Chapter 20

The events of the day continued to spin in Marianne's head as she sat in her room the following evening, watching the sunset. A gentle rap on the door pulled her out of her thoughts. Her younger sister, Peggy, peered in, enthusiasm lighting up her face.

"Marianne, Andrew is waiting for you," Peggy said, almost jumping on her toes. "He's prepared for the dance rehearsal!"

Marianne grinned at Peggy's zeal. "I'm grateful, Peggy. I'll come right away."

With excitement, Peggy nodded and ran down the hallway. Marianne took a long breath, trying to calm herself. Getting to dance in front of her family with Andrew as her partner filled her with both excitement and anxiety. She fixed her clothes; they were sophisticated but modest enough for the rehearsal that night.

Leaving her room, Marianne went downstairs and into the yard. The lovely scent of blooming flowers permeated the cold evening air. The yard had become an impromptu ballroom with lanterns hanging from the trees to create a soft, romantic glow. Her family was there already, anticipating the practice with great anticipation. They had seated themselves in a comfortable semicircle.

Marianne saw Andrew standing in the center of the yard, looking dapper and composed in his fitted suit. He turned to face her, a warm smile spreading across his face.

"Marianne, you look beautiful," he remarked with gentleness as he held out his hand.

She took his hand, and her heart skipped a beat. "Thank you, Andrew. I'm ready."

They moved to the center of the yard, which they had cleared to practice their dance. A waltz began lightly, while musicians played the melody flitting through the nocturnal air. Andrew and Marianne took their places, and the practice started.

The world appeared to disappear as soon as they began dancing, leaving the two of them alone in their little realm. Andrew guided her with a soft assurance while maintaining a solid touch on her waist. With every moment that went by, Marianne felt herself ease into the rhythm, and the steps became more effortless. Their family was gathered around them, watching with rapt attention and beaming with admiration and approval.

With satisfaction in her voice, Lady Hillsfolk exclaimed, "You two look wonderful together."

Her words were echoed by Harriet, Rose, Ruth, and Peggy, whose faces were kind and supportive.

Even Marianne's aging grandmother, Tabitha, was there, sitting comfortably and with a shawl wrapped around her shoulders. As she watched her granddaughter dance, her eyes glistened with happiness. Marianne felt her family's love and support, which gave her more confidence every step of the way.

Andrew leaned in a little, speaking in a low mutter, "Marianne, you're doing well. Simply relax and savor the moment."

Marianne met his eyes and found comfort in his unwavering stare. "I'm grateful, Andrew. With you leading the way, it's simpler."

They kept dancing, becoming more smooth and fluid in their moves. The entrancing melody of the song carried them along as it grew. Marianne had the impression that she was floating and that everything was a swirl of sound and light. She felt anchored and steady in the moment by Andrew's presence.

But as the dance went on, Marianne started to feel a little anxious. She was under greater pressure to succeed in front of her family than she had realized, and the steps they practiced were complex.

With a playful smile, Harriet cried out, "Don't look so tense, Marianne. You should be enjoying yourself!"

Marianne tried to hide her nervousness by forcing a grin. "I'm trying, Harriet!"

Peggy laughed aloud in her chair. "Andrew, twirl her! She loves twirls!"

Andrew chuckled and gave Marianne a reassuring wink. "All right, Marianne, here comes the twirl. Ready?"

Marianne nodded, bracing herself. Andrew spun her gracefully, but her foot caught slightly on the hem of her dress, causing her to stumble. She quickly regained her balance, her cheeks flushing with embarrassment.

"Oh dear," she muttered under her breath. "I'm hopeless."

Andrew squeezed her hand, his voice soft and encouraging. "You're not hopeless, Marianne. Just breathe. We're doing this together."

Lady Hillsfolk, sensing Marianne's distress, interjected. "It's all right, darling. Everyone stumbles. Just keep going."

Tabitha, ever the wise matriarch, added with a chuckle, "The key to a good dance is to keep moving, even if you trip."

Marianne took a deep breath, nodding. "Thank you, Grandmother. I'll keep that in mind."

The music continued, and Marianne found herself becoming more comfortable with each step. Andrew's steady presence was a constant source of reassurance, and the playful encouragement from her family lightened the mood.

As they executed a particularly tricky turn, Marianne felt a burst of confidence. "I think I'm getting the hang of this," she whispered to Andrew.

He smiled, his eyes twinkling with pride. "I never doubted it for a moment."

Just as they were finishing the dance, Andrew decided to add a flourish. He lifted Marianne slightly, twirling her in the air. The unexpected move caught her by surprise, and she let out a small yelp.

"Andrew!" she exclaimed, laughing despite herself as he set her down gently.

The family erupted in applause and laughter, their joy infectious.

Peggy clapped her hands excitedly. "That was amazing! Do it again!"

Marianne shook her head, still giggling. "Maybe next time, Peggy."

As the dance came to a close, Andrew and Marianne stood hand in hand, catching their breaths. The garden was filled with the sounds of their family's laughter and applause, and Marianne felt a sense of accomplishment and relief.

Lady Hillsfolk approached, her eyes shining with pride. "You were both magnificent," she said warmly. "It's going to be a beautiful first dance at the wedding."

Harriet, Rose, and Ruth echoed her sentiments, and Peggy, unable to contain her excitement, gave Marianne a tight hug. "I can't wait to see you dance like that at the wedding! It was so beautiful!"

Marianne laughed, her heart full with the love and support of her family. She turned to Tabitha, who had been watching with a tender smile.

"Grandmother, I'm so glad you could be here," Marianne said, moving to her side.

Tabitha reached out and took Marianne's hand, her grip surprisingly strong for her age. "My dear, you looked absolutely radiant. I couldn't wait to see you as a bride. This exercise served as a taste of the happiness to come."

Eyes full of gratitude, Marianne knelt before her grandmother. "Thank you, Grandmother. I truly appreciate you being here."

Tabitha gave her hand a gentle pat. "Marianne, you have consistently brought light and happiness to our family. It cheers my heart to see you so content. And, Andrew, you've chosen a wonderful companion. Together, you two will create a beautiful life."

Andrew joined them with a professional and friendly demeanor. "Thank you, My Lady. We take great comfort from your words.

Tabitha nodded, her eyes glistening. "Love, trust, and respect for one another are the foundation of a marriage. Accept and support each other through all of life's challenges. The key to a long-lasting, fulfilling marriage is that."

Marianne squeezed her grandmother's hand. "Yes, we will, Grandmother. Thank you for your love and wisdom."

As the evening wore on, the family gathered around Tabitha, sharing stories. The soft illumination of the lanterns created the illusion of a mystical paradise in the garden where happiness and love abounded. Marianne was surrounded by the people she loved most in the world, and she felt incredibly happy.

Later, when the night grew darker and the stars began to twinkle in the sky, Marianne and Andrew enjoyed some time together as they wandered through the garden. The soft sound of laughter and discussion faded into the distance, leaving a serene silence.

"Tonight was perfect," Marianne remarked, glancing up at Andrew. "I appreciate you making it so memorable."

Andrew smiled as his eyes adjusted to the mellow brightness of the lanterns. "Marianne, you are the reason it was special. I am grateful for each and every moment we have together."

For a while they strolled in peace, the gentle glow of the lanterns illuminating their way. The lovely scent of blossoming flowers permeated the peaceful garden. Marianne felt a sense of calm wash over her, the worries of the past few weeks melting away.