Chapter 6
Marianne and Andrew re-entered the drawing room where Lady Hillsfolk awaited, the air heavy with anticipation. As they crossed the threshold, Lady Hillsfolk's gaze landed on them, her eyes sparkling with an excitement that was nearly palpable. She set aside her embroidery, rising to greet them with an energy that seemed to fill the room.
"So?" she prompted, her voice aflutter with curiosity. "Surely now you will tell me how this all started, will you not?" She turned her gaze to Andrew. "Marianne got shy the other day"
Marianne and Andrew exchanged a quick, conspiratorial glance, a silent agreement passing between them. They had anticipated this moment, knowing well that Lady Hillsfolk's inquisitive nature would demand a story, a narrative to satisfy her curiosity and to present to the ton in the coming days.
"Well, Mother," Marianne started, her voice laced with a feigned reminiscence. "It all began with a letter Andrew sent me earlier this year. A correspondence that, over time, grew into something… more."
Andrew picked up the thread seamlessly, his tone matching hers. "Indeed, I had long admired Marianne's grace and intelligence from afar. The letters provided a means to express sentiments that Society's conventions might otherwise constrain."
Lady Hillsfolk clapped her hands together, delight evident on her face. "Letters! How utterly romantic! But why the secrecy? Surely, such a courtship is nothing to hide."
Marianne smiled, a touch of amusement in her eyes. "We wanted to be sure, Mother. To understand our feelings fully before making them known. And, well, we thought to surprise you."
"And surprised I am!" Lady Hillsfolk exclaimed, her laughter filling the room. "But, my dears, why have I not seen any of these letters? Marianne, you usually share everything with me."
Slightly caught off guard by the question, Marianne hesitated, searching for a believable thread of their fabricated narrative. "Well, it started quite innocently. His grace had written to inquire about a book he knew I had recently read, one on the botanical gardens of England. You know how passionate I am about botany."
Lady Hillsfolk leaned in, captivated. "And from a book discussion, love blossomed? How utterly romantic! What did he say that charmed you so?"
Marianne chuckled, playing along with the whimsical nature of the story. "He wrote of his admiration for the resilience of wildflowers, how they thrive in the harshest conditions. It was a metaphor, I believe, for facing life's challenges. We found common ground in our appreciation for nature's lessons."
Lady Hillsfolk sighed, clapping her hands together in delight. "Oh, Marianne, that is beautiful. Your father and I started our courtship over discussions of literature, you know. There's something about sharing one's thoughts and reflections that creates a deep connection. Tell me more."
Caught off guard, Marianne faltered for a moment before Andrew interjected, "Ah, but the contents were of a deeply personal nature. We hoped to keep them between us, at least until we were ready to announce our intentions."
Lady Hillsfolk nodded, her curiosity momentarily sated. "Of course, of course. Privacy in matters of the heart is to be respected. But tell me, when do we leave for the North? Your grandmother must be introduced to Andrew at once. She will be overjoyed!"
The mention of their impending journey north brought a momentary seriousness to the conversation.
Marianne took a deep breath. "We were thinking of making the trip shortly, Mother. To allow Grandmother to meet His Grace properly."
Lady Hillsfolk's eyes widened, her excitement barely contained. "What a splendid idea! Why, we should leave this afternoon!"
"Mother," Marianne interjected gently, a smile playing on her lips, "perhaps not this afternoon. There are arrangements to be made, after all. And His Grace has commitments he must attend to before we can depart."
"Yes, of course," Andrew added, grateful for her tactful handling of her mother's enthusiasm. "But rest assured, My Lady, I am as eager as you are for the visit. It will be an honor to meet Lady Marianne's grandmother and to see the estate."
Lady Hillsfolk, though visibly disappointed by the delay, acquiesced. "Very well, but we shan't wait too long. I shall begin preparations immediately. Oh, this is such thrilling news!"
As the conversation turned to plans for the visit, Marianne and Andrew continued to navigate Lady Hillsfolk's barrage of questions and suggestions with a blend of truth and careful omission.
Eventually, it was time for Andrew to take his leave. As he bid them goodbye, Marianne accompanied him to the door, seizing the moment to express her gratitude away from her mother's attentive ears.
"Your Grace, thank you," she said, her voice low, "for everything today. For agreeing to my terms and for handling Mother's inquisition with such grace."
Andrew smiled, his gaze meeting hers. "It was my pleasure, Lady Marianne. We are in this together, after all. And your mother's excitement, though overwhelming, is born of her love for you. We shall navigate this path as best we can."
Marianne nodded, even as she felt her breath leave her. Did the room get hotter?
