Chapter 13

After a sleepless but optimistic night, Andrew's chamber was bathed in a golden glow as the early sunshine streamed through the lavish curtains. He awakened with a tangible sense of relief, despite the apprehension that had preceded his and Marianne's talk with Tabitha—a reassurance that their elders had not only heard but also acknowledged their wishes and worries.

In the sunshine-filled conservatory, Andrew enjoyed a peaceful breakfast with Marianne as the scent of blossoming orchids filled the air, along with their newfound serenity. While sipping their tea, Andrew leaned across the table to give her hand a firm squeeze and offer a quiet appreciation for her bravery and composure in managing what might have been a chaotic family situation.

"Doesn't it feel like we can breathe at last?" Andrew asked, gazing out at the serene gardens with a kind grin on his lips.

"Yes, it does," Marianne replied, grinning back at him. "I'm just glad everyone understands now. It feels like we're no longer carrying the weight of the world on our shoulders."

As they enjoyed the serene morning, Peggy bounced into the conservatory, her youthful energy immediately infusing the room with more light. She flitted over to the breakfast table, her curiosity piqued by the palpable change in the atmosphere.

"Good morning!" she chirped, her eyes wide as she noticed the tranquility between Marianne and Andrew. "You both look so happy today! Is everything regarding the wedding sorted, then?"

Marianne exchanged a quick glance with Andrew. "Good morning, Peggy. Yes, we've had some good conversations with Grandmother and Mother. Things are looking up, aren't they, Andrew?"

Andrew nodded, smiling at Peggy. "Indeed, they are. Thanks to your sister here and some very understanding family members."

Just then, Benedict and Tabitha, along with Lady Hillsfolk, entered the conservatory, their expressions a blend of cautious optimism and curiosity.

Benedict greeted them warmly, his voice echoing the calm of the morning. "Ah, it seems we've all risen with the sun today. This light does wonders for the spirit, doesn't it?" he said, pouring himself a cup of tea before sitting down. "I hear we've reached some form of agreement, then?"

Lady Hillsfolk joined him at the table, her demeanor a mix of relief and residual concern. "Yes, it appears we have," she responded, her gaze lingering on Marianne and Andrew. "It was quite the discussion yesterday, wasn't it?"

Tabitha, settling into her chair with an air of grace, replied, "Indeed, it was, Veronica. But it was necessary. It's important that these two feel ready and certain of their path forward together, not just swept along by our expectations."

Peggy, still standing, looked between the adults, trying to grasp the weight of the conversation. "So, does this mean the wedding is off?"

Her tone was tinged with a hint of disappointment, her love for grand family gatherings evident.

"Not off, dear," Marianne quickly reassured her younger sister, "just postponed. We want to make sure that when we do this, it's the right time for both of us and not rushed."

Andrew reached for Peggy's hand and gave it a gentle squeeze. "Exactly. And we want you to be part of it too, feeling happy and not worried about your sister."

Benedict nodded approvingly at this, his gaze softening as he looked at his daughters and future son-in-law. "Well said, Andrew. It's essential for all of us to remember that marriage is not just a day but a lifetime. Preparing adequately for it is the wisest course of action."

Lady Hillsfolk, though still somewhat tense, managed a smile. "I suppose my eagerness got the better of me. The idea of Marianne marrying into such a fine family had me quite carried away."

Tabitha chuckled softly, her voice soothing as always. "Veronica, your heart was in the right place. But let's not forget, it's Marianne and Andrew's hearts we must consider foremost."

The conversation shifted to lighter topics, the family discussing plans for the day, the gardens, and even some trivial, amusing anecdotes from past family gatherings. As they talked and laughed, the weight of the past days seemed to lift, giving way to a more hopeful and united family dynamic.

Peggy finally sat down, looking satisfied with the explanation. "All right, as long as there's still a wedding at some point. And maybe now I can help plan it even more!"

Marianne laughed, her heart lighter. "You'll be my chief consultant, how about that?"

The family's laughter mingled with the sounds of the morning, a gentle reminder that while paths may need recalibrating, the journey could still be joyous with understanding and love.

* * *

The serene morning extended into the early afternoon with both Marianne and Andrew feeling lighter than they had in days. However, as they strolled through the lush gardens, enjoying the gentle warmth of the sun and the colorful bursts of late summer flowers, Marianne's sharp eyes caught sight of a cloud of dust on the horizon—a carriage approaching the estate at a steady pace.

