Chapter 7

The morning air was brisk, carrying the promise of the journey ahead as Marianne stepped into the carriage, her heart fluttering with nerves and anticipation. Lourne Estate had awoken early, its usual tranquility replaced by the preparations for the journey. The carriage, a stately vehicle drawn by two magnificent horses, stood ready, footmen attending with quiet efficiency.

Andrew, looking every bit the part the nobleman with his impeccable attire and calm demeanor, extended his hand to assist Marianne. Once settled, the carriage door closed with a soft thud, sealing them into their shared space for the journey north.

And then there was silence. Marianne did not know what to do with silence. Her eyes kept drifting to Andrew, who seemed content to look outside, watching London streets pass by in a blur.

She had to admit he was very handsome. His deep brown hair was tousled, just enough as not to be messy, and an errant thought made Marianne want to run her hands through them. She deliberately looked away, but it only lasted a moment, before she was back admiring the strong line of his nose and jaw, the way the light made his eyes from hazel to green.

And then those eyes were on hers, one eyebrow raised in a silent question.

"I have to admit you were ready to leave London very quickly, Your Grace," she said before she could think of something else. "Where you planning to leave anyway? To where I wonder? I have heard Italy and Spain are lovely this time of year and then there is Greece, of course." What am I doing?

Andrew's face was amused and surprised, but he did not cut her off. No, that would be too easy.

"Have you gone on a Grand Tour? No, I would have heard about that from Harriet, would I not? Of course, I never did keep track of your whereabouts, but such big news travel. Ha, travel! Then again…"

"I was planning to visit my own estate for a while now," Andrew said, blessingly cutting her off at last.

"Oh," was all she could think to say. "That explains it then."

She could not look him in the eyes even if she felt his gaze on her.

"Is this the first time you are alone with a gentleman, my lady?"

"Of course not," she bristled. "I have been alone with you twice already in the last few days."

"And yet…" he let his sentence hang in the air between them, his teasing smirk filling the gaps.

Marianne felt the familiar annoyance only he seemed to bring out in her. Good, she thought, that I know how to manage.

"A moment of weakness you do not have to exploit to tease me. I simply loath awkward silences, that is all."

"It only has to be awkward if you think it such. I thought it was rather companionable."

"Did you? Or did you want to agitate me?"

"I would never," he said, feigning offense.

"You are infuriating!"

"Why, thank you, my lady."

"You are being obstinate and you know it."

"I am simply trying to show my good manners. If I reply matching your upset, it would not bode well for either of us," and this he said seriously.

Marianne, feeling the weight of the situation and the absurdity of their pretend engagement, couldn't help but voice her frustrations. "How did we find ourselves in this farce?" she muttered, more to herself than to Andrew.

"A farce, is it? I believe it was your idea to convince your family of our undying affection."

Marianne bristled at the comment, her pride stung. "My idea? If I recall correctly, it was you who declared our engagement to the entire ton without so much as a by-your-leave," she retorted, her voice rising slightly in her indignation.

"And you were so readily agreed to play along," Andrew shot back, in clear challenge. "One might think you enjoyed the drama of it all."

Marianne scoffed, crossing her arms. "As if you had any reservations about stepping into the role of the doting fiancé. You took to it like a fish to water."

"Indeed, and you were quite the convincing blushing bride-to-be," Andrew replied. "Perhaps there's a career for you on the stage once this is all over. The Magnificent Marianne. Has a ring to it doesn't it?"

Despite herself, Marianne felt a laugh leave her and the tension dissipated a little.

"Only if you promise to be my hapless co-star," Marianne quipped, unable to suppress a smile. "After all, every leading lady needs a gentleman to keep her antics in check."

Suddenly, a knock on the carriage window interrupted their heated exchange.

The voice of a footman, muffled but laced with concern, called from outside. "Begging your pardon, Your Grace, My Lady, but is everything quite all right in there?"

Marianne and Andrew exchanged a quick look, their argument halting abruptly. They had been so caught up in their own frustrations that they'd forgotten the impression they might be giving to the world outside their carriage.

"Everything is fine, thank you," Andrew called back, his voice calm and collected, though he shot Marianne a look that spoke volumes.

She nodded, her expression softening as she realized the folly of their behavior. Apparently her raised voice was enough to call for assistance. Good to know.

Once assured that all was well, the footman retreated, and the carriage continued on its way. The incident served as a silent reminder of the roles they were to play, not just for Marianne's grandmother but for the world at large.