Marianne, still at the door where she had bid Andrew farewell, turned back to face the drawing room, her steps slow as she processed their conversation and the road ahead. Lady Hillsfolk, meanwhile, had not wasted a moment. She was already at her desk, pen in hand, drafting a list of all that needed to be done before their journey north. The room, filled with the soft afternoon light filtering through the lace curtains, seemed to hum with her energy.
"Marianne, dear, come here. We need to plan your wardrobe, the gifts for your grandmother, and, oh, the itinerary," Lady Hillsfolk called out without looking up from her papers.
Marianne approached, a sense of duty mingling with affection for her mother's fervor. "Mother, perhaps we should take a moment to breathe? His Grace and I have only just begun to navigate our engagement."
Lady Hillsfolk paused, her pen hovering over the paper. She looked up, her eyes reflecting a momentary surprise at Marianne's gentle rebuke, then she softened with understanding. "Of course, you're right. I'm getting ahead of myself, aren't I? It's just that… this is all so very exciting."
Marianne smiled, taking a seat beside her mother. "It is, isn't it? But we must tread carefully and ensure that our actions are thoughtful and deliberate."
"Oh, don't be so uptight, my dear, surely?—"
"I am away for two days, and I come to find my daughter betrothed. Would someone care to explain?" a booming voice came from the door of the drawing room and the two women turned to see.
"Father!" Marianne shouted running to him. Benedict Carter, the Earl of Hillsfolk was a stout man, with dark hair and greying temples. Marianne could see where he was aging, graceful as it were.
He hugged her for a moment and then, grabbing her shoulders gently, pushed her away.
"Did I hear right, daughter of mine? Are you really engaged to the Duke of Stayton?"
"I am, Father."
"Without my permission? I have to say I am hurt and very disappointed," he gave her a stern look, but Marianne could see the mirth beneath it.
"It was all so sudden, I did not know His Grace was going to announce it."
"Does he often take such liberties without your input? I may have to reconsider even allowing this then."
"Oh no, Papa, it is nothing like that. We knew it had to come out soon. I just did not know it would be now."
Her father's countenance sobered and he looked into her eyes. "Is this what you want, Marianne? Do you love this man?"
Under her father's intense, caring scrutiny, Marianne felt her guilt taking over her chest. Yet she did what she had to.
"I do, Papa. I really do."
His face broke into a genuine smile. "Then it is no matter! I know how matters of the heart are, and how wholly they can envelop a person. Isn't that right, darling? He asked that last question to his wife, walking toward her and kissing her hand gently.
"Oh, stop it, Benedict. It is not proper!: Lady Hillsfolk blushed and Marianne lovingly rolled her eyes. Her parents had always been in love. It was inspiring really.
As the afternoon waned, the conversation shifted from the fictional letters to the logistics of their upcoming trip. Lady Hillsfolk, with her characteristic vigor, outlined a plan that would see them ready to depart within the fortnight.
"We'll need to inform your grandmother of the engagement first, of course. A letter, perhaps, followed by our visit."
Marianne agreed, the thought of her grandmother's reaction bringing a mix of anticipation and anxiety. "Yes, a letter would be best. It will give her time to prepare and… and to look forward to our visit."
The room grew quiet as both women considered the emotional weight of their journey. For Marianne, the trip was not just an introduction of Andrew to her family but a poignant reminder of the fleeting nature of time and the importance of cherishing those she held dear.
"Mother," she said softly, breaking the silence, "I want you to know how much I appreciate your support in all this. This engagement, while unexpected, has brought a new sense of purpose. And knowing I have you by my side makes it all the more meaningful."
Lady Hillsfolk reached out, taking Marianne's hand in her own. "My dear, I am here for you, always. Your happiness, your future, is what matters most to me. We will face whatever comes, together."
As the day drew to a close, the plans laid out and the narrative of their engagement further embellished, Marianne felt a sense of accomplishment mixed with apprehension. The path they had chosen was fraught with deception, but it was a path they would walk with the best of intentions, for the sake of family, for love, and for the hope of a future where truth could flourish in the light of their carefully constructed facade.
And as Marianne retired to her room that evening, the conversations of the day replaying in her mind, she knew that the journey ahead would test them all.
* * *
The dawn broke with a soft golden hue spilling through the windows of Lourne Estate, heralding a day of urgent preparations and unforeseen declarations. The household was abuzz with activity, a stark contrast to the usual tranquil mornings that graced the Carter family.
Yet Marianne and Peggy were determined not to let their mother upset their breakfast.
"I am so very excited to finally meet the Duke!" Peggy exclaimed, with her usual exuberance.
