“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 them 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.
&nb
sp; “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.”
“I shall surely try. Thank you, Mrs Potts.”
"A pleasure, child." She looked away, narrowing her eyes. "Would you excuse me, I see a disaster unfolding before my very eyes. Mary Anne!" she shouted walking away. "How is it that you are wiping the furniture with the cloth meant for the floor?"
Elizabeth walked away quickly, knowing that Mrs Potts was a dragon when upset. Poor girl. Now to find Cecilia.
*
Mrs Potts was right. Elizabeth found Cecilia exactly where she had said. The young girl was sitting on the ground, yanking on the wildflowers that surrounded her. She approached her sister, knowing precisely when her presence was noted.
“This area is wonderful, Ceci. I see why you would come here.”
“Go away.”
“Not until we discuss this matter.”
Cecilia laughed. “What is there to discuss when you have already made your decision?”
“You are clearly upset, but –”
“Upset? That is an understatement! I am spitting mad. Now, leave me alone.”
Elizabeth sighed. “I wish to explain my choice. Do I not have a right to do that much? I am not the one that gave the ultimatum.”
“But you are the one that has just ruined my life.”
Cecilia suddenly got up and ran away, leaving Elizabeth at odds. Did she follow or leave her sister? It was not as though she did not try, but Cecilia clearly did not want to speak to her. She could not leave her in that state.
Elizabeth took off running in Cecilia's direction, knowing that she would soon catch up to her. Sure enough, she caught her sister in the courtyard, grabbing her by the arm so that she could go no further. Her sister yanked her arm away, staring furiously at her sister.
“What purpose do you have with me?” panted Cecilia. “Do you seek to rub salt into my wounds?”
“You need to stop and listen to me! Nothing can come of you running away.”
Her sister snorted. “I beg to differ. I cannot bear to see your face any longer. You are a traitor, do you know that? How could you destroy my life in this manner? I had a chance of happiness, but you ripped it away from me due to your selfishness!”
“My selfishness? Have you lost your mind? I told you that I do not wish to be married, but you would have me enter into a loveless marriage because you wish to wrap yourself in marital chains!”
Cecilia raised her finger, pointing it at her, fury making her hand shake. “You are a fool, Elizabeth Ramsbury! Do you not see how heartbroken I am? I shall lose the only man that I love because you have resigned yourself to a loveless future.”
“You clearly do not know me well, sister dear. If you did, you would know that I love my music. In fact, it is the only love in my life. While you will be devoting your time to a domineering husband and demanding children, I shall lead a fulfilling life of pursuing my passion. Who is the fool here? There is only one from where I am standing.”
Lords to Be Enamored With: A Historical Regency Romance Collection Page 34