Andrew cleared his throat, breaking the uneasy silence that had fallen between them. "Marianne, I believe it's time we address our… situation more pragmatically," he began, his tone serious yet gentle.

Marianne looked at him, her earlier irritation fading in the face of their shared predicament. "What do you suggest?"

He leaned closer, his gaze earnest. "If we are to convince everyone of our engagement, then we must present a united front. We need to be seen as a couple genuinely fond of each other. It means getting comfortable with each other's company, learning each other's habits, preferences…"

Marianne considered his words, the logic in them undeniable. Their sham engagement required a performance, one that would withstand the scrutiny of her family and the ton.

"So, we rehearse our roles," she concluded, the idea oddly appealing in its challenge.

"Exactly," Andrew agreed, a hint of a smile playing at the corners of his mouth. "We start now, learning to be comfortable with one another, to respond naturally."

As the carriage rolled through the countryside, drawing ever closer to their destination, Marianne found herself looking at Andrew not as the Duke she was bound to in pretense but also as a man she was slowly coming to know, perhaps even to trust.

The atmosphere inside the carriage shifted subtly, the initial awkwardness giving way to a more companionable silence. Marianne, her gaze fixed on the passing landscape, found herself lost in thought, the rhythmic motion of the carriage lulling her into a state of introspection.

Andrew, observing her contemplative state, saw an opportunity to address one of the more practical aspects of their agreement. With a deliberate ease, he shifted his position, closing the distance between them. In one fluid motion, he sat beside her, his arm finding its way around her shoulders with an almost practiced casualness.

Marianne stiffened at the contact, her body instinctively recoiling from the unexpected intimacy. Her eyes, wide with surprise, snapped to meet Andrew's, and for a moment, she was utterly speechless, scandalized by the breach of decorum.

"Andrew!" she hissed, her voice a whisper of shock and indignation. "What are you doing?"

He met her gaze steadily, a hint of amusement playing at the corners of his mouth. "We need to get used to this, Marianne," he explained, his tone gentle yet firm. "If we're to convince everyone of our engagement, we must be comfortable with one another. That includes… this."

Marianne's cheeks flushed a deep shade of crimson, the warmth spreading from her face down to her neck. She made a half-hearted attempt to shrug off his arm, her movements betraying her inner turmoil. "I… I suppose you're right, but?—"

"But nothing," Andrew interjected softly, his voice carrying an undercurrent of warmth. "Trust me." And with that, he reached up to gently touch her cheek, his thumb brushing against the soft skin. "Like that," he said, his smile encouraging, his eyes locked on hers.

The world outside the carriage seemed to fall away as they held each other's gazes. Marianne, caught in the depths of Andrew's eyes, found herself leaning in, drawn by a force she couldn't quite name.

Their proximity was suddenly shattered by a knock on the carriage door, the abrupt sound making them jump apart as if scalded.

The voice of the footman, laced with concern, called through the door. "Beg pardon again, Your Grace, My Lady. Just checking to see if all is well."

Andrew cleared his throat, a flush creeping up his neck as he called back, "Yes, all is well, thank you."

As the carriage continued on its journey, a palpable tension hung in the air, the previous ease replaced by a new, unfamiliar feeling. Yet, despite the discomfort, there was an unspoken acknowledgment of the moment they had shared, a connection that, however brief, had altered the dynamic between them.

Marianne found herself stealing glances at Andrew, each look a mix of curiosity and something she dared not name. Andrew, for his part, seemed equally affected, his gaze often lingering on her with an intensity that made her heart race.

"It's beautiful, isn't it? The countryside this time of year," he remarked, hoping to ease them back into conversation.

Marianne turned away from the window, her eyes meeting his. "It is," she agreed, her voice softer now. "I've always loved the North. There's a… a quiet strength to it."

"A quiet strength," Andrew repeated musingly. "Much like you, Marianne."

The compliment, unexpected and sincere, brought a fresh blush to Marianne's cheeks. She was about to dismiss it with a jest, but something in Andrew's expression stopped her. Instead, she found herself saying, "Thank you, Your Grace. That's kind of you to say."

"I meant it," he said, looking into her eyes once more. "I may tease you, and to be completely honest, I enjoy it immensely, but I can see how hard you try. How strong you really are."

Marianne was momentarily at a loss for words, touched by his acknowledgment.