Frowning slightly, she turned to Andrew. "Do you see that? It looks like we have visitors."

Andrew, shielding his eyes with his hand, squinted at the approaching carriage. "I wasn't aware we were expecting anyone today. Should we head back to the house?"

Nodding, Marianne linked her arm with his, and together they made their way back to the grand manor.

Upon entering, Marianne sought out her mother, who was in the drawing room rearranging some flowers in a vase—an attempt, perhaps, to find some order after the recent disruptions.

"Mother, there's a carriage approaching," Marianne said as she entered the room. "Were we expecting guests today?"

Lady Hillsfolk, her hands pausing their task, looked up with a momentary flicker of confusion that quickly gave way to realization. "Oh! Yes, that must be Lady Harriet. With all the recent commotion, it slipped my mind."

"Lady Harriet?" Marianne echoed, a knot forming in her stomach. "Why was she invited?"

"I sent her an invitation days ago when we were planning the celebration for this weekend," her mother explained, a hint of embarrassment in her tone. "It was meant to be a surprise, a joyous addition to our festivities."

Andrew, who had been quietly observing, stepped forward. "But, Lady Hillsfolk, the celebration has been postponed. Does Harriet know this?"

Lady Hillsfolk set down the flowers, her expression turning apologetic. "I fear she does not. I didn't have a chance to send word of the change in plans."

Marianne exchanged a worried glance with Andrew. The last thing they needed was more confusion or the need to explain their postponed wedding plans to guests who were unaware.

"Perhaps it's best if I go and greet her," Marianne suggested, her voice steady despite the anxiety churning in her stomach. "I can explain the situation before assumptions are made."

"Yes, my dear, that would be wise," her mother agreed, looking genuinely contrite.

Marianne hurried to the front of the house, reaching the main entrance just as the carriage pulled to a graceful stop. The door opened, and out stepped Lady Harriet, dressed elegantly, a wide smile on her face as she looked around the familiar grounds.

"Marianne!" she exclaimed, her smile broadening as she moved forward. "It's been too long! I was thrilled to receive your mother's invitation."

"Harriet, it's wonderful to see you," Marianne replied, embracing her friend tightly while mentally preparing how to broach the subject of the canceled celebration. "Let's walk to the gardens. There's so much to catch up on and, well, some changes to discuss."

As they walked, Marianne gently began to unravel the tangled narrative of the past few days—the excitement, the sudden arrangements, and the ultimate decision to postpone the wedding. Lady Harriet listened intently, her initial disappointment morphing into understanding as the story unfolded.

"Oh, Marianne, that does sound like quite the ordeal," Lady Harriet said, her tone sympathetic. "But I must say, I admire your resolve to ensure that both you and Andrew are ready. It speaks volumes about the strength of your relationship."

Relieved by her friend's understanding, Marianne smiled. "Thank you, Harriet. It means a lot to have your support."

As they rejoined Andrew and Lady Hillsfolk in the drawing room, the afternoon slipped into an impromptu reunion filled with laughter and storytelling.

* * *

The sound of clinking tea cups and pleasant laughter filled the drawing room, and Marianne felt it was a perfect opportunity to present Lady Harriet to Tabitha. Marianne turned to face Lady Hillsfolk, who was telling Andrew a funny story. She gently interrupted.

"Do you think it would be a good idea to take Harriet to see Grandmother right now, Mother? She would undoubtedly be thrilled to see her again."

Lady Hillsfolk nodded in agreement as she looked across to Lady Harriet, who was having a lively conversation with Andrew. "Yes, dear. Tabitha would probably be overjoyed."

Marianne and Lady Hillsfolk walked over to Lady Harriet together, and Marianne gently touched her friend's arm to catch her attention. "Harriet, would you like to visit Grandmother with us? She was asking about you earlier."

A smile spread across Lady Harriet's face. "That sounds wonderful, Marianne. I haven't seen old Lady Hillsfolk in much too long."

The three of them excused themselves from the gathering and moved through the estate's halls, their footfalls sounding gentle on the plush carpets. Lady Hillsfolk kept the discussion lively and lighthearted by sharing updates about the land and pieces of family news.

Marianne arrived at the door of Tabitha's private sitting room and tapped gently. A strong voice from inside beckoned them in. The late afternoon sun shone through translucent curtains, bathing the room in a golden light that cast gentle shadows on the array of antique furniture and framed photos that filled the space.

