I think the fire from the past is referring to the accident that put her daughter into a coma and a death like state. Where she said “don’t move to far away from me” not that she’s still hung up on her past love
It's okay to fall in love with a person you're not destined to. I'm sure If the marquis doesn't know this about his wife then he's living blissfully. Also the mother was just reminding her that all capital's men are not worth it & that she should just stay near her, she clearly thinks that Duke's people will not accept her & even will humiliate her so she just suggested that if Irene likes him enough to marry him then she should stay nearby (to protect her I think) bc capital people are heartless
Unpopular opinion but don't really wanna see the FL Mom's first love story (tho I kno it'll probably a relevant side story soon) because I kinda feel sad for FL's dad, after now that I know FL's mom isn't over her first love.
Like, if I were in FL's dad's position, and my SO I'm married to is still reminiscing their first love and they seem somewhat regretful not being able to pursue that relationship... I'd be so depressed, like super.