The carriage seemed to shrink around them, the space charged with a new, fragile intimacy.

"Thank you," she all but whispered, not daring to break the delicate spell between them. "It means a lot coming from you."

His head tilted. "How so?"

She hesitated for a moment. "Because I know the strength you had to show when your parents died. I have always admired you for it, even when I could not bring myself to like you."

A soft laugh escaped him. "I did not know I could be hurt and complimented so efficiently."

"You know how I meant it."

"I know. Thank you."

Andrew reached out, tentatively taking her hand in his. And this time the silence was a lot more comfortable for Marianne.

She looked out of the window at the rolling countryside and she could not concentrate on anything else, but his hand on hers. She wanted to pull away and not to at the same time. His touch seemed to warm her, to electrify her. He also looked outside, like nothing was happening and Marianne remembered, all at once, that this was nothing but a ruse.

She tentatively pulled her hand back and Andrew seemed not to notice. She ignored the way that hurt.

The miles slipped away beneath the wheels of the carriage, the journey drawing them ever closer to their destination.

The rest of the trip passed in a series of starts and stops, conversations attempted and then abandoned, both of them navigating the newfound complexity of their relationship.

Finally, after traveling for more than a day, as the Earl of Hillsfolk's estate came into view, the proximity of their destination brought a new sense of purpose to their interactions. The awkwardness of the carriage ride faded into the background.

When the carriage finally slowed, signaling their arrival to the estate, Marianne and Andrew fell silent, each lost in their thoughts. The footman's voice, announcing their arrival, seemed to come from a great distance, pulling them back to the present.

As they prepared to disembark, Marianne looked at Andrew, a question unspoken in her gaze. He answered with a reassuring smile, a silent promise of his support.

The carriage pulled to a stop before the grand entrance of her father's estate, and Marianne took a deep breath, steeling herself for the role she was about to play. Yet, as she stepped out into the crisp northern air, Andrew's hand in hers, she carried with her the warmth of the connection they had unwittingly forged, a connection that promised to complicate their charade in the most unexpected of ways.

Marianne took a deep breath, steadying herself for the challenges ahead. Beside her, Andrew stood ready, a steadfast presence in the uncertain journey they were about to embark on.

Together, they turned to face the estate, their steps in sync.

* * *

The estate, usually a beacon of tranquility and order, was alive with an energy that bordered on chaos. Servants scurried back and forth, lanterns swaying in their hands, casting moving shadows over the stone. The door stood open, as if the house itself was eager to usher them into its embrace.

Stepping down from the carriage, Marianne felt Andrew's hand gently guide her to the ground, a touch that sent an unexpected shiver down her spine. They were met with an outpouring of enthusiasm that bordered on overwhelming. Questions cascaded over them like a waterfall as excited distant family members, which included Marianne's aunt and uncle, began to bombard them with questions.

"How long have you been hiding this wonderful secret?"

"Tell us, Your Grace, how was it that you captured our Marianne's heart?"

"When shall we expect the wedding?"

With practiced grace and a shared glance that spoke volumes, Marianne and Andrew wove a tale of love slowly blossoming from a friendship forged through letters and mutual respect. Family members hung on every word, their fascination evident in their rapt attention.

Yet, it was the moment they approached Tabitha Carter, Marianne's grandmother, that the evening took a turn. The matriarch's presence commanded the room, her frailty belied by the sharpness in her eyes and the strength of her voice.

Marianne introduced Andrew with a warmth that made his title feel inconsequential. "Grandmother, I want you to meet someone very special to me."

Tabitha's gaze, piercing yet warm, settled on Andrew. "So, you're the young man who's stolen my granddaughter's heart. Welcome, Your Grace. We've been eagerly awaiting your arrival."

Andrew, feeling a surge of unexpected emotion, took her proffered hand. "Thank you, Lady Hillsfolk. The honor is mine. Your granddaughter is an extraordinary woman."

"That is a given, Your Grace, she has my blood after all," she said with a playful smile. "But I have to admit that your addition to our family is a little sudden."

"Yes, we have realized that, in the grant scheme of things, we made a poor decision keeping our connection a secret."

"A poor decision, huh? How do you figure?"

Marianne could not shake the feeling that her grandmother was testing Andrew in some way.

"Swept up as we were in the romance of it all, we failed to account for the feeling of those surrounding us. Even good news can be jarring enough to leave a bad taste in one's mouth and it is my regret if we caused such a thing to you and the rest of our families."

