Page 62 of Rescued from Betrayal
Nathaniel glanced over his shoulder. They’d caught the attention of the others. Had they overheard Eddie’s admission? After a moment however, Melior entered back into a quiet conversation with the other two men.
“I suppose I should keep my voice down,” Eddie said.
“Indeed.”
They stood quietly for a moment.
Nathaniel clasped his hands behind his back. “I did not know that my parents had been forced to wed. That they had been in the exact position I now find myself in.”
“By my father’s words, I thought your mother had chosen to marry your father.”
“Apparently not. And yet my mother says she does not regret it. They were happy, Eddie. Very happy.”
“So why does this upset you?”
“Because all my life I have thought that love was the prerequisite to a happy union, and now I find it is not.”
“I should think that would be a relief.”
Nathaniel let Eddie’s words sink in. A relief? It should be a relief.
Eddie continued, “Your parents found love even with their unfortunate beginning, which means you and Melior have a chance.”
“If we can find the key to their success, we might.”
“Nate, love does not come in a mold or have an exact formula for the equation to turn out right. If so, some of the happiest marriages I have seen would never have worked. But just like how each person is vastly different, so are relationships. They are tailor made to each couple who enters into them.”
Shifting his stance so he could peer directly at his friend, Nathaniel said, “When did you become an expert on love?”
“I am not,” Eddie chuckled. “I simply paraphrased a discussion I once had with my Aunt Lucinda.”
Nathaniel smiled. “She sounds as wise as my mother. No wonder they were friends.”
“Now that is a piece of information I did not know.”
“Neither did I until today.”
Movement out of the corner of his eye caught Nathaniel’s attention. John had stood so the friends returned to the group.
“You are not leaving, are you?” Eddie asked.
“I am afraid I must.”
“But you will be joining us in the morning, will you not?”
“Yes, I will meet you in Maidstone. I have some things to attend to.” John’s quick glance between Nathaniel and the door signaled his desire to speak privately.
Nathaniel gave a subtle nod. “I will escort you out.”
“Thank you.”
In the hall John glanced nervously about but said nothing.
“Was there something you wished to say?” Nathaniel asked.
“It is just…”
“Yes.”
