and Caitria.”

“Will my room have a rocking horse too?”

“I’m sure that can be arranged,” Farah laughed. If only she could brush off the changes in her life as easily as an innocent child.

“Will you be living with us?” the child asked Farah. “My Daid likes you, I can tell.”

Silence settled on the room and three pairs of womanly eyes turned her way. “No. I live with my brother and must return home. Besides, your daid and I are just friends.”

Ava-Marie seemed to accept this, but Farah noted the concern on Ivy’s face. All of them were likely thinking about Courtney, and what Lucien’s return would mean to her. Did Ivy think she’d made a move on Lucien? How could she think that? Courtney was her friend, too.

Ivy addressed Caitria. “Will you and Ava-Marie be all right here while we pay a visit to Lady Courtney? There are plenty of toys in the nursery, and the garden is extensive. She might wish to play outside after being in a carriage for so long.”

“Of course. A picnic lunch in the garden might be nice.”

Farah watched the exchange with a soft smile, grateful for the distraction Ava-Marie provided.

It was a reminder of the simpler joys in life, even amid the complexities and fears she faced.

She caught Ashley’s eye and saw a flicker of understanding there, a silent acknowledgment of the shared burdens and the strength found in family and friends.

“While we wait for Lady Tiffany, how about we have some tea and cakes?” Ashley suggested, answering for the little girl who was facing such an upheaval in her life. “I know there’s a delicious lemon cake in the kitchen, and it’s just waiting for us to enjoy it.”

Ava-Marie’s eyes lit up at the mention of cake. “Yes, please!”

As they settled into a more relaxed atmosphere, the tension of the earlier conversation ebbed away. Farah concentrated on entertaining Ava-Marie so that Caitria could talk with Ashley and Ivy. To Farah’s relief, the three ladies seemed to be on the road to becoming firm friends.