“A few months, if that,” I answer. “He was my professor. I was part of a study abroad program in Paris. He taught a class on the history of French architecture—specifically Parisian architecture.”
“Oh, do you want to be an architect?” Tinsley asks, most likely trying to change the subject.
“I still don’t know what I want to be. I definitely didn’t know then either.” I shrug, faintly embarrassed. I was raised not to worry about my future or a career. I’d make someone a great wife and mother someday. That’s all I amounted to with my family—specifically my father. He didn’t understand why I wanted to study French architecture and at the time, I didn’t really know why either.
I was just looking for something—anything—that piqued my interest.
“You’re still young,” Caroline says. “You don’t need to decide yet.”
“I’ve considered going to college. Applying to NYU or Columbia maybe? I’m not sure yet.” My goals sound so high, even to me. Could I get in? I have no idea. My grades were good in school, but I couldn’t wait to graduate. Even if I got into a college, would I enjoy it?
I’m not sure.
“You should,” Tinsley says. “Maybe you could figure out what you want to be then.”
“I don’t know about that.” The doubt in Caroline’s voice is obvious. “I thought we’d already figured out what you’re going to do with your life. What you’re going to be.” She pauses for only a moment. “You’re a Constantine now, and with that comes responsibilities. It’s practically a full-time job.”
“Doing what?” I ask, seriously confused.
“We’re a part of society, and we need to make appearances. Not only on your husband’s arm, but on your own as well. You should get involved with various charities. Sponsor some luncheons. Support Perry and Halcyon and the things he believes in,” Caroline explains. “Plus, there’s the future to think of—such as becoming a mother to my grandchildren.”
“Mom.” Tinsley rolls her eyes. “Not every life decision someone makes revolves around you.”
“Well, plenty of them do, and when it comes to Charlotte’s current choices, they affect me. Eventually.” Caroline’s penetrating gaze makes me feel like she can see inside of my brain, and I don’t like it. Not one bit. “Nothing happened between you two when you ran off with Seamus? He’s a very handsome man. Persuasive, I’ve heard. Quite charming.”
Tinsley’s face turns so red I’m afraid she’s going to stroke out. I might be internally screaming, but hopefully Caroline doesn’t notice. I keep my composure, my voice calm when I answer.
“He was rather… persuasive when I first met him,” I admit. “But he’s firmly in my past. I’ve changed. He doesn’t hold me enthralled like he used to.”
Caroline’s smile is serene. “Good. I’m glad to hear it.”
Her line of questioning makes me think she wanted to trap me into admitting I still have a thing for Seamus.
“And I suppose babies are on the horizon.” I take a deep breath, exhaling loudly. I don’t want to speak for Perry over something we haven’t thoroughly discussed, but I also want to appease his mother. “Not sure when though.”
“You’re both still young. You have time. And you were only just married.” Caroline inclines her head toward me. “I’ve noticed he’s quite taken with you already, which is surprising.”
I try not to be offended by her remark, but her words still sting. “Why is it surprising?”
“He was so resistant to marrying you at first, when he’s usually cooperative. He always does what I ask.”
A soft moan leaves Tinsley and I glance over at her in time to see her shaking her head, her expression pained.
I don’t think she approves of her mother’s line of questioning.
“You were asking him to change the course of his life forever,” I point out. “I’m not surprised he was resistant. I was too. I didn’t want to marry him.”
“What changed your mind, hmmm? I’m curious.”
Telling her the truth could be potentially damaging. I wanted to escape my house. Get away from my father once and for all. Perry was willing to help me. He showed kindness when everyone else treated me as if my feelings didn’t matter.
And that touched me. Despite not being interested and telling myself getting married was a bad move, I did it anyway, and now I don’t have any regrets.
Not a one.
“Perry did,” I say, which is the truth. “He grew on me.”
I can tell Caroline is pleased with my answer. “He’s a good boy, my son.”