Whispers Shape Distant Tomorrows by Aren Cole Vale ` 35 Summary
In Chapter 35 of “Whispers Shape Distant Tomorrows,” Margery finds herself in a tense gathering filled with unspoken intentions and emotional undercurrents. As she sits down, her mind races with questions about why they have come together. Joshua, who seems uneasy, tries to engage her with a meal prepared from her favorite dishes, but Margery’s sarcasm reveals the strain in their relationship, highlighting his past attentiveness now overshadowed by silence.
The conversation quickly escalates as Margery confronts Joshua about his lack of genuine apology and his distraction concerning Tessa. Their dialogue reveals deeper issues, particularly when Joshua notices the rosary beads on Margery’s wrist, which belonged to Brother Norman. The beads symbolize a significant commitment that Margery seems unaware of, leading to a confrontation about the implications of wearing them. Joshua’s concern grows as he realizes the potential consequences for Margery’s future, including the possibility of her becoming a nun, which he believes is inappropriate given her family background.
Margery, however, remains defiant and dismissive of Joshua’s worries, asserting her independence and determination to understand her new role. As the conversation shifts to the political dynamics of their world, Margery challenges the notion that her worth lies solely in her family name, emphasizing the importance of her skills and contributions. This exchange exposes the underlying tension and resentment between her and Avery, who feels threatened by her capabilities and the support she receives from Dashnell.
As the meal progresses, Margery’s appetite wanes, reflecting her emotional turmoil and disillusionment with the manipulative nature of their gathering. The atmosphere becomes increasingly charged with unspoken grievances, culminating in her decision to leave the table. Dominic’s intervention at the end suggests that there are further complexities and gatherings to navigate, hinting at the ongoing struggles Margery will face in her quest for autonomy and understanding in a world rife with political intrigue and familial expectations.
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**Whispers Shape Distant Tomorrows by Aren Cole Vale**
**Chapter 35**
Margery’s gaze instinctively flicked upward toward the staircase before she settled into her chair. A whirlwind of thoughts swirled in her mind as she tried to decipher the true intentions behind their gathering today. What could they possibly want from her?
Joshua’s eyes met hers, his demeanor noticeably different, a sort of unease hanging in the air. He spoke softly, almost tenderly, “The table is set with all your favorite dishes. Please, try some.”
Margery raised an eyebrow, a hint of irony creeping into her voice. “It’s rare that you remember what I like to eat, Joshua.” Her heart twisted slightly at the memory of a time when Joshua had known her cravings all too well. Yet, that familiarity had been overshadowed by his silence, a silence he maintained for Tessa’s sake.
For a brief moment, Joshua’s expression faltered, the weight of her words momentarily catching him off guard. But he quickly masked it with a practiced smile. “I apologize, Margery. I’ve been rather distracted lately. I realize I haven’t been as attentive as I should be.”
Margery let out a cold laugh, the sound devoid of warmth. “Avery mentioned that today was supposed to be about him and Lord Dominic making amends. What about you, Joshua? Are you here to offer your own apology?”
Joshua hadn’t anticipated such a direct confrontation. His brow furrowed as he attempted to adopt a more conciliatory tone. “Must I apologize simply for sharing a meal with you?”
Margery’s gaze shifted, her attention drawn to the delicate rosary beads that adorned her wrist. Joshua’s eyes involuntarily followed, lingering on the string of beads, each one a reminder of something deeper.
“Those beads… Tessa was wearing the bracelet I gifted her. Now she wears these instead? And these rosary beads belonged to Brother Norman…” The realization struck him, and he found himself momentarily adrift in thought.
They were heirlooms of the Chapel of Wisdom. How on earth had they found their way onto Margery’s wrist? The implications sent a shiver down his spine.
“If it’s just a meal, then certainly,” Margery replied, her tone dismissive, not bothering to call out his pretenses. Joshua hadn’t hurried back from his duties merely for a meal.
The true motives of those within the Chancellor’s estate were twofold: to manipulate the public perception of Tessa’s ailment and to sever her ties with Dashnell. Whatever trap lay hidden within this meal, it undoubtedly aimed to achieve one or both of these sinister goals. Margery understood that she could not avoid this confrontation; she could only face it head-on. With a resigned sigh, she lowered her head and began to eat.
