We have been married a little over a year and already there is a terrible silence around some subjects. We never speak of the disappearance of my brothers — a stranger listening to us would think it was a secret between us, a guilty secret. We never speak of my year at Richard's court. We never speak of the conception of Arthur and that he was not, as My Lady so loudly celebrates, a honeymoon child conceived in sanctified love on the very night of a happy wedding. Together we hold so many secrets in silence, after only a year. What lies will we tell each other in ten years?
This quote delves into the fragile veneer of marital and personal secrets that often lie beneath surface appearances. The narrator reflects on the silence that has settled into their relationship within just a year of marriage, highlighting how certain topics remain untouched, shrouded in mystery and denial. The absence of open communication about profound issues such as family disappearances, personal experiences at Richard's court, and the true origins of their child reveals a common human tendency to conceal uncomfortable truths to preserve peace, reputation, or personal safety. The mention of the child's conception, in particular, suggests underlying tensions, possibly about morality, fidelity, or societal judgment, which the characters prefer to bury rather than confront. This silence signifies not only personal silence but also a reflection on the broader societal pressures that compel individuals to hide their realities. The quote ultimately poses a poignant question about the future: what additional falsehoods and secrets will accumulate over the years? It prompts reflection on the corrosive nature of unspoken truths and how, in the absence of honesty, relationships might deteriorate under the weight of secrecy. Such themes resonate across historical and contemporary contexts, illustrating the universal challenge of balancing honesty with the need for social harmony or personal preservation.
