Bound by secret

Chapter four

Her mother didn’t seem to hear her. She was already flipping through the stack of gowns on the nearby chaise lounge, all carefully chosen for the occasion. “Now, Eleanor,” Lady Rosalind said, her voice taking on the tone of someone indulging a child. “This is a great honor. Your marriage to Lord Blackwood will solidify our family’s future, and give us influence. You have to think of the bigger picture.”

“Influence,” Eleanor repeated, the word tasting bitter on her tongue. “Is that all I am to you? A means to secure your position in society?”

Her mother turned toward her with a soft laugh, the kind that made Eleanor feel like a fool for even asking the question. “Oh, Eleanor, you misunderstand me. Of course, I want you to be happy. But you must understand that happiness is not always about personal desires.” Her lips curled into a satisfied smile as she examined a gown of ivory silk. “Sometimes, it’s about doing what’s best for the family.”

“Best for the family,” Eleanor echoed quietly. “And what if this isn’t best for me?”

But Lady Rosalind, distracted by the gown in her hands, didn’t respond. She was already lost in her plans, envisioning Eleanor’s place at Lord Blackwood’s side, in the grand halls of his estate.

Isobel, oblivious to the rising tension, clapped her hands excitedly. “I heard Lord Blackwood has a grand banquet planned for after the wedding. They say he’ll spare no expense! Just imagine Eleanor, all the jewels and the finest food. You’ll be living in luxury.”

Eleanor’s stomach turned at the thought. The “luxury” Isobel spoke of was a gilded cage, where every move she made would be scrutinized, and every word she spoke weighed against her husband’s expectations.

“Do you even understand what you’re saying?” Eleanor’s voice was sharp now, her patience fraying. She turned to Isobel, her younger sister’s innocence stinging. “Do you think luxury makes up for being trapped in a marriage with a man who doesn’t care about me? A man who…” Her voice faltered for a moment, but she pushed forward, “…who is cruel and selfish?”

For the first time, Isobel’s smile faltered. She blinked, surprised by the sudden change in her sister’s tone. “But Mother says Lord Blackwood is a man of great power. You’ll be happy, Eleanor. You’ll see.”

Eleanor turned to her mother, her heart pounding in her chest. She could feel the weight of her mother’s gaze on her, like a heavy stone pressing down on her chest. “Mother, please. I can’t do this. I’m begging you, I can’t marry him.”

Lady Rosalind stopped what she was doing, the silence in the room growing thick. Her eyes flickered, and for a brief moment, Eleanor saw something in her mother’s face a c***k in the façade of calm. But it was gone before she could hold onto it.

“Eleanor,” Lady Rosalind said quietly, the warmth gone from her voice. “You’re being unreasonable.”

“I’m not,” Eleanor’s voice cracked. “He’s not the right man for me. You don’t know what he’s like. Please, Mother, please don’t make me do this.”

Her plea hung in the air, and for a moment, it seemed as though the world stopped spinning. Isobel stood frozen, unsure of how to react, her excitement turning into confusion. But Lady Rosalind’s face was unreadable as she closed the distance between them, her expression shifting to one of frustration and something else disappointment.

“Eleanor,” her mother began, her tone low and controlled, “You will marry Lord Blackwood. It is done. There is no turning back.”

Tears burned in Eleanor’s eyes, but she fought them back, knowing how weak it would make her appear in her mother’s eyes. Still, one single tear slipped down her cheek. “I don’t care about the title, or the jewels, or the power. I care about my life and my happiness. I care about being loved, not used.”

Her mother’s face hardened. “You don’t know what you’re talking about. This marriage will elevate us, Eleanor. You will marry him, and you will make this work.”

The words were final, and Eleanor knew at that moment that she had no say in her future.

She could feel the tears threatening to fall, but she stood there, still, silent. The truth was clear her happiness had never mattered.

And no amount of jewels or gowns could change that.