Joshua shook himself out of his reverie, his focus snapping back to the rosary beads. “Did Brother Norman give those to you?” he asked, his curiosity piqued.
“Yes, I’ve become his disciple,” Margery replied without lifting her gaze. “Father is right; I’m grown now. It’s time I learned some wisdom. I intend to study diligently under him. Don’t worry, Joshua.”
A deep frown settled on Joshua’s face as he processed her words. “The Chapel of Wisdom is sacred ground, and its brothers must not be defiled. Why would Brother Norman choose to bestow the temple’s heirloom beads upon you?”
Even as a Christian, she shouldn’t have received such an honor. Surely, it ought to be given to someone truly devoted to the faith.
His mind raced with troubling thoughts. ‘If Brother Norman learns that Margery is on the verge of becoming a notorious figure in Sinderin, won’t he be furious? The fallout wouldn’t just anger Dashnell; it could offend the Southern Abbey as well.’
A throbbing headache began to pulse at Joshua’s temples. He spoke uneasily, “Margery, do you realize that those rosary beads signify the lineage of the Chapel of Wisdom? Wearing them means you cannot marry. You must take vows as a nun.”
Margery glanced down at her wrist, feigning ignorance. “Is that so? Brother Norman never mentioned that.”
Joshua’s voice sharpened, taking on the authoritative tone of an elder brother. “He is a monk of profound standing. Those beads are the symbol of the chapel’s heir. They mean you are destined to inherit the chapel. How can you claim ignorance while accepting such a role? How dare you become a disciple without understanding this?”
He reached out, his hand gripping her wrist firmly. “Give them to me. I will return them to Brother Norman at court tomorrow. A girl from the Wallen family cannot become a nun.”
“That doesn’t seem right,” Margery countered, swiftly pulling her arm back, her eyes flashing with defiance. “If they must be returned, I’ll do it myself. I’d quite like to ask him why he didn’t tell me wearing these meant I couldn’t marry.”
Joshua frowned deeply. He couldn’t physically wrest the beads from her in plain sight. “Very well,” he conceded stiffly. “But remember, you must return them to their rightful owner tomorrow.”
Joshua clenched his fists, taking a deep breath to suppress the urge to snatch them away. ‘Why would Brother Norman give these to a young lady without demanding she renounce the world? It makes no sense. After today’s events, I can only hope he will relent and take them back. The Chancellor’s estate cannot afford to antagonize the Southern Abbey.’
Margery continued to eat, her fingers idly tracing the smooth beads. She doubted the situation was as dire as Joshua claimed. If accepting them truly required taking vows, Brother Norman would have mentioned it.
Margery didn’t fully grasp Norman’s intentions, but she was acutely aware of Joshua’s motives. His concern for her was laced with the pressure of the Chancellor’s estate, intensified by Norman’s support.
She wasn’t foolish enough to remove the beads and give them a chance to act against her.
Casting a sideways glance at Joshua, she asked, “Isn’t Tessa coming? With the opening of a new restaurant, surely she should be invited. Wouldn’t anyone say I’m stealing her place again?”
“She’s not coming today,” Joshua replied, his expression darkening, his tone heavy with unspoken worries. “She’s not feeling well. Even if she were here, she wouldn’t be able to eat.”
“Today, it’s mainly Avery apologizing to you. He really should have been more careful and tended to your wounds. He deserves to be punished.”
Margery looked up, her eyebrows raised. “Is that all?”
Beside her, Avery stiffened, his discomfort palpable. “Margaery,” he said, his voice strained, “about the perception thing, you must understand, it can’t turn into a major scandal.”
“There are things you don’t grasp about court politics—alliances rise and fall together. My position at the Royal Medical Hall benefits the family. What good would putting your name in their records do?”
Avery softened his tone further, his eyes pleading. “Can’t you just let this go?”
Things I don’t grasp? And I’m the one causing trouble? she mocked inwardly, almost laughing at the absurdity of it all.
“I may not understand everything,” Margery replied coolly, “but I’m clear about one thing. It’s not you or me that holds value, but the prescription.”
