When Agnes did not answer right away, Cecily knew exactly why. Her joy subsided, and she gave her sister a wistful look.
“I do not know,” she said. “I just do not believe that I am quite ready for marriage.”
Cecily’s heart sank. Of course, Agnes was ready for marriage. She and Agnes used to dream of their wedding days since they were girls. Agnes could hardly wait until she could come out and begin searching for a husband. Cecily knew that she was only avoiding marriage because of her.
In an instant, she made her decision about the duke’s proposal. She rose to her feet, leaning down to kiss her sister on the cheek.
“I think you should reconsider, dear sister,” she said. “Please, excuse me. I just remembered something pressing I must do.”
Before her sister could object, Cecily slowly made her way toward the door. Greta met her before she stepped out into the hallway and Cecily took her arm. She gestured for Greta to lead her away from the drawing room before she spoke.
“Help me with Father's study, please?” she whispered.
“Of course,” the maid agreed. “Are you all right?”
Cecily nodded. She was not sure if she was all right with what she was about to do. But she was determined, no matter what.
“I am fine, Greta,” she said.
The maid walked with her in silence to her father’s study.
“The door is open, milady,” she said.
Cecily nodded, slowly stepping into the room as she let go of the maid.
“Will you be out here?” Cecily asked.
Greta patted her gently.
“Of course, milady,” she said. “Just call whenever you need me.”
Cecily nodded.
“Thank you,” she said. Then, she put out her hand so that she could knock on the open study door.
Cecily could hear her father rise quickly and hurry over to her.
“Hello, darling,” he said lovingly. “Is everything all right?”
Cecily nodded as her father led her over to the same sofa on which he had given her the news the day before.
“Yes,” she said. “I came to tell you that I have reached a decision regarding the duke’s marriage proposal.”
Her father grew very quiet for a brief instant before speaking.
“Very well,” he said gently. “And what is your decision?”
Cecily gave him a reassuring smile.
“I will accept his offer,” she said.
She could feel her father, who was sitting opposite her, tense. He took a deep breath, holding it for a long moment before releasing it.
“Darling,” he said, his voice filled with concern. “Are you certain this is what you want? You can take more time to think about it. You don’t have to rush to give your answer. I am sure the Duke would understand.”
Cecily was shaking her head even before her father finished speaking. She reached out until she felt his hand and gave it a soft squeeze.
“I do not need more time, Papa,” she said. “This is what I wish to do. I am certain of it. Could you please send a word to His Grace? I would like to speak with him as quickly as possible.”
