Chapter 605

Thomas nodded mechanically, taking a moment to compose himself before saying in a slightly trembling voice, "I won't say anything. You have my word."

Zoey's gaze fell to the shattered emerald pendant on the floor, and a wave of anxiety washed over her. She had long deliberated whether to share this truth, wrestling with her conscience. This secret felt like a buried landmine, threatening to explode at any moment.

Now that it was out in the open, she felt a strange sense of relief. She trusted Thomas to keep her secret; however, if he ever did share it, there would be little she could do. The chaos the Earl of Silverstone's family had sown would be theirs to bear.

Thomas, a man who had endured the brutality of the battlefield, slowly regained his composure. "You risked your family's honor to share this truth with me," he said, "showing your genuine concern for my well-being. I won't let your family fall into a whirlwind of accusations and insults. This ends here—no one else will ever know. I won't confront my cousin about it. Whether she chooses to divorce Barrett or not is no longer my concern. My mother mentioned recently that she wants to arrange a match for me. I plan to spread the news first, and then we'll see if I find someone suitable."

As he spoke, Zoey pulled out a handkerchief and covered her face, tears she had long held back finally escaping. If all men were like Thomas, she thought, it would be a blessing for every woman.

Thomas's eyes reddened; his composure was merely an act. He understood why Viola had remarried and even felt he had failed her in some way. But learning of her infidelity with his cousin less than six months after he left for the battlefield—that was what truly broke his heart. While in the South Frontier, he had diligently written home, often teased for being "henpecked."

Hector had once told him, "Write often so they don't worry. When a man is on the battlefield, the women at home worry day and night. The only way to ease their anxious hearts is to receive letters from us."

Thomas had been grateful for Hector's understanding, believing each letter brought Viola comfort. But in reality…

He couldn't tell if it was heartache or bitterness, only that his chest felt unbearably heavy. He had no intention of rushing into marriage; he would only spread the word to dissuade Viola from any thoughts of reconciliation.

"Thomas, the Earl of Silverstone's family has let you down," Zoey said, wiping her tears and regaining her composure. "If you need any compensation, just tell me."

"There's no need," Thomas said, a smile breaking through his sorrowful expression. "In fact, I'll tell my mother that you persuaded me to consider marriage. She's been worried about it, and I think she'll be grateful to you."

"You really don't have to say that," Zoey replied. "I'd feel more embarrassed. After all, it's—"

"None of us are indebted to the other. We all make our own choices. Regardless, you came here today out of genuine concern for my well-being, and I appreciate that," Thomas said earnestly.

Zoey sighed heavily. What kind of good man had Viola let slip away?

Thomas walked her to the door. Upon returning to the hall, Alice asked, "Did she inquire about the Earl of Silverstone?"

"Yes," Thomas replied. "She asked about how the earl is doing in the Southern Frontier. She also advised me to settle down, reminding me that I'm not getting any younger. She said, since my career is established, it's time to marry and have children so you can hold your grandchildren soon. After thinking it over, I realize she has a point. So, I'll leave the matter of marriage in your capable hands, Mother."

Alice's face lit up with joy. "Oh, you rascal! You don't listen to me, but you take advice from the Earl of Silverstone's wife? It seems outsiders have more influence on you. But I won't hold that against you. Once a match is arranged, I must thank her. She's truly a good person to still be looking out for you, even though our families are no longer connected."

A shadow of sadness flickered in Thomas's eyes as he said softly, "Yes, she has treated me like a younger brother all this time, and I respect her as I would an older sister."

Few women from noble families could do what Zoey had done.

Alice had little time to dwell on that as she hurried out to find Opal, needing her help in finding a suitable match for Thomas.