Sacrificial Bride to the Feared Lord Hastings-Chapter 144: Quiet day (1)

Ophelia stayed in Dante’s chamber during the night, and in the morning, she returned to her chamber to get dressed for the day.

Mary’s response to the invitation came early in the morning, so Ophelia had a table prepared for them to sit out in the garden.

"Thomas, has any word about my husband’s whereabouts come back to us?" Ophelia questioned, growing impatient with the lack of reports.

"Not at the moment, but I trust it will come soon. They always send reports back to the castle promptly so we can be prepared for threats," Thomas answered.

"The maids have been calm for the most part. I urge you to keep yourself composed because if you are worried, the servants will worry," Alice said to Ophelia. "If the castle is in a state of panic, then it presents an opportunity for enemies to strike."

"You are right. Thank you, Alice. I needed the reminder," Ophelia said, letting go of her worries for a moment.

Alice smiled and drifted back behind Ophelia to where Thomas stood.

Finally, Alice was getting good comments from Ophelia.

"You mustn’t be too excited yet. She hasn’t given you a proper compliment yet, and I don’t think you deserve one," said Thomas.

Alice ignored Thomas. She wouldn’t allow a man to ruin her day.

"Do either of you know if Cecilia has heard about my husband leaving the castle, or if she has tried to come here?" Ophelia asked, preferring that Cecilia be left in the dark.

The last time Dante left the castle, Cecilia came without his permission. Ophelia knew Cecilia would try to do it again if she knew Dante wasn’t in the castle.

"I have not heard of Lady Cecilia coming to the castle, but I do know Lord Hastings said not to inform Lady Cecilia last night. We were to wait until the morning to inform her," said Thomas.

"Thank goodness for that order, or I wouldn’t have gotten any rest," Ophelia said, relieved that Dante gave her a peaceful night.

"Lady Hastings," Alice stepped forward. "If you are going to stay the night in Lord Hastings’ chamber until he returns, should I move some of your belongings there to make it easier to dress you? I worry the back and forth might be tiring."

Ophelia looked over her shoulder at Alice. "I don’t intend to use his chamber for too long, so there’s no need for me to move my dresses and night gowns to his chamber. Are you trying to say it is tiring for you?"

"I was only thinking of you," Alice replied.

"If the back and forth is confusing or tiring for you, then I will move a little there. It will need to be moved as soon as he returns, so I do not take up his space. Do not let this turn into gossip," Ophelia warned Alice.

Alice smiled when Ophelia turned around.

When Lord Hastings returned, Alice wanted to be the one to take credit for Ophelia finally moving into his chamber. Surely, Lord Hastings would not only reward her for doing what he failed to do, but he would no longer have any doubts about her.

Ophelia forgot the troubles of the castle when she laid eyes on Mary.

"Lady Hastings," Mary curtseyed.

"Please, there is no one here to judge us. You may refer to me as Ophelia, and I hope I can do the same with you," said Ophelia.

"Then I will do so. Thank you for inviting me to the castle. I was in need of some time out of my home. It is as if you knew I needed to be saved," Mary said, grateful for the escape.

"That makes me happy I picked today for us to meet. How are your boys?" Ophelia asked, wanting to know more about Mary.

"They are well. They are with their grandmother for the time being. My mother thinks she should keep the children for a few days so I might have a third boy with my husband. When others speak of having more children, I wish they would volunteer to be the one to lie with my husband," Mary said, letting out her frustrations.

Mary tapped her mouth. "Forgive me. It has been bottled up for some days now. I don’t have anyone to speak to."

"Neither do I, so I welcome your company. Have you told your husband that you don’t want another son?" Asked Ophelia.

"I have, but like everyone else, he thinks more is best, as if he is the one who endures all the pain. I will not have any more children," Mary said, her mind made up.

Mary thought both families should be grateful that she gave her husband two children. She only wanted one to get her duty over with.

"Has anyone spoken to you about having children with Lord Hastings now that you have returned to the castle?" Mary asked, turning the attention to Ophelia.

"No, no one has asked, and my husband doesn’t push for it. Our marriage is to be a symbol of peace, but danger still looms in the distance. Now wouldn’t be a good time for me to have a child with Lord Hastings. We should let today be a day we do not speak of husbands or children," Ophelia suggested.

"We should think we are two young ladies who never married. We’re just free for a day. That is, if you want to," Ophelia said, knowing it couldn’t be easy for Mary not to think of her children. "You are a mother, so it might not be easy for you to go a moment without thinking of your children."

"Please. I welcome a moment to get them off my mind. I assure you that as they play with their grandmother, they will not think of me until it is night. I will join you in your idea," said Mary. 𝕗𝗿𝕖𝐞𝐰𝗲𝕓𝐧𝕠𝕧𝗲𝐥.𝚌𝐨𝚖

"Wonderful. I prepared a bit of food for us to enjoy while we sit, and no one will disturb us during that time. I require your help for a gathering I will be having soon, and you can feel free to ask me any questions," said Ophelia.

"I assumed you wanted to know about the ladies who live nearby. There was a gathering today. Did you receive an invitation?" Mary asked, watching Ophelia’s expression not change.

"No, I did not. I don’t mind it since I know one day they will be desperate for my attention. Right now, they do not think I am loved, so they ignore me, and they are also loyal to Lady Cecilia. They can do as they want for now. I shall welcome you to see when they beg for my attention," Ophelia offered, having a feeling Mary would like it.

Mary smiled and looked forward to the show. "What a wonderful gift. Still, you mustn’t forget that, as Lady Hastings, if you send for the ladies, they must come. Then, you can show them who rules this land."

"I thought of it, but I’d rather let them keep their distance. In due time, they will realise how much I am loved and come running. I want to hear their excuses," Ophelia explained.