A Courtship to Remember: A Historical Regency Romance Book

by Bridget Barton

  “You seem to be in high fidgets, Elizabeth. I am not used to seeing you in this manner. Has something happened?”

  Elizabeth stopped, turning to Cecilia. “I do not know, but I have the strangest feeling that all is not well.”

  “That is a strange feeling to have indeed. I, on the other hand, am in high spirits. Percy has been to see Papa.”

  Elizabeth had noticed a rider upon a horse in the distance, but she had paid him no mind. That must have been Percy.

  “What could he possibly want with Papa so early in the day? We have only just had our first meal.”

  “We shall just have to see. I expect that whatever they spoke about will soon change my life.” Cecilia had a smug look on her face, a look that did not sit well with her sister.

  “You clearly know something, Ceci. I would prefer it if you would tell me now rather than find out about it later.”

  Cecilia took another bite of her apple, taking her time to chew it before swallowing it. She is doing this on purpose. Sometimes I wonder how we could have come from the same womb and parents when we are so different.

  “Stop badgering me, Elizabeth. I am sure that Papa will speak to us when he sees fit to. Why do you not play something? I heard you playing as I came in and it sounded terrible. You are losing your touch.”

  Elizabeth was offended. She tried not to be, but her sister's words hit her hard.

  “I am merely having a bad day. We all get those at times – it is perfectly natural.”

  Cecilia shrugged her shoulders. “If you say so.”

  Her sister took a seat, but she did not sit back and relax. Elizabeth could see that her sister appeared to be waiting for something to happen, almost as if she were biding her time. Then it hit her. What if what Cecilia expected to happen was coming to pass? What if Percy had come to ask their father for Cecilia's hand in marriage? The thought had her taking a seat as well, her body feeling numb. What will her betrothal mean for me? Not a minute had passed when a servant entered the room, informing them that their father requested their immediate presence in the parlour.

  “It is about time,” Cecilia commented. “Percy has been gone for quite some minutes. I was beginning to think that Papa would never call me. Although I do not know why he is requesting that you come as well. Surely he should talk to me before announcing anything to anyone else?”

  Elizabeth stood up and wordlessly left the room, Cecilia coming up behind her.

  “What in heaven’s name is the matter with you? You are walking about as though you are the living dead!”

  “I have nothing to say, Cecilia. I wish to go to Papa, hear what he will say, and return to my music.”

  If Cecilia is to be married, why do I feel as though all is lost? I am not the one getting married, surely I should be happy for her? But Elizabeth could not shake off the feeling of dread that sat upon her like a dense storm cloud. At any minute the cloud was sure to burst and rain down its ill tidings.

  Cecilia sniffed. “If you are going to act like an uptight maiden on her wedding night –”

  “Cecilia!”

  Her sister looked at her defiantly, hands on hips. "Yes, I said it! I am not a child anymore, although everyone seems to forget it. I am a grown woman who knows her mind. I may not be book smart, but I shall be the one getting married while you will be alone with your music. You had best start practising because you are losing your touch."

  Cecilia stomped away, back stiff with annoyance. That had been the first time Elizabeth had ever heard her sister utter such vile words. She evidently did not get it from home – not even Mama speaks in that manner. It must be her group of friends. Knowing that her father appreciated and expected punctuality, she hurried after her sister, reaching her just as she entered the parlour. Their father motioned for them to come in and take a seat, waiting for them to be settled before launching into the reason behind his summons.

  "I have called you both in here today due to a serious matter, one that must be resolved before we can move forward."

  Elizabeth waited with bated breath, her insides knotted painfully. Why does he not just say it instead of increasing tension? She gave a side glance at her sister, who did not appear tense. In fact, she seemed quite certain of what Papa was about to say.

  “Firstly,” he continued. “I wish to reveal that Percival has asked for Cecilia's hand in marriage.”

  “Oh, Papa! I knew that he would eventually come! What did you say? Did you accept his proposal? Please tell me, Papa!”

  “Calm yourself, Cecilia! There is more to this situation.”

  Cecilia deflated. "I do not understand. If Percy has asked for your blessing, what more can there be, Papa?"

  “I have not given my blessing yet.”

  “Oh, Papa!” cried Cecilia. “Have you turned him away? I could not bear it if you have done so!”

  “Cecilia!”

  The sharpness in his voice was enough to subdue her sister. Her lips trembled slightly, but she said no more.

  “I have not given young Percival Hawkins my blessing yet because I wish for the both of you to fulfil a condition that I have.”

  Elizabeth closed her eyes and let her head fall. She could not stand it! What was Papa going to say?

  “If you both participate in this year's London season, I shall give my blessing.”

