Keeping the marriage arrangement simple is for the best,she thought. Dragging out the engagement and having a large ceremony would only give high society more time to scrutinize the couple and their families. Specifically, Cecily’s family.
Agnes had only just debuted. Making a spectacle of her wedding would surely endanger Agnes’s chances at finding a match. Besides, Cecily wanted her sister to enjoy the rest of her Season without having to worry about her blind sister. If Cecily married as soon as possible, then Agnes would at last feel comfortable enough to truly enjoy the Season, as all young women should.
She thought about living in the countryside, as well. She did not admit as much aloud, but she was thrilled by the idea. She knew she would be much happier back in the countryside, away from the judgmental eyes and whispers of the members of high society. She suspected that that was precisely what the Duke had been thinking when he made the suggestion.
“Lady Cecily?” the Duke asked. “Are you all right?”
Cecily blushed, realizing that she had taken quite a long time to answer. She smiled and nodded.
“Cecily,” she said. “Considering that we are to be married, please, call me Cecily. And yes, I am fine. Forgive me. I was giving it too much thought.”
The Duke shifted his weight beside her.
“I understand that all this is happening quite suddenly,” he said. “If you need a moment to really think about it, I could speak with your father and let you have a few minutes to yourself.”
Cecily shook her head, smiling again.
“No,” she said. “I am happy to agree to a marriage by special license.” She paused, thinking of her mother and sister. “However, I have one condition that I would like to ask of you, if I may, Your Grace”
The Duke chuckled softly.
“Val,” he said. “As you said, we are to be married. I believe it is only appropriate that we address one another as such. And of course, Cecily. I will hear your condition.”
Cecily took a breath. She could hardly believe the conversation that was taking place, but she was determined to keep herself composed.
“I wish to be married here, at Dervinshire Manor,” she said. “I believe that my family would appreciate that, too.”
Val gave another soft chuckle. She realized quickly that it was not a condescending sound. It appeared as though he did it when she surprised him. Or, at the very least, when she said something he agreed with.
“Of course,” he said. “I would be happy for us to wed here. Your condition is gladly accepted.”
Cecily smiled. She had not expected the Duke to be so considerate and accommodating to her. It was becoming easier for her to believe that she was making the right decision. He did seem as though he wanted to make her comfortable and happy. That gave her a small amount of comfort with her bold, rash decision.
“Thank you, Val,” she said. “Then I agree to your conditions, as well.”
“Cecily, darling?” her father asked from the doorway. “Is everything all right?”
Cecily smiled fondly at her father. She did not know how much time had passed since the earl had stepped outside the room. But she was hardly surprised that he was worried.
“Oh, yes, Father,” she said. “Val and I were just discussing our wedding plans. We have agreed to marry within the next three days here, at Dervinshire Manor.”
The Earl approached the couple, and Cecily could sense his unease. She knew it must be difficult for him to understand the duke’s motivations for everything that was happening. Truthfully, she didn’t fully understand them. But the Duke was kinder to her than she could have ever imagined, and he was as reasonable as he could possibly be.
“Very well,” her father said with some reluctance. “If this is what will make you happy, then I agree with your decision.”
Cecily grinned again, opening her arms to her father. He came to her immediately, embracing her tightly.
“Thank you, Papa,” she said. “I believe this will make me very happy.” She was still a bit uncertain as to whether that was true. And as the shock of the events began to wear off, her nerves began to sing loudly to her. But she intended to take full advantage of the opportunity to remove the burden of caring for her off her dear sister.
The Earl released his daughter and turned to face His Grace, the Duke.
“Since Cecily has decided that she wishes to marry you, I would like to formally give you my blessing,” he said.
Beside her, Val moved, and she imagined that he was bowing.
“Thank you, Lord Dervinshire,” he said. “If you will excuse me, I must take my leave. I must go and obtain our special license at once.” He turned to Cecily and took her hand. “Please, send word to me at once if you have need of me, for any reason.”
Cecily blushed. It sounded as though he was already treating her as his wife before they were even wed.
