Chapter Forty: A Stroll Through the Garden

The garden was a haven of tranquility, a retreat from the stifling expectations and formalities that had so often dictated their lives. The early afternoon sun bathed the sprawling estate in a warm golden glow, casting long shadows that seemed to soften the edges of the world. The scent of blooming roses mingled with the fresh air, and for once, everything seemed perfectly still.

Theo walked beside Eleanor, his steps relaxed, but there was an undeniable tension between them—a tension that had been growing since their wedding, a subtle shift in their dynamic that made every moment feel charged with possibility. He had been wanting to have this conversation with her for a while, to share his thoughts about the future, but more than that, to see if she shared the same vision.

As they walked, his hand casually rested on her waist, a gesture that felt natural, comforting even. It wasn’t the formality of their previous interactions, where hands had been held at a distance, carefully composed and polite. Now, there was something more intimate about the way they moved together—almost as if they had finally found their rhythm.

“The estate…” Theo began, his voice thoughtful. “There are so many areas that need improving, especially the western wing. I’ve been thinking about renovating it, making it a more modern space, but I need your opinion. What do you think?”

Eleanor tilted her head slightly, considering his words. “You want to modernize part of the estate?” she asked, her tone intrigued. “But wouldn’t that disrupt its charm? The older parts of this place, they’ve been around for generations, haven’t they?”

“Yes,” Theo replied with a small smile, “and that’s exactly why I want to keep the charm intact. I was thinking we could preserve the original structure, but add more functional spaces for work and leisure. It would still have that classic feel, but be more... accommodating for our needs.”

Eleanor nodded, her fingers gently brushing the petals of a nearby flower as she walked. “I like that idea,” she said, her eyes sparkling with approval. “As long as we don’t strip it of its history, it sounds like a good plan. But, what about the gardens? Will they change as well?”

Theo’s hand tightened on her waist just slightly, as if reassuring her. “Only if you want to. I thought we could make the gardens more reflective of you. A space that feels just as comfortable and welcoming as our home. You’ve always liked the idea of having flowers that bloom all year round, haven’t you?”

Eleanor looked up at him, surprised by his attention to detail. “You’ve been listening.”

“Of course, I have,” he said softly, glancing down at her with a smile that made her heart flutter. “I want this place to feel like ours, not just mine.”

The way he said it made her chest tighten, and she glanced at him, her eyes searching his face for any hint of hesitation or doubt. But all she saw was sincerity—an openness that made her feel as though she had a real stake in their future together. It was no longer about the title she held or the obligations that came with it. It was about them—Theo and Eleanor. Together.

“So, you’d really want my opinion on things like this?” she asked, her voice filled with disbelief. “You’re not just being polite?”

Theo chuckled softly, the sound warm and rich, like the late summer evening air. “Not at all. Your opinion matters more to me than anyone else’s. You’re not just my wife, Eleanor. You’re my partner, and everything we do from here on out, I want us to do it together.”

Her heart skipped a beat. The words were simple, but they were loaded with meaning. Partner. Together. It was a reminder that their marriage was not just a formality—it was a bond, one that Theo was committed to nurturing.

“Then I guess I’ll have to start thinking about it more seriously,” she said, a teasing smile tugging at her lips. “I wouldn’t want to disappoint my husband.”

Theo’s gaze softened, his eyes warm with affection. “I have no doubt you’ll exceed every expectation, Eleanor. You always do.”

They walked on in silence for a few moments, the only sound being the crunch of gravel beneath their shoes. The garden seemed to stretch out before them, endless and full of possibilities. Eleanor was lost in thought, considering the changes that might come, both to the estate and to their lives. There were so many decisions to be made, and yet, in that moment, everything seemed so simple. She didn’t have to pretend or fit into any mold. She didn’t have to be the dutiful daughter-in-law or the perfect lady. She could simply be Eleanor—strong, independent, and loved for who she was.

“Have you thought about the company as well?” she asked after a moment, breaking the silence. “I know you’ve been focusing a lot on the estate, but what about your father’s business? The one that’s been passed down through the generations?”

Theo’s expression shifted slightly, the weight of his family’s expectations settling onto his shoulders once again. “I’ve thought about it,” he said, his voice lowering just slightly. “But it’s a delicate matter. My father left me in charge, but I’m not sure the company is in the direction I want it to go. There’s so much history tied up in it, and I’m not sure how to move forward without upsetting everything.”

Eleanor stopped walking and turned to face him, her expression thoughtful. “What do you want, Theo?”

Theo looked at her, his brow furrowed in concentration. “I want to modernize the company too. Expand it, reach new markets, but at the same time, I don’t want to lose what made it successful in the first place. It’s a delicate balance.”

Eleanor reached for his hand, her fingers entwining with his, grounding him in the moment. “Then we’ll figure it out together,” she said, her voice steady. “You don’t have to do it alone.”

Her words were a balm to his troubled thoughts, and for a moment, he felt a wave of gratitude wash over him. Eleanor had always been strong, but in that moment, she was more than just his wife—she was his equal, his partner in every sense of the word. Together, they could face anything.

“I don’t know what I’d do without you,” he said softly, his voice barely above a whisper.

Eleanor smiled, her eyes meeting his with a warmth that made his heart ache. “You’ll never have to find out.”

Theo leaned in, his lips brushing against her forehead in a tender kiss. He pulled back just enough to look at her, his gaze full of admiration. “I think we make a pretty good team, don’t you?”

Eleanor laughed, the sound light and carefree. “I think so too.”

As they continued their stroll through the garden, the future seemed less daunting, more full of possibilities. Together, they could face whatever came their way—whether it was renovations to an estate, the modernization of a business, or the quiet moments they shared in each other’s company.

And for the first time since their marriage, Eleanor felt a sense of peace settle over her. She wasn’t just playing a role. She was living her life on her own terms—with Theo by her side, supporting her every step of the way.