She continued, “With that prescription, even a beast could gain the king’s favor. My name may be useless, but yours seems even less potent. A name alone cures no one.”
“You!” Avery flushed with anger, barely managing to contain himself. He wasn’t particularly skilled at studying medicine. He had passion, but he lacked the aptitude.
Over the years, every advancement he’d made was thanks to the prescriptions Margery had provided in times of need, leading others to believe he was a genius.
Even before Margery had made a scene at the Royal Medical Hall, people had assumed those prescriptions were his creations. The humiliation had been profound.
His thoughts turned bitter. She dares to act this way only because Dashnell backs her up. Once he’s out of the picture, what power will she have? That’s why today’s plan is crucial.
“Perhaps you’re right,” Avery forced out, swallowing his pride. “I was wrong regarding that matter.” He picked up a wine cup, raising it as a gesture. “Let this cup serve as my apology. Please, don’t hold this grudge against me.”
“After all, you’re my blood-bonded sister. If this feud escalates, Mother’s spirit in the afterlife will find no peace.” Avery drained the cup in one go, his tone laced with resentment.
“Indeed, Mother would find no peace,” Margery echoed softly, her heart filled with icy scorn.
She thought, ‘If Mother knew Raul and her five sons were pushing me, their biological daughter, toward my demise for a fraud, she’d be heartbroken.’
Margery’s appetite vanished in an instant. She pushed her plate away slightly, signaling her disinterest. “I’ve had enough. Please continue. I’ll be taking my leave.”
“Wait.” Dominic stepped forward, blocking her path. “Go up to the room upstairs and wait. There’s another party later. We’ll leave together after it’s over.”
Conclusion
As Margery rose from the table, the weight of the gathering settled heavily on her shoulders, a stark reminder of the tangled web of familial expectations and political maneuvering that ensnared her. The rosary beads on her wrist felt like chains, binding her to a destiny she hadn’t chosen, yet one that seemed inescapable. Joshua’s unease and Avery’s resentment lingered in the air, and with each step she took away from the table, she felt the distance between herself and the world she once knew widen. The confrontation had laid bare the fragile dynamics of their relationships, revealing the unspoken fears and ambitions that lay beneath the surface. Margery understood that her path forward was fraught with challenges, but within her, a flicker of resolve ignited. She would not be a pawn in their game; she would carve her own identity from the ashes of their expectations.
In that moment, Margery made a silent vow to herself. The whispers of the past would not dictate her future; she would seek the wisdom that lay within her, guided by the very beads that had sparked this turmoil. The path ahead was uncertain, but she felt an inner strength beginning to swell. With each heartbeat, she embraced the idea that her choices, however small, could shape distant tomorrows. As she turned to face the doorway, she felt the weight of her lineage transform into a source of empowerment rather than a burden. Margery was determined to redefine her narrative, to rise above the shadows cast by her family, and to embrace the possibility of a future where she could be both a disciple of wisdom and a woman of her own making.
What to Expect in Next Chapter?
In the upcoming chapter, readers can expect the tension between Margery and her family to reach a boiling point. With the stakes higher than ever, the fragile alliances formed within the Chancellor’s estate will be tested. As Margery grapples with the implications of the rosary beads and her newfound connection to the Chapel of Wisdom, she will be forced to confront not only Joshua’s protective instincts but also the hidden agendas of those around her. Will she choose to embrace her potential role within the chapel, or will she fight to maintain her independence in a world that seeks to define her?
Moreover, the mysterious party Dominic hinted at promises to unveil deeper secrets that could alter the course of Margery’s life. As she navigates the treacherous waters of court politics, she will encounter unexpected allies and formidable foes. The dynamics of her relationships will shift dramatically, and the revelation of hidden truths may either fortify her resolve or shatter her world entirely. With tensions simmering and alliances on the brink of collapse, the next chapter will keep readers on the edge of their seats, wondering how Margery will wield her newfound knowledge and power against the mounting pressures of her family and the expectations of society.
Sara Lili is a daring romance writer who turns icy landscapes into scenes of fiery passion. She loves crafting hot love stories while embracing the chill of Iceland’s breathtaking cold.
