Chapter Forty-One: The Countryside Retreat

The sun had begun its descent, casting a golden glow over the vast expanse of the Lake District as the Blackwood siblings, with their respective partners, made their way toward the family’s holiday home. It had been a while since Theo, Catherine, and their friends had taken any time away from the pressures of society. The stress of fulfilling expectations, maintaining appearances, and adhering to the rigid norms of their world had taken its toll. This trip to the countryside was their escape, a brief respite where they could be themselves—unapologetically and without pretense.

Eleanor sat beside Theo in the carriage, her head resting against the window as they neared their destination. The rolling hills and sweeping meadows that greeted her eyes felt like a balm to her soul. The air was fresher here, free from the stale formalities of London society, and the endless pressure to conform. She glanced at Theo, who was looking out the window, his jaw clenched in thought. She could tell that the constant balancing act of his family’s expectations had begun to wear on him. His desire to find a place where he could finally be himself was something she understood deeply, and she was glad they had this opportunity to truly unwind.

“I’m so glad we’re doing this,” Eleanor said softly, breaking the silence. “I needed to get away from all the eyes watching us, all the rules.”

Theo turned to look at her, a small smile playing at the corners of his lips. “It’s a relief, isn’t it?” he replied. “To be able to breathe without feeling the weight of everyone’s gaze.”

They arrived at the estate, a sprawling stone manor set against the backdrop of the lake. The house, though elegant, was more relaxed in its design than the grand estates they were accustomed to. The atmosphere was calming, and there was no pretension, no need for formal attire or societal niceties.

As they entered the house, Catherine, who had always been the more outspoken of the two sisters, grinned at the sight of the open space. “Finally,” she declared, “a place where we can actually enjoy ourselves without worrying about what’s expected of us.”

The others agreed, and soon, the group was settling in, eager to enjoy the informalities that came with being away from their families. The house was cozy, filled with soft furnishings, books, and large windows that allowed the natural beauty of the landscape to flood in. The perfect retreat, away from the stifling formality of London and the strict expectations of their families.

Later that afternoon, as they gathered in the garden, Eleanor slipped into a casual ensemble—a white crop top paired with a flowy skirt, both light and airy, perfect for the countryside air. Catherine followed suit, wearing a similar outfit that was carefree and bold. They both felt a sense of liberation in these clothes, the kind they were rarely allowed to wear outside of their personal lives.

But as they strolled through the garden, they were soon joined by Adrian and Nicholas Blackwood, Theo’s older brothers. While they were a little more lenient than their parents, there was still a strict sense of decorum that they carried with them. When they caught sight of Catherine and Eleanor, both women in their cropped tops and skirts, they couldn’t hide their disapproval.

“You two look...” Adrian began, his words carefully chosen but laced with condescension, “...a little out of place in those clothes. Don’t you think you should have dressed a bit more appropriately? This isn’t exactly the sort of attire we wear in our family.”

Nicholas, who was equally as rigid, gave a barely concealed sneer. “Yes, it’s a little... beneath our league, don’t you think?”

Eleanor raised an eyebrow, her lips curling into a slight smirk. She had never been one to take such remarks lying down. Her fiery personality and willingness to stand up for herself had always been a defining characteristic.

Before she could respond, Catherine—ever the bold one—stepped in front of Eleanor. “Actually, Adrian,” she began, her tone sweet but laced with a sharp edge, “this is exactly the kind of clothing that makes us feel free. Free from your endless expectations. You’ve spent so much time trying to box us into your idea of what’s ‘proper’ that you forgot what it means to truly be comfortable in your own skin.”

Eleanor nodded in agreement, crossing her arms over her chest as she looked directly at Adrian and Nicholas. “And just to be clear, gentlemen,” she added, “we’re not here to live up to your standards. We’re here to enjoy ourselves, and I think we’ve done quite a good job of that so far.”

Theo and Edmund, who had been sitting back, watching the scene unfold with a smirk, exchanged glances. They were both enjoying the spectacle. It wasn’t often that they saw their wives take charge like this, but when they did, it was a sight to behold.

Theo’s gaze was full of admiration as he watched Eleanor handle her brothers-in-law. He could see the fire in her eyes, a fire that had drawn him to her from the very beginning. She wasn’t just his wife; she was a force to be reckoned with. He could see the way Adrian and Nicholas shifted uncomfortably under her gaze, knowing that they couldn’t control her.

Adrian cleared his throat, trying to regain some semblance of composure. “We didn’t mean any offense, Eleanor,” he said, though the words seemed strained. “It’s just... this family has a certain image to uphold.”

Eleanor raised a hand, silencing him. “Let me stop you right there, Adrian. This family’s image is no longer something we need to uphold for the sake of tradition. We are who we are, and that’s enough. If you can’t accept that, then that’s your problem.”

Theo couldn’t hold back his grin anymore. “Well said, darling,” he said, his voice dripping with affection. “I think we’ve made our point, don’t you?”

Edmund, ever the supportive husband, chimed in with a chuckle. “I’m impressed, Eleanor. I think you’ve officially put them in their place.”

Catherine laughed, leaning in to give Eleanor a playful nudge. “It’s about time someone did,” she said. “Honestly, they think they can control us, but we’re not children anymore.”

The tension that had hung in the air dissipated, and soon, Adrian and Nicholas were left to fume in silence, though they said nothing more. The sisters had made their point, and the men knew better than to continue pressing the issue.

Theo leaned closer to Eleanor, his hand resting lightly on the small of her back. “You were incredible,” he whispered, his voice low and full of admiration. “I’m proud of you.”

Eleanor smiled, her eyes sparkling. “I’ve had enough of being told who I’m supposed to be,” she said softly. “It’s time I start being me—no apologies.”

Theo’s heart swelled with pride. In that moment, he knew that their bond was stronger than ever. They had both found their voices, and they were no longer going to be silenced by anyone—least of all by family.

As the evening wore on and the group enjoyed the peacefulness of the countryside, there was a sense of freedom in the air, one that was intoxicating. Eleanor and Theo, along with Catherine and Edmund, had finally shed the constraints of their previous lives. They were living for themselves now, and no one could take that away from them.