ushernet Chapter 37: Pep Talk
Chapter 37: Pep Talk
Matthew stepped closer, but kept a respectful distance, not wanting to crowd her.
"I know your father mentioned... you were going through something. I just wanted you to know that if you need someone to talk to, I’m here."
Amber’s eyes welled up, and she quickly looked away, dabbing at the corner of her eye with a handkerchief.
"It’s nothing," she said, though the crack in her voice betrayed her. "Just... family matters."
"Amber," Matthew said softly, his tone urging her to trust him. "You’ve been nothing but kind to me, and I wouldn’t be where I am now without your help. The least I can do is listen."
For a moment, it seemed like she might refuse. But then, with a weary sigh, Amber sank into the armchair by the window, gesturing for Matthew to take a seat across from her.@@@@
"It’s just... my father," she began, her voice barely above a whisper. "He’s trying to control everything in my life. Who I marry, what I do... It’s suffocating, Matthew. I’m tired of living according to his plans."
Matthew nodded slowly, letting her words sink in. He had suspected there was more to Amber’s distress than Charles had let on, but hearing it from her directly made his chest tighten with empathy.
In this time period, women, especially those who were daughters of wealthy and influential families, were often seen as strategic assets. Marriages were rarely about love or personal compatibility. Instead, they were meticulously planned arrangements designed to strengthen alliances between powerful families, consolidate wealth, and secure political influence.
For families like the Fitzwilliams, marrying off a daughter to another influential family wasn’t just a matter of tradition—it was a calculated business move. The daughter’s feelings, desires, or dreams were secondary, if considered at all. The primary concern was how the union could benefit the family’s fortunes and extend their reach into new circles of power.
This oppressive reality was the invisible cage that trapped many women of her status. Despite their wealth and privilege, they had little control over their own lives. They were expected to be perfect daughters, perfect wives, and perfect hostesses, all while sacrificing their own dreams to fulfill their families’ ambitions.
"I see, so that was the case about why Mr. Fitzwilliam was off," Matthew noted, walking over to her bed and then taking his seat on the edge of it. "Why don’t you take a seat and hear what I have to say."
Amber hesitated for a moment, her eyes darting to the space next to Matthew on the bed. There was a brief flicker of something in her gaze—perhaps a fear of being seen too close to someone her father might not approve of. But eventually, she let out a soft sigh, as if resigning herself to this moment of reprieve.
Slowly, she walked over and sat beside Matthew, the mattress dipping slightly under her weight. She folded her hands in her lap, staring down at them as if they held the answers to her turmoil.
Matthew turned to face her. "Amber, I can’t pretend to know exactly what you’re feeling. But I’ve seen enough to know that you’re struggling under a weight you never asked to carry. You’ve been forced into a role that doesn’t fit you. I can’t imagine what it’s like to have your life planned out by others, to be used as a piece on a chessboard. You deserve more than just being a means to an end for someone else’s ambitions."
"I get it," he replied. "You’ve grown up surrounded by people who see you as a means to an end. But Amber, I’m not like that. You’ve seen what I’m trying to build—my business, my dreams. I have my own ambitions. I just... don’t want to see you lose yourself trying to fulfill someone else’s."
Amber looked down at their hands, his still resting gently on hers. For a moment, she simply stared, as if trying to decide if she could believe him. Then, slowly, she intertwined her fingers with his.
"Matthew," she said softly, her voice almost a whisper. "I... I want to believe you. I really do. But I’m scared. Scared of what it means to defy my father, scared of what would happen if I chose to... follow my own path. I’ve never been allowed to do that."
Matthew squeezed her hand gently. "I know it’s scary. But sometimes, the hardest choices are the ones that lead us to where we truly belong. You’re not alone in this, Amber. And if you ever decide to take that step, I’ll be here to help you, no matter what your father or anyone else thinks."
Amber blinked back tears, her shoulders trembling as she struggled to hold herself together.
"I... I just need some time to think," she murmured.
"Take all the time you need," Matthew assured her. "I’m not going anywhere. Just remember, Amber, you deserve to be happy. Not just for your father’s sake, or for anyone else’s, but for yourself."
Amber nodded slowly, finally allowing herself a small, hesitant smile.
"Thank you, Matthew."
"Well it’s about time that I take my leave," Matthew said as he rose to his feet. "You will be just fine Amber. If you need anything, you know where to find me."
"Uhm Matthew, you seemed to have forgotten something," Amber said, her eyes finally twinkling teasingly.
"What is it?"
"You really forgot about it! Hmph!" Amber pouted as she averted her gaze.
"Oh I think I know what you are referring to. Don’t worry, I’ll be back. And once I do, I want you to be your best version of yourself."
Amber smiled. "I will."