With a book open on her lap, Tabitha sat in her preferred high-backed recliner. As they walked in, she raised her head to see her visitors, her piercing eyes softened with love.

"Ah, my dear girls, and bringing me a special guest too," Tabitha exclaimed, her voice as strong and commanding as ever, yet laced with warmth.

She set her book aside and extended her arms towards Lady Harriet, who approached and bent down to embrace her gently.

"Lady Hillsfolk, it's so wonderful to see you looking so well," Lady Harriet said, sincerity resonating in her voice. "It has been too long, indeed."

"My dear Lady Harriet, the pleasure is all mine. Please be comfortable." Tabitha gestured to the chairs near her. "Tell me, what brings you to our humble abode today?"

Lady Harriet told Tabitha how she received an invitation from Lady Hillfolk, stating how Marianne and Andrew's wedding should take place this weekend.

Tabitha responded, "That was the case, but there has been a change in plans, as we value Marianne's and His Grace's desire not to get married immediately."

Lady Harriet chimed in, her tone supportive, "Indeed, My Lady. In his last letter to me, Andrew spoke very highly of Marianne and expressed his hopes for their future. It's clear they are both thinking carefully about their path forward."

Lady Hillsfolk, who had been listening quietly, added, "It's true, they've handled this with a maturity that makes me quite proud. And having friends like you, Harriet, who understand and support them, is invaluable."

Tabitha nodded, her gaze thoughtful as she looked between the three women. "Support is what family and friends are for, is it not? We lift each other and help navigate the rough waters. Now, tell me more about this garden renovation I've been hearing about, Harriet. I understand you've undertaken quite the project."

As the afternoon light softened into a warm, amber glow, Lady Harriet leaned forward in her chair, her face animated as she delved into a tale of her recent adventures in the garden renovations at her estate.

"You know, My Lady, this spring has been all about transforming the overgrown orchard back home. We discovered an old fountain buried under years of ivy and bramble—it was like unearthing a hidden treasure," she explained, her eyes sparkling with enthusiasm.

Tabitha chuckled heartily, her interest piqued. "Oh, how marvelous! Gardens do have a way of hiding their secrets, don't they? It reminds me of the time we found that ancient sundial here at Hillsfolk. It was Lady Hillsfolk's great-grandfather who hid it as a boy, only to forget where!"

Lady Hillsfolk smiled at the memory, joining in the conversation. "Yes, and he made it his life's mission in his later years to find it again—with everyone else caught up in the hunt, summer after summer. It became quite the family legend."

Marianne watched the exchange with a warm smile, enjoying the way the stories wove together the past and present. "It seems both our families have a penchant for lost treasures. I suppose it's one of the many things that make visits like these so special."

Lady Harriet nodded, her gaze affectionate as she looked around the room. "Indeed, it is. And speaking of special, Marianne, your mother tells me you've been quite the force behind the new floral arrangements for the wedding dance?"

Marianne blushed slightly, pleased to share her own contributions. "Well, I've been trying to bring some of the garden's vibrancy inside. We're planning a midsummer theme with wildflowers and greenery as if the dance floor is amidst the meadow."

"That sounds absolutely enchanting, my dear," Tabitha said, her voice warm with approval. "You must have inherited some of your great-grandmother's talent for design. She could make even the dullest corner of a room come alive with color."

Lady Hillsfolk added with a laugh, "And let's not forget the infamous incident when she decided the dining room looked better as a conservatory. My father nearly had a fit when he saw his favorite reading nook turned into a greenhouse!"

The room erupted in laughter, the shared stories drawing them closer, threading their lives together with each memory recounted. Lady Harriet, smiling broadly, continued the thread.

"It's these stories, these bits of history and laughter, that truly bind a family, isn't it? Whether through gardens, hidden fountains, or rooms turned into greenhouses. It's the legacy of joy we pass on."

"Yes," Marianne agreed, her heart full. "And it's gatherings like this, with stories shared over tea before the setting sun, that remind us how fortunate we are to have each other."

Tabitha reached out, her hand covering Marianne's with a gentle squeeze. "Very fortunate indeed, my dear. And remember, it's not just the grand gestures but also these quiet moments of connection that build the foundation of a family."

As the conversation wound down, the group sat back, contented and connected through the tapestry of tales that celebrated not only their heritage but also their current joys and the simple pleasure of each other's company.