Chapter 7 - The Truth About the Man Who Raised My Husband
Julian's testimony lasted weeks.
He revealed everything.
Arthur Ashford had built a web of hidden debts and political alliances.
He had manipulated the family trust.
He had bribed physicians.
He had pressured servants.
He had planted false documents.
But Julian had taken control of the plan after Arthur's death.
He had believed he was preserving the family.
Instead, he had nearly destroyed it.
The most shocking testimony came last.
Arthur had left a letter for Sebastian.
It was sealed.
It had remained in the family solicitor's vault for years.
Sebastian opened it alone.
Then he asked Clara to read it with him.
My son,
If you are reading this, then you have finally married the woman I warned you about.
Not because she will destroy Blackmere.
Because she will force you to become the man I never allowed you to be.
Sebastian's eyes filled.
The letter continued.
I built this family on obedience.
I believed power meant making people afraid to disobey.
I was wrong.
Clara's hand tightened around his.
Arthur had written that he knew his behavior would eventually produce enemies.
He had created the false fertility diagnosis as a test.
If Sebastian accepted it without question, he would remain obedient.
If Sebastian investigated, he would discover the family's corruption.
And if he chose Clara anyway, the trust would protect them.
The final sentence was the most painful.
I loved you too badly to know how to love you well.
Sebastian folded the letter.
“I don't know whether I can forgive him.”
“You don't have to.”
He looked at Clara.
“What do you think?”
“I think forgiving someone is different from excusing them.”
He nodded.
“I learned that from you.”
She smiled.
“Good.”
The legal matters concluded.
Julian received a substantial prison sentence.
Lady Wexham lost her position.
Dr. Harrington vanished overseas.
The Blackmere trust was placed in independent hands.
And Clara became its principal beneficiary.
But she did something no one expected.
She refused to take control alone.
She asked Sebastian to remain Duke.
“What?”
“You heard me.”
“You could remove me.”
“I know.”
“Why wouldn't you?”
“Because I don't want Blackmere.”
“You don't?”
“I want our family.”
She stepped closer.
“If you want the title, keep it.”
“And you?”
“I want the freedom to build something of my own.”
Sebastian smiled.
“What?”
“My mother's shipping interests.”
He stared.
“You're serious.”
“Yes.”
“Then you'll spend your life in business.”
“Probably.”
He laughed.
“That sounds exhausting.”
“So is being married to a duke.”
He kissed her.
“I deserve that.”
“You do.”
Months passed.
Clara's pregnancy advanced.
Her body changed.
So did her confidence.
She began designing a new shipping company in Boston.
She wanted safer routes.
Better conditions for workers.
A fairer contract system.
Her mother's name became part of the company.
Whitmore Maritime.
Sebastian supported her.
He traveled between England and America.
Their marriage became unconventional by aristocratic standards.
But it became real.
No one decided where Clara should live.
No one decided what she should wear.
No one decided what her body meant.
And when the baby moved for the first time beneath her hand, Sebastian happened to be there.
He froze.
“Was that?”
“Yes.”
He placed his palm over her stomach.
The baby moved again.
Sebastian laughed.
An open, startled sound.
Clara had never heard it before.
“There.”
“Yes.”
“My child.”
“Our child.”
She looked at him.
“I am still afraid.”
“So am I.”
“What if I fail?”
“You won't.”
“What if I do?”
“Then we fail together.”
She smiled.
“That's better.”
He kissed her.
The nursery was painted a pale blue.
A rocking chair stood beside the window.
There were shelves of books.
A small wooden horse.
And framed photographs of Clara's mother.
But peace never arrived without one last storm.
Three weeks before Clara's due date, Sebastian received a telegram.
Julian had escaped custody.
He was believed to be heading toward Blackmere.
Sebastian read the message.
Clara watched his face.
“What happened?”
He told her.
She stood slowly.
“No.”
“I need you to stay here.”
“No.”
“Clara.”
“You promised no more decisions for me.”
He looked at her.
“You're heavily pregnant.”
“I know.”
“You could be in danger.”
“I know.”
“I need to protect you.”
“And I need to stand beside you.”
He stared at her.
Then smiled sadly.
“You are impossible.”
“You married me.”
“I did.”
“And you knew exactly what you were doing.”
“No.”
May you like
He kissed her forehead.
“I thought I did.”
