Chapter 12

When Lady Hillsfolk's words finally sank in, Marianne and Andrew exchanged a knowing gaze, conveying a weight of responsibility neither had desired but both felt keenly. Their footsteps resounded quietly on the polished wood floor as they strolled slowly down the estate's elaborate corridor. The whole house held its breath as though wondering what Tabitha would say to them.

Marianne stopped as they got closer to the Dowager Countess's study's thick wooden door, her palm delicately resting on the brass doorknob. She took a long, calming breath and closed her eyes for a little while, gathering her courage. Andrew looked at her, respect mixed with worry in his eyes. Putting a comforting hand on her shoulder, he sent a message of support without using words.

With a faint, appreciative grin, Marianne opened her eyes and pushed the door open. The late afternoon sun was shining brightly in the study, filtering through the thick curtains and creating lengthy shadows across the space that was crammed with books and mementos from a life well spent. Tabitha sat behind her grand mahogany desk, her sharp gaze lifting from the papers before her to settle on her visitors with an expression of curious expectation.

"Grandmother," Marianne began, her voice carrying a mix of affection and solemnity as she and Andrew stepped into the room.

Tabitha waved a hand dismissively, her lips curling into a brief smile. "What brings you to my study with such serious faces? Your mother told me there are concerns about the wedding plans?"

Sitting down across from the Dowager Countess, Marianne clasped her hands tightly in her lap, her nerves momentarily causing her voice to tremble. "Yes, Grandmother. It's about the wedding—the one that's suddenly planned for this weekend."

Tabitha leaned back in her chair, steepling her fingers as she regarded them both. "Ah, yes, the wedding," she said thoughtfully. "Your mother seemed quite excited about the arrangements. But I gather from your presence here that you do not share in her enthusiasm. She is as excited as I am to see you as a bride."

Andrew took up the thread, his tone respectful yet firm. "My Lady, we appreciate everything that you and Lady Hillsfolk have done. It's clear that a lot of thought has gone into the planning. But Marianne and I feel that we are being rushed into this without a chance to truly consider what we want for our marriage."

Tabitha's eyebrows knitted slightly as her sharp eyes evaluated Andrew's sincere manner. "I understand. But with your treatment of each other, it appeared that both of you wouldn't mind the decision at all."

Marianne and Andrew glanced at each other. Before anyone could say anything, Tabitha sensed the uneasiness between them and asked, "What do you wish to achieve?

Marianne looked up into her grandmother's eyes, her determination growing. "Grandmother, we want a wedding that feels right for us. One that occurs when we are both ready and totally devoted to one another, not just to the notion of marriage. We require further time to develop our newfound alliance."

Tabitha stared at them, her countenance enigmatic as the room went quiet. She paused for a long minute before gently nodding and speaking with a hint of firmness in her voice. "I know how you feel, dear. And respect your opinion. Marriage is a serious decision that shouldn't be hurried into."

After pausing, she turned to face Andrew. "But you have to realize that marriage is about more than simply the union of two individuals. Families, allies, and connections that go beyond one's happiness are all important."

Andrew listened carefully and then responded with a respectful nod. "My Lady, we understand and cherish the importance of family commitments. We fully intend to honor those. However, we believe that allowing us to approach our responsibilities gradually will enhance our ability to meet them effectively. We are not ready for marriage yet."

With a leisurely smile that conveyed both pride and devotion, Tabitha grinned. "Andrew, you talked quite well. You seem like a good fit to be my granddaughter's spouse." She returned her focus to Marianne. "And you've always been wise beyond your years, my child."

She stood up, coming around the desk to place a hand on each of their shoulders. "I will speak to your mother. I cannot promise that she will agree. Remember that it's very hard to change her mind, but I will ensure that she listens to your concerns with an open heart."

Marianne and Andrew stood, a sense of relief washing over them as they felt the Dowager Countess's support.

"Thank you, Grandmother," Marianne said, her voice thick with emotion. "Your understanding means the world to us."

