“I understand how frustrating that must be for you,” she said, patting Cecily’s knee. “But I take that to mean that he does not expect anything from you. At least, not for the time being. Perhaps, he is just trying to let you get comfortable here before expecting you to take up any duties.”
Cecily nodded, but she still felt doubtful.
“I just wish that he would speak with me more,” she said. “I do not even know if he likes me.”
Greta embraced her.
“He would be a fool to not like you, your Grace,” she said. “I think that the two of you will grow more comfortable with one another in time.”
Cecily nodded again. She wanted to believe what Greta was saying. But the only thing she felt was an ever-growing sense that she had made a terrible mistake.
“I hope so,” she said, pulling away from the maid. “I really wish that I could speak with Mother and Agnes.”
Greta squeezed her arm.
“You must miss them dearly,” she said.
Cecily nodded.
“Indeed, I do,” she said. “I do not think that I will ever grow accustomed to not having tea with them or joining them for meals every day.”
Cecily imagined Greta nodding.
“It may not seem like it now,” she said. “But you will adjust to life in your new home. It will get easier to live without being in the same house as your family. And I will be right here with you through everything.”
Cecily smiled fondly at her maid, taking both her hands in hers. She knew that Greta would always be there for her. She truly had no idea what she would ever do without her.
“Pardon me, your Grace,” Mr. Roger, the butler, said as he entered the parlor.
Cecily rose with Greta holding her arm gently.
“Yes?” she asked. She still felt timid when addressing the servants. Her new title, as her new station, was still foreign to her, and she did not feel the confidence that a new lady-of-the-house should feel.
“The mail has come,” he said.
Cecily started to walk to the butler, but Greta patted her gently.
“I will fetch it,” she said.
Cecily nodded, waiting for her maid to return to her side. The butler took his leave as Greta came back to her.
“Oh, your Grace,” she said. “It is a letter from Lady Agnes.”
Cecily’s heart soared, and she clapped her hands with excitement.
“That is wonderful,” she said, her earlier dark mood dissipating. “Please, read it.”
Greta took her hand and helped her back into her seat. Cecily trembled with enthusiasm as she heard the maid open the envelope and begin reading.
Dear Cece,
I hope this letter finds you well and happy with your new husband. I miss you dearly. I can still hardly believe that my own sister is now a Duchess. I am so thrilled for, and proud of, you, and I wish you all the bliss that you rightfully deserve as the amazing woman and sister that you are.
I have glad tidings regarding the Season, Sister, and I think you will be very excited. I just began courting the Viscount Marendale. Just this morning, in fact. I could not wait to tell you the news. As soon as he left after speaking with Father and asking me to court him, I ran straight to my chambers to write this letter to you.
I am so happy, Cece. He is handsome and a true gentleman, and I know that you will approve of him. I already feel as though I am falling in love with him, and I believe that he is with me, as well. I think that he might make an offer for marriage soon. I know that I would be thrilled to accept.
Me being happy is important to you, and I want you to know that I could not be more so. Mother and Father are doing well, also, though they miss you just as much as I do. They send their endless love and greetings. And we all want you to remember what we told you on your wedding day: we are always here for you, no matter what.