The air was thick with emotion as Tabitha smiled, her approval radiating. "I can see why Marianne speaks so highly of you. You have the look of someone who values family. That's important to us here."

Marianne left a relieved sigh leave her. He passed, apparently.

As the evening progressed, Marianne and Andrew navigated the flood of questions and well-wishes with a finesse that belied the nerves simmering beneath the surface. Yet, Andrew couldn't shake the guilt that gnawed at him with each congratulatory embrace, each smile from Tabitha. He was a stranger here, playing a role that felt increasingly genuine with each passing moment.

Later, as the excitement ebbed and they found a moment of solitude on the moonlit terrace, Marianne turned to him, her eyes reflecting the complex emotions of the night.

"Your Grace, are you all right?" she asked, her voice laced with concern. "You've been so quiet since we spoke with my grandmother."

He sighed, the weight of the evening pressing down on him. "I'm… overwhelmed, I suppose. Your family has welcomed me with open arms, and yet I feel like an impostor among them."

Marianne stepped closer, her presence a comforting balm. "You are not an impostor, Andrew. Our engagement might be false, but you are not. You speak like yourself, you act like yourself and they see you as that. Do not diminish that."

Andrew looked out over the estate, its gardens bathed in silver light, feeling a sense of belonging he'd never dared to wish for. "It's just that I've never experienced anything like this. I've had only my sister, and suddenly I'm welcomed into a family that's ready to accept me without question. It's more than I ever thought I'd have."

Marianne reached out, taking his hand in hers, her touch steady and reassuring. "Perhaps this is the universe's way of telling you that you deserve to be part of something bigger, something warm and welcoming. My family sees the good in you, Your Grace, as do I."

Their eyes met, and at that moment, the atmosphere shifted. T

"Thank you, Marianne," Andrew whispered, the moonlight casting a soft glow on his face. "For everything. I never thought this would come out of a panicked lie."

His gaze shifted to the ground as he continued. "As you know my parents died young. I will forever be grateful to my uncle for stepping up, but things were never the same. How could they be?" He looked at her and she could see the fatigue in his eyes.

"And though I would die for Harriet, I.." he trailed off.

"I understand," Marianne interjected to give him a reprieve. This was hard for him to admit, she could see that. She squeezed his hand gently. "And if there is one good thing that can come from all of this, I am so glad it would be this."

As they turned back to rejoin the family, their hands remained clasped, a silent pledge to face the coming days together, whatever they might bring.

The warmth of the house beckoned them back inside, but the memory of their moment under the stars, of the honesty and connection they'd shared, lingered in the air.

* * *

The early afternoon sun cast a warm glow over the Hills estate, its light filtering through the tall, ancient trees that lined the driveway. Marianne and Andrew had just settled into a comfortable rhythm, sharing a pot of tea with Tabitha in the sun-dappled sitting room, when the sound of an approaching carriage interrupted their tranquility.

Marianne"s heart quickened at the familiar rumble, knowing that her mother, father, and Peggy were about to arrive.

Tabitha, always perceptive, noticed Marianne's excitement. "It seems we have more guests," she said with a knowing smile. "Your family has come to join us. How lovely."

Marianne stood up, smoothing down the skirt of her gown. "Yes, Grandmother. I'll go and greet them."

She glanced at Andrew, who nodded in silent support, his presence a steadying force.

As they made their way to the grand entrance, the sounds of voices and footsteps grew louder. Lady Hillsfolk was the first to appear, her usual composed demeanor slightly frazzled from the journey. Behind her, Lord Hillsfolk and Peggy followed, their expressions a mix of anticipation and curiosity.

"Marianne, my dear!" Lady Hillsfolk exclaimed, her eyes lighting up as she spotted her eldest daughter. She hurried forward, enveloping Marianne in a warm embrace. "It's so good to see you."

Marianne returned the hug, feeling a wave of comfort wash over her. "It's good to see you too, Mother. I'm glad you've arrived safely."

Benedict stepped forward, his presence commanding yet gentle. "Marianne," he said, placing a hand on her shoulder. "I hope you had a comfortable journey."

Peggy, unable to contain her excitement, bounced on her toes. "Marianne, tell us everything! How is Grandmother? And how has it been with His Grace?"

Marianne smiled, feeling a mix of relief and amusement at Peggy's exuberance. "Come inside, all of you. Let's sit down and talk."