Tabitha's eyes twinkled as she gave them a mischievous wink. "Well, I can't have my granddaughter unhappy on her wedding day, can I? Nor can I allow a promising young man like Andrew to become a part of our family under duress."

As they left the study, Marianne leaned into Andrew, her earlier fears alleviated by her grandmother's words. "See? I told you she would understand."

Andrew chuckled, wrapping an arm around her shoulders as they walked back down the hall. "And you were right, as usual. Let's hope your mother is just as understanding."

Marianne squeezed his hand, a smile brightening her face. "With Grandmother on our side? She doesn't stand a chance."

They shared a laugh, the sound echoing through the hall, a testament to their renewed confidence and the strength of their united front.

* * *

The dinner table at the grand Hills estate was set with immaculate precision, silverware glinting under the soft glow of candlelight and crystal glasses casting prisms on the white linen. The family gathered around, the air still holding a faint tension from the day's earlier discussions about Marianne and Andrew's impending, albeit contested, wedding.

Lady Hillsfolk had placed herself strategically next to Tabitha at the center of the table, while Marianne and Andrew, now somewhat relieved after their afternoon's advocacy, sat across from each other, sharing subtle, supportive glances.

As the servants quietly served the first course, a delicate soup, the conversation began with light, trivial matters—the weather, the garden's blooming flowers, and some local gossip. However, as the main course was laid out, the savory aroma of roasted duck filling the air, Lady Hillsfolk turned to Tabitha, her voice carrying a mix of frustration and disbelief.

"Tabitha, I truly thought you would see the sense in convincing Marianne," she began. "After all, everything was perfectly arranged for the wedding this weekend. I had believed you would convince Marianne because she tried to act slightly rebellious with me."

Tabitha, ever composed, gently set down her fork and faced Lady Hillsfolk, her expression serene yet firm. "Veronica, my dear, I understand your disappointment, but we must respect Marianne and Andrew's wishes. They are not merely children to be married off at a moment's notice. They are individuals with their own minds and hearts."

Marianne nodded in agreement, her voice soft yet assertive. "Mother, you misunderstand me. I do not mean to disrespect you in any way. I know you want what's best for me, but Andrew and I must be sure that we are taking this step for the right reasons and at the right time. Our commitment to each other—and to the family—will be all the stronger for it."

The table fell into a thoughtful silence, and the only sounds were the clinking of cutlery and the distant murmur of the estate's evening activities. After a moment, Tabitha turned back to Lady Hillsfolk, her tone even but authoritative.

"Veronica, it is our duty to guide the young but also to listen to them. They have shown maturity and wisdom in their approach. This is not about losing an opportunity, it's about gaining a future that is willingly embraced by those it directly affects."

Lady Hillsfolk absorbed the words, her gaze shifting from Tabitha to Marianne and Andrew, seeing not just her daughter but the woman she had become, capable and clear in her convictions. Slowly, a reluctant acceptance crossed her features.

"You are right, of course," she conceded, her voice softer now, tinged with a mother's love and a hint of sadness for plans undone. "It is just difficult, you see, to let go of what I thought would be best."

Marianne reached across the table, her hand lightly touching her mother's. "I know, Mother, and we appreciate everything you've done. We don't take it lightly. Thank you for wanting to provide us with such a beautiful beginning. We just need a bit more time to ensure that our foundation is as strong as it can be."

The mood at the table lightened slightly as dessert was served, a rich, decadent chocolate cake that usually marked celebrations at the Hillsfolk estate. Tonight, it symbolized not a celebration of a wedding but an acknowledgment of family, understanding, and the respect forged through heartfelt discussion.

As the evening drew to a close, Andrew and Marianne thanked Tabitha for her support, her wisdom acting as a keel in the turbulent waters of familial expectations. Lady Hillsfolk, too, found solace in the words exchanged, her plans set aside, but her heart warmed by the evident love and respect that had grown in her family.

Later, as the family retired to the drawing room for a final nightcap, the fire crackling softly in the hearth, Marianne and Andrew shared a quiet moment by the window, looking out at the stars.