Page 40 of ?n Arranged Betrothal with a Blind Duke
“Oh, do tell, Annabelle,” she said, tugging at her friend's hand to lead her to the parlor.
Annabelle paused just outside the parlor door, patting her friend’s hand, and giving a gentle shake of her head.
“Adrian’s aunt invited me to a morning tea discussing the wedding,” she said. “And she has asked me to bring a friend.”
A gasp escaped Penelope, her eyes sparkling with excitement, her face alight with the same contagious energy she always carried with her.
“Oh, heavens,” she said. “That sounds perfectly delightful.” She grabbed Annabelle’s hand once more, this time tugging her toward the stairs. “Come. I must get out of this old frock of a dress. I shan’t take long, but I need your help selecting a dress.”
Annabelle laughed as she let her friend drag her up the stairs and to her chambers. Penelope’s lovely yellow day dress was hardly an old frock, but it was clear that her friend wanted to look her best, as Annabelle had. Annabelle couldn't help but laugh at Penelope's exuberance, her mirth bubbling up in tinkling waves. Penelope was a vision of unbridled joy, her enthusiasm as infectious as a happy melody. This is why she had thought of her. The idea of bringing anyone else now seemed unimaginable.
It was in moments like these that she found herself incredibly grateful for Penelope. Despite the uncertainties and trials of life, her friend's constant positivity was like a lighthouse guiding her through rough seas. With Penelope true to her word, they were heading out the door and boarding a small carriage, on their way to the home of Annabelle’s future family.
As the grand edifice of Thornwood Manor revealed itself, Annabelle felt a knot of excitement tighten in her abdominal. The manor, with its ivy-laden stone walls and towering turrets, exuded an aura of venerable elegance. The rhythmic symphony of hooves and wheels came to a halt, their journey ending in a flurry of hooves and whinnies.
No sooner had they alighted than Patches bounded up to them. His tail wagged like a banner in a strong breeze, his tongue lolling out in a show of enthusiastic welcome. His affections brought an easy smile to Annabelle's face, a sigh of relief escaping her at this friendly reception.
“Hello, darling,” she said, bending over to scratch the dog behind the ears. “How are you this morning?”
In reply, Patches stood on his hind legs, waiting for Annabelle to take his paws in her hands before he began licking them. She laughed merrily, with Penelope joining in as he gave her a quick, disinterested sniff and then began leading the way to the door of the manor.
The tea with Marjorie unfolded beautifully. They were ushered into a sunlit drawing-room where a porcelain tea set gleamed on the table, accompanied by an array of delectable pastries and fruit. The fragrance of blooming roses from the adjacent garden wafted through the open windows, an aromatic signature of the Thornwood estate.
Marjorie was a delightful hostess, her radiant smile softening the grandeur of her surroundings. She welcomed the women warmly, embracing Penelope as though she was an old friend, even as Annabelle was introducing them.
Penelope curtseyed politely, but Marjorie stopped her with a gentle hand on her shoulder.
“There’s no need for that, my dear,” she said. “While you are here, this is your home, and you are family. Just like my dear Annabelle here.”
Annabelle and Penelope both blushed, and they shared a look of mutual delight at the woman’s warm nature.
“Thank you, Lady Marjorie,” Penelope said as she and Annabelle took seats.
Marjorie shook her head with the same sweet smile.
“None of that, either, darling,” she said. “Call me Aunt Marjorie. I insist.”
Penelope giggled.
“Very well, Aunt Marjorie,” she said.
Marjorie nodded, turning to Annabelle with a smile.
“Have you thought about the wedding yet?” she asked.
Annabelle sighed. She had thought of little else. But she didn’t know the first thing about planning one.
“I’m afraid I am very lax in my knowledge of wedding planning,” she said. “Though I do not mind if it is a small, simple affair. I would hate to go overboard with the costs of everything.”
Marjorie gave Annabelle a sympathetic look and shook her head.
“No, darling,” she said. “Remember, Adrian and I will be paying for the wedding. And I am at your disposal for any assistance any time. You need only ask.”
Annabelle looked at Marjorie in wonder. She would normally protest, as it felt a little like taking advantage of such grandiose kindness from someone she’d only just met recently. But Marjorie’s eyes were glittering with pride and excitement, and a hint of determination. Clearly, she had made up her mind, and she would not be swayed.
“This is so very kind,” she said. “Thank you, if I have not said that already. I can’t recall having ever been so grateful.”
Marjorie shook her head, waving her hand in her usual, humble manner.
