– And now tell me: is it your husband who does not wish us to see each other? – She asked directly, not wishing to waste time.
Vivian was taken by surprise by her friend's guess, and she searched feverishly for words to assure her that she was mistaken.
– Charlotte, what is this nonsense again? – Vivian exclaimed in a falsely playful tone.
– I confess I did not so much believe all your indispositions that made it impossible for us to meet. But now, my dear, I see clearly that this marriage has changed you! You look tired, very tired. And unhappy! – Charlotte insisted, and her glance became stern, as if she had become a nurse reprimanding her ward.
Not knowing what to say to this fair remark, Mrs. Wington touched the silk scarf round her neck, and shook her head negatively.
– 'I really don't know what to say! Weren't we going to the park? – she asked in a deliberately amazed tone.
– Viviane, I am your friend, and I will always support you," said Charlotte affectionately. – Let me listen to you and take off your burden.
Vivian put her palm to her lips: she was desperate to tell her friend everything that had happened between her and her husband, but she knew that Charlotte would suffer when she heard the dark truth. But she couldn't bear it any longer.
– You… You're right. It's my husband! – Vivian said quietly, as if afraid of being overheard, and squeezed her friend's palm. – He loves me… But he loves me madly! He's so jealous of me that he won't let me come to see you. He's afraid that I'll smile at other men…
– But, my dear, it's so… Unimaginable! So cruel! – Charlotte whispered loudly. – He has no right to do this to you! You are his lawful husband, not some kept woman.
– Alas! I am a kept woman! – I did not bring him a dowry, and I am sure that is why he feels that I am his master. Or maybe he thinks I'm a beautiful filly he bought to please his eyes… And he told me I must bear him three children! Three, Charlotte! – She laughed helplessly. – Luckily, that's not going to happen: I need only to drink a special herb… .
– But does your cousin know about all this? – Charlotte asked pointedly.
– No… I play the role of the happy fool and make him think there's nothing but harmony and happiness between me and Jeremy. – Vivian swallowed. – But Jeremy… He… I'm afraid of him… I'm afraid his love for me will break me, kill me… .