  Elizabeth’s head shot up. “The London season, Papa? If Cecilia already has her suitor, what reason is there to participate?”

  “I would think that that was obvious, Elizabeth,” he said. “You must also find a suitor.”

  She sucked in a breath. Her father had never spoken of this, not since her first London season almost three years ago.

  “I do not understand, Papa. Why would my finding a suitor affect your decision regarding Percy's proposal?”

  “You can hardly believe that I shall allow your sister to be married before you? It is not proper and is simply not done. You must marry first.”

  Elizabeth felt as though she could not breathe. What is this? Get married? What of my passion? My dreams? “I cannot agree to this, Papa.”

  This earned her a sharp glance from her sister. She could feel the weight of her sister's look, the rising anger behind them.

  “Then your sister will not marry. It is quite simple.”

  “This is hardly fair!” Cecilia cried. “Why must I suffer for my sister's aversion to marriage?”

  “The condition is simple, Cecilia. I have given my reasons for this decision. You simply cannot be betrothed before your older sister. I shall not have the Ramsbury name darkened due to this scandal.”

  The noose about Elizabeth's neck tightened. Papa has placed Cecilia's future in my hands, but all I wish to do is run away.

  “I hardly think that our name will be darkened by my lack of a suitor, Papa. It is no secret that I am devoted to my music and have no interest in the usual pursuit of matrimony.”

  Her father leaned forward, locking his hands on his desk.

  “Let me put it plainly then, daughter. If you do not take this opportunity to find a suitable husband, then I shall find you a husband. Your sister wishes to get married, and she has a suitor who comes from a good family. I shall not allow this opportunity to pass her by due to your fanciful ideas of pursuing a music career.”

  She looked away, unable to look at the man she called Father. He was strict, yes, and a traditionalist, but never before did she imagine that he would try to force a marriage on her. She looked at her father again, with determination.

  “You would do this to your daughter? Have I ever given you trouble, Papa? Have I ever asked for things from you, demanded things, or disobeyed your instructions in my nineteen years of existence? Why would you do this to me? Do I not have a choice?”

  He sighed. “I worry about you, Elizabeth. Your head is in the clouds, but there is no future there, only empty promises. You have been a good daughter to me, there is no question about that, but I must still look out for my reputation
as well as yours.”

  “By forcing marriage?”

  “I must see you both married, Elizabeth, not just my younger daughter. If I were to allow that to happen, not only will it be a blight on my name, but it will put your reputation at risk. People will believe that there is something wrong with you. They well ostracise you and treat you like the leper of society. Do you wish that to happen?”

  “I am not bothered by what society thinks, Papa, and neither should you.”

  He laughed bitterly. “You are still so young, daughter. You do not understand how cruel the world can be, especially for those who do not conform. I shall not have my daughter be looked upon with disdain, do you hear me? You are an extension of me, and I cannot afford to have you write your own future.”

  “There is no hope that you will change your mind?”

  He shook his head. “This is the only way that I, as a father, can secure a future for both of my daughters. I shall be satisfied once I know that you are both well provided for.”

  Elizabeth's shoulders sagged. It does not seem that I have an option or a choice. If I do not go, then he will make sure to find me a husband and force me to get married. As he is my father, no one will question it. He will force me as Mama's father forced her.

  But she could not simply accept this fate. Cecilia's happiness should not solely rest on her shoulders. I am not my sister's keeper. If Papa did not intend for her to marry now, then he should never have encouraged the courtship between her and Percy. If anything, it is his fault. Why should my dreams be thrown to the side so that others may fulfil theirs and keep their precious reputations?

  “No,” she said quietly.

  “I beg your pardon?”

  “No,” she repeated.

  “Do you dare to refuse these conditions?”

  "How can I accept them when my happiness is at stake? You are attempting to ruin my future to please other people, how is that fair? You are my father, and I love you, but I cannot agree to anything that you have said.”

  Elizabeth refused to feel helpless about her future. If she did not take a stand now, then she would fail in everything.

  "Perhaps you need some time to think it over. I accept that this news has come as a shock; thus you cannot think rationally. You and Cecilia may go. I expect a final answer by the end of the day as I must send word to your aunt and uncle in London."

  Cecilia stood up first, running out of the room with a sob.

  “Thank you, Papa,” said Elizabeth, getting up from her seat.

  He inclined his head towards her before pulling a stack of papers and sifting through them. Dismissed. She loathed to think of the hysterics she would encounter with Cecilia. She left the room, wondering if she should hide away or face her sister. As she wasn't one to run away, she went in search of Cecilia.

  *

  Elizabeth did not immediately find her sister, despite combing through the house for her. Perhaps Mrs Potts would know where she was.

