Because of the heavy workload, Charlotte told Édouard they should cancel the picnic. They both were on the chaise. Her back rested on his torso and his hands held hers.
Édouard let go of her one hand and brought it to her head. He stroked her hair and from the neck gently moved her hair back. "You didn't tell me the reason why you suddenly asked me to take you with me. Your cheeks had the marks of tears. I noticed them," he stated. He nuzzled his nose against her exposed skin.
"Because it is a fight between two women," Charlotte said. She tilted her head slightly to gaze into his eyes. "Matilda did wrong by creating irrelevant trouble in our life. I even begged her and got on my knees, thinking she would understand me. However, I was wrong," she muttered.
Charlotte didn't tell Édouard about her conversation with his mother because it would infuriate him. She didn't want to be the reason for the son and mother's fight. So, she decided to keep it hidden.