As they entered the sitting room, Tabitha's eyes sparkled with joy at the sight of her family. "Ah, Benedict, Veronica, Peggy. Welcome. It's wonderful to have you here."

The family greeted Tabitha warmly, their concern for her health evident in their expressions.

Benedict approached first, his eyes soft with worry. "Mother, how are you feeling? You look well, but I know how much your health has been troubling you."

Tabitha reached out and took her son's hand, her smile reassuring. "I'm feeling quite well today, Benedict. Having you all here has lifted my spirits immensely."

Lady Hillsfolk nodded, her gaze filled with genuine concern. "We've been worried about you, Tabitha. It's a relief to see you in such good spirits."

Tabitha's eyes twinkled with affection as she looked around at her family. "Your presence is the best medicine I could ask for. And the news of Marianne's engagement has brought me great joy."

Peggy, always enthusiastic, chimed in. "Grandmother, isn't it wonderful? Marianne and His Grace make such a lovely couple. We were all so excited when we heard the news."

Tabitha's smile widened as she glanced at Marianne and Andrew. "Indeed, it is wonderful. I couldn't be happier for Marianne and Andrew. Their engagement is a blessing, and it fills my heart with hope."

Lady Hillsfolk, ever practical, asked, "And how have you been, Your Grace? How have you and Marianne been getting along since the announcement of your engagement?"

Andrew met her gaze with a warm smile. "We've been getting along quite well, Lady Hillsfolk. Marianne has made me feel incredibly welcome, and I am grateful for the kindness and warmth of your family."

Marianne added, "Andrew has been wonderful, Mother. He's been so understanding and supportive, especially considering the circumstances."

Benedict, always keen to ensure his daughter's happiness, looked at Andrew thoughtfully. "Your Grace, we're pleased to hear that. It's important to us that Marianne is happy and well cared for. Your presence here means a great deal to us."

Andrew nodded, his expression earnest. "I assure you, My Lord, Marianne's happiness is my utmost priority. I am honored to be a part of your family."

As the family settled into comfortable chairs around the room, the atmosphere was a blend of familial warmth and the underlying tension of the unexpected engagement.

Tabitha, sensing the need for a change in conversation, turned to Marianne with a twinkle in her eyes. "Marianne, my dear, tell us more about how you and Andrew came to be engaged. It's such a delightful story, and I'm sure your parents and Peggy would love to hear it from you."

Marianne smiled, grateful for her grandmother's gentle prompting. "Of course, Grandmother. As you know, Andrew and I began corresponding earlier this year. Our letters started as discussions about books and our shared interests, but over time, we discovered a deeper connection."

Andrew picked up the thread seamlessly. "Yes, our letters allowed us to understand each other in a way that is often rare in our society. Marianne's intelligence, compassion, and dedication to her family drew me to her."

Peggy sighed dreamily. "It sounds so romantic, like something out of a novel. I'm so happy for you both."

Lady Hillsfolk, though still processing the sudden engagement, couldn't hide her delight. "Well, it certainly is a story to remember. And to think, it all started with letters. How romantic."

Marianne's heart swelled with gratitude for her family's acceptance, but she also knew there were practical matters to discuss.

"Mother, Father, Peggy, there's something else we need to talk about. Grandmother's health is delicate, and it's important that we spend as much time with her as possible. She's been so happy to hear about our engagement, and I want her to enjoy these moments."

Tabitha, who had been quietly observing, nodded in agreement. "Indeed. Family is what matters most, especially now. Let us make the most of our time together."

Benedict's expression softened, a rare display of vulnerability. "You're right, Marianne. We must cherish these moments. And knowing that you're engaged to someone as honorable as His Grace brings us great comfort."

Lady Hillsfolk took Marianne's hand in her own, her eyes misting over with emotion. "We are proud of you, my dear. And we will support you and His Grace in any way we can."

Andrew, feeling the warmth and unity of the family, spoke with a renewed sense of purpose. "Thank you, all of you. Marianne and I are committed to honoring our engagement and the bonds it represents. Together, we will navigate whatever the future holds."

Peggy, always eager to lighten the mood, clapped her hands together. "Now that we're all here, let's make the most of it! We can explore the estate, have a picnic, and enjoy each other's company."

Marianne laughed, her heart lightened by Peggy's enthusiasm. "That sounds wonderful, Peggy."