  Their housekeeper had eyes on the back of her head, nothing passed her. Probably why she was such a good housekeeper. Elizabeth found the middle-aged woman in the drawing room, ordering the cleaning of all the furniture and floor. She had three other servant girls with her, all who seemed somewhat scared of her. Mrs Potts could be quite a force, a formidable figure to those who did not know her well. Elizabeth did not recognise these young women and doubted that they had been with the for any length of time.

  “Mrs Potts?”

  The woman looked up, smiling. “There is my little Elizabeth.”

  Elizabeth smiled. Mrs Potts was easily her favourite person, always ready to hear of any problems and offer advice. She wasn't one to judge a person, but neither would she lie if asked a particularly serious or touchy question. She was a straightforward woman, but one with lots of love to give.

  “Mrs Potts, have you seen Cecilia?”

  “I did see her streaking past the drawing room. She seemed upset – have you two had a falling out?”

  Mrs Potts was well aware of Cecilia's high-strung ways. It was not that Elizabeth went out of her way to upset her sister, but Cecilia did find fault with much of what she did or said. The day she turned thirteen was the day Ceci ceased to be someone that I could understand.

  “I would not precisely call it a falling out. It is rather complicated.”

  “As it always is with your sister. Come, tell me what has happened.”

  They sat down at the far end of the room, away from the listening ears of the servants.

  “I gather that this has to do with that young man of hers. He seemed determined to speak to your father this morning.”

  “Yes. He has asked for Papa's blessing – he wishes to get married to Cecilia.”

  “But that should make her happy. If my sweetheart approached my father for my hand in marriage, I would be over the moon. I would not waste my time being tearful.”

  “Yes, but there is something else, something that has upset her. Papa has given a condition before he can allow Percy to propose to Cecilia.”

  Mrs Potts sighed. “I can see where this is going. He expects you to marry as well, does he not?”

  Elizabeth looked at her in surprise. “How can you know such a thing? Papa only just spoke to us.”

  “My dear, one does not live with a family for fifteen years and know nothing of how they think and operate. I had my suspicions, although I wished that I was wrong.”

  “Well, it is quite a shock for me. I do not believe that I ever truly thought that Papa would demand such a thing. I know he is a stern man, but he has never been unfair or controlling. I do not understand what has happened to him.”

  “Child, your father is a man living in a society that puts great stock by reputation and adhering to rules made up by those who believe that they know better. Most of these rules are not beneficial for women but cater to a man's perspective and wants. It is rare for a woman to break out of the mould and be her own person. Your father is a victim of society, as are you. He just happens to be in a better position due to his gender, but he is still morally bound to follow the rules.”

  This did not make her feel any better, but some of the anger that she had towards her father lifted. Why could he not see things from her perspective? Life was not always about pleasing other people who would sooner talk about you than support you.

  “I understand your words, Mrs Potts, but nothing changes the predicament that I am in. If I do not marry, then Cecilia does not marry.”

  “Oh dear.”

  "Precisely. I refused to do so, but I am doing so at the risk of Cecilia's happiness. She loves Percy, she truly does and is ready to become a wife. But why must my life be tied to her happiness? Whichever way I look at it, someone will be unhappy."

  Mrs Potts covered her hand with her own callused one, squeezing it gently.

  "This is a difficult decision to make, Elizabeth, but I am sure you will make the right one. You have a good head on your shoulders, always have." She stood up. "Now, I must get back to my cleaning. If I do not supervise these girls, they will wreak havoc with my house."

  Elizabeth stood up as well, feeling decidedly better. Had her mother been here she might have confided in her, but she had left soon after breakfast. It was becoming increasingly apparent that her mother did not like to spend much of her time at home.

  “Are they new?”

  “Yes. Your mother agreed that we need more servants in the house, especially as she has increased the number of dinner parties each year.”

  "Yes, Mama does so love her parties. Do you perhaps know where Cecilia might have gone? I have searched the house already, and she is not here."

  “She and her young man have a favourite spot outside. If you go beyond the ferns, you will find her.”

  “Thank you, Mrs Potts. Is there any chance that there will be cake for lunch today? I find that always lifts my spirits, well, besides playing the pianoforte, but I seem off today.”

  The woman nodded. “
I heard you earlier on.”

  Elizabeth smiled wryly. “It seems that the entire world heard me.”

  Mrs Potts laughed. “We all have those days, child. Just the other day I put salt in my tea instead of sugar.”

  Elizabeth pulled a face. “I should not have liked to drink that tea.”

  “It was an experience. Off you go, find that sister of yours – do not allow yourself to be bullied by her.”