Page 37 of The Marquess's Imperfect Brid
The maid nodded, though she looked uncertain.
“I believe so,” she said. “They are waiting for you in the music room.”
Grace nodded and followed the maid into the music room, where her parents were waiting. As she entered, the marquess rose, approaching his eldest daughter with broad strides. He kissed her on the cheek, then led her to the sofa, where he sat beside his wife. The marquess and marchioness exchanged doting looks before turning back to Grace, who was growing anxious. What had occasioned such an assembly? And why were her siblings not invited?
“Darling,” her mother said as tears filled her eyes. She took Grace’s hands in hers and smiled at her with admiration. “We just wanted to commend you for deciding to play at the musicale.”
Grace blinked, taken aback. She had only informed Abigail of her final decision to perform the night before as the ball had come to an end. She had intended to announce her decision at breakfast that day. How did they already know?
The marquess put a gentle hand on his daughter’s back andgave her a smile that matched her mother’s.
“Abigail was so thrilled that she could not help telling us the good news as we were leaving last night,” he said. “I hope you are not angry with her.”
Grace smiled fondly as she thought about the vicar’s wife. She had seemed so hopeful that Grace would accept the request the day she had mentioned it. Grace could hardly fault her for being excited.
“I am not angry at all,” she said. “I shall tell Neil and Anne at breakfast.”
The marquess nodded, stroking her cheek softly.
“You are the bravest and most resilient young lady I have ever known,” he said, his voice filled with emotion. “Your mother and I could not be prouder of the strength and dedication you have exhibited in overcoming the challenges you have faced in recent years. You are a remarkable young woman, darling, and we will be swelled with great admiration as we watch you perform this evening.”
Grace blushed. Her parents had had no shortage of praise and adoration for her since her accident. But it never failed to humble and delight her when they expressed their pride so freely. She knew that not everyone in her situation had a loving family to support them through the trials that life after disfigurement or impairment brought for them. She was grateful for the affection and solidarity from her family which had given her the confidence she needed to even consider things like performing at the musicale.
It was to be her first performance, outside of her own home and the orphanage, since before the accident. And while she was a little nervous at the prospect, the commendation from her parents also boosted her self-esteem and added a thrill for the event that allowed her to look forward to the performance.
“Thank you both,” she said, embracing her parents. “You donot know how much your kind words mean to me. I am looking forward to performing for the entire community, and that is in large part because of the two of you.”
Her parents simultaneously shook their heads, exchanging another pride filled look.
“Not at all, my dear,” her father said. “We serve only to love and support you. You are the one who has granted yourself the grace to gain confidence. And that confidence is very well earned, I might add. You are a remarkable young lady, and you deserve to be certain of that fact.”
The marchioness beamed, giving her daughter a knowing smile.
“On the matter of your confidence,” she said with sparkling eyes. “I have noticed that you seem to have quite the friendship with Lord Hayewood. He is a very fine gentleman, and he seems to truly enjoy your company.”
Grace tried vainly to hide a smile, causing her parents to exchange more looks.
“He helped me rescue Lady Whiskers when she ran up a tree one day, coming back from the orphanage,” she said. “He is certainly a very good friend to both of us.”
The marchioness’s eyes lit up with awe, and she nodded with approval.
“That was a very noble thing to do,” she said. “Even nobler still that he has made no mention of it to anyone.” She paused, giving her daughter another sly smile. “Is there a possibility that you feel something more than friendship for the young marquess?”
Grace blushed, but she could not suppress her giggle. She looked away from her parents shyly, blushing harder as they tittered amongst themselves.
“I admit that he is very handsome,” she said. “And no man but one with a gentle heart could go out of his way to rescue afeline that is of no consequence.” She paused, looking up at her mother. The marchioness’s excitement and encouraging eyes allowed her to continue. “And I must also admit that I enjoy his company, as well.”
The marchioness clapped her hands, her endless grin widening.
“And do you think he has any feelings for you?” she asked.
Grace laughed.
“Mother,” she gently chided. “If I did not know better, I might think you expect me to marry him.”
Louisa Farraway, shrugged, trying to look innocent, even as her eyes danced with the notion of her eldest daughter getting married.
“I simply believe that a man such as Lord Hayewood is truly worthy of my darling daughter,” she said.