"I am afraid you will only have a few minutes to do so, dear sister, as our mother seems to think this is a race."
At the heart of all the flurry was Lady Hillsfolk, whose determination set the pace for the entire estate.
"Marianne, we must make haste," she announced as she swept into the breakfast room. "Your grandmother needs to see you and His Grace together as soon as possible. It will surely lift her spirits."
Marianne set down her teacup, a frown marring her brow. "Mother, surely a few days' delay would be sensible? We've hardly had time to process the engagement ourselves."
"And I want to get a chance to meet my future brother. Surely you cannot deny me that opportunity," Peggy chimed in.
"You will get the chance to know him when we join them at the estate. No need to hurry."
"Maybe you should listen to your own advice mother?" Marianne asked with a smile.
"You know I have a better reason to hurry than Peggy's curiosity. And don't talk back to your mother like that, it is not good manners!"
"I apologize," she shared an amused look with her sister.
Lady Hillsfolk was undeterred, her hands clasped together as if in prayer. "Darling, time is a luxury we may not have. I've sent a letter ahead to inform your grandmother, but the news of your visit will be a balm to her soul. We cannot delay."
Peggy, ever the voice of reason, interjected, "Mother, we need to consider the logistics. Packing up the house, ensuring everything is in order here… It cannot be done in haste."
But Lady Hillsfolk, with a wave of her hand, brushed aside Peggy's concerns. "I will see to the house, Peggy. Marianne and His Grace can go ahead of us. There's no reason to wait."
Marianne's shock was palpable. "Mother! To travel alone with His Grace, it's… it's simply not done."
Lady Hillsfolk's response was swift, a chuckle escaping her lips as she regarded her with a mix of amusement and exasperation. "My dear, you are engaged. And you will not be alone, you will have staff with you. Times are changing, Marianne, and we must adapt. There's no room for prudishness in matters of the heart or health."
The blush that crept up Marianne's neck expressed her discomfort with the arrangement, yet every attempt to protest was met with a rebuttal from Lady Hillsfolk, whose mind was clearly made up.
The discussion shifted to preparations, with Lady Hillsfolk outlining a plan that left little room for argument. Lists were made, staff were instructed, and within hours, the estate was a hive of focused activity, all orchestrated by Lady Hillsfolk's unwavering resolve.
Marianne found herself swept along by the current, her initial reservations drowned out by her mother's assurances and the pressing need to bring some comfort to her ailing grandmother.
* * *
As the day wore on, Marianne penned a letter to Andrew, expressing her desire to discuss their upcoming journey in greater detail. She dispatched the letter with her servant, inviting Andrew to join her at her residence when he was available.
Not long after, she was informed of his arrival and found him waiting in the library, where he had started to lay out maps and books, evidently preparing for their discussion.
"Your Grace," she began, her voice tinged with a mix of embarrassment and urgency, "it seems we are to depart tomorrow. My mother insists it's for the best."
Andrew looked up, his expression one of understanding. "I gathered as much from Lady Hillsfolk. It's sudden, but perhaps she's right. Your grandmother's health must come first."
Marianne nodded, the practicality of his words grounding her. "Yes, of course. It's just that… traveling together so soon. It feels unorthodox."
"It is. But is that really a novelty between us?" He walked closer to her. "Nothing about our engagement is plain and simple, my lady. Why should this be?"
He was very close now and Marianne could feel the room getting hotter again. She privately thought if she was coming down with something.
"By that logic, maybe we should not add more complications to an already complicated situation," Marianne said, her agitation rising. This was all very stressful.
"It is times like these when I can scarcely bear not teasing you," he said, but his smile was softer than his usual smirk. He took her hand and Marianne felt her breathing stop for a moment. "But I can see how anxious you are, so I am going to be blunt. Everything will be all right. And if it is not, I will make it."
A peculiar warmth spread through Marianne's chest, a feeling she knew not what to do with. She looked into Andrew's eyes and knew he meant it. Who is this man? He is not the mischievous rakish duke I know.
Andrew shook his head slightly and his smile changed back to his smirk she knew all too well.
"It was one of your conditions was it not?"
The spell was broken and Marianne, now crashing back to reality, felt somehow cold.
"Another one was to protect my reputation and traveling alone with a man will not aid to that."
"We are engaged now, my lady, and we will be escorted by footmen and the like. I see no problem with it."
"Of course you don't. I am the one in danger of ruin."
"And I have promised you that will not happen. Don't you trust me?"
Marianne could sense the earnest question beneath the teasing, that her answer was more important than it seemed to be.
"I want to, Your Grace. I really do."