Chapter 15

CHAPTER 15

M innie sat in the solitude of the drawing-room awaiting the return of her family from their errands, holding her hand in the air and watching the play of the fading sunlight on the facets of her ring. Still in a fog of wonder, she replayed the momentous events of that singular day—the severing of her acquaintance with Miss Sinclair, who had proved less than trustworthy, and the unexpected, heart-stirring proposal from Whitehall.

The front door creaked open with a burst of noise and merriment, announcing the return of her loved-ones. Quickly turned her back to the doorway and waited. Laughter and the lively recounting of tales filled the house as her mother and sisters, laden with parcels and hat boxes adorned with ribbons, entered in a flurry of fabric and enthusiasm.

"Such finery at Madame Dupont's! You should have seen it," gushed CeCe, her black hair secured in a neat bun that somehow conveyed her zestful spirit.

"Indeed, and the confections at the patisserie were divine," chimed Bella, her own excitement bubbling over as she clutched a box tied with a satin bow.

Their mother, the very picture of matronly grace, followed behind, her smile indulgent as she listened to her daughters' animated retellings. "Minnie, you've yet to say a word," remarked her mother, a hint of concern threading its way into her tone. "Is something amiss?"

The sisters turned from their array of purchases, their attention finally settling on Minnie. They observed her silence, a quietude that hung in the air like a delicate mist, expectant and tinged with curiosity. Watching them in the mirror hanging on the wall, Minnie felt the weight of their gazes, the anticipation of revelation.

Minnie inhaled deeply, and with a deliberate turn, she faced her family. Her hand emerged from the folds of her skirt, fingers unfurling like the petals of a morning bloom to reveal the ring that had so unexpectedly come to grace her finger. It sparkled—a constellation born from the joining of gold, sapphire and diamonds.

A collective gasp swept through the room; her sisters' eyes widened, their mouths forming perfect circles. CeCe's hands flew to her cheeks, and Bella clapped her own together in delight, as if capturing the moment between her palms. A symphony of squeals ensued, breaking the solemn hush that had held Minnie in its grip.

"Merciful heavens!" exclaimed CeCe. "Minnie, is that?—"

"An engagement ring?" Bella finished for her, her voice climbing an octave in excitement.

Their mother stepped forward, the rustle of her silk gown whispering tales of bygone elegance. She peered at the ring, her practiced eye discerning its significance with acute precision. "My dear child," she breathed, her words laced with pride, "you are to be a marchioness."

The import of her station settled around Minnie with her mother's words. Her family encircled her, each one hugging her and kissing her cheek.

"Come now, Minnie," urged her mother, guiding her towards the settee with a tender hand upon her shoulder. "You must regale us with every detail. How did Lord Whitehall propose?"

Minnie took her seat, the center of an attentive audience, her heart thrumming a nervous rhythm. She began to recount the events of the day, beginning with Miss Sinclair's arrival.

"No, we don't care about her. Move ahead to the marquess," Bella pleaded.

"Her visit had some effect on him, I'm certain. After she left, I wrote and told him that I'd settled the matter with her. He called on me and we discussed it. He reassured me it as the correct thing to do. After we talked a bit, he left, but he surprised me by returning later."

"That's the part we want to hear," CeCe said.

Minnie glanced at her ring again, then pressed her hand to her chest. "I hardly know what he said. He claimed his heart would have found mine even without my letters, but I don't know how. I could barely speak when he was around."

"I'm certain it was a romantic proposal," CeCe said, clasping her hands before her heart.

As Minnie listened to their words of excitement, the ring on her finger seemed to beckon her to acknowledge her new life. The moment was here, and there was no turning back. She was to be a marchioness, a title that promised both privilege and responsibility. She wouldn't end up the cherished aunt who taught her nieces and nephews to play pianoforte, which she did poorly, or how to read the scandalous romance novels she preferred.

"Such felicity awaits you, my dear girl," Mother exclaimed, her entire face alight with her joy. She stood, arranging her skirts with a practiced grace before gliding towards Minnie with arms outstretched. Wrapping her daughter in an embrace, she whispered words laced with pride and prophecy.

"CeCe shall be a viscountess, resplendent in her charm," she murmured, drawing back to gaze upon her eldest with fondness. CeCe smiled in return.

"And you, Minnie, shall rise to a marchioness, a position of much respectability and influence," Mother continued, turning her attention once again to Minnie.

All eyes turned to Bella, who had remained at her sister's feet as she recounted her day, absorbing every detail with the quiet attentiveness that was her hallmark.

"Ah, but what fortune this shall bring for our dear Bella," Mother said, encompassing the youngest Dixon sister with a glance that held both affection and calculation. "With two noble matches secured, it portends only good things for your own prospects, my love."

Bella blushed, a soft rose blooming across her cheeks as she demurely cast her hazel eyes downward. "As long as I find the love my sisters have, I shall be happy."

Mrs. Blythe entered and asked about their supper wishes, and the packages were suddenly recalled. CeCe and Bella jumped to gather their purchases, once again rattling off the details to Minnie. Mother removed her hat and gloves at last, and everything returned to a normal day.

Except for Minnie. For her, after today, nothing would ever seem normal again.