“I cannot wait to begin planning,” Emma said, excitedly. “There is so much that needs to be done.”
“It is good that he has agreed to visit the estate with his family soon,” the Duke chimed in. “We can sort out all the important decisions that need to be made ahead of the wedding.”
Emma sighed dreamily. “I will get the chance to spend some time with my future husband.”
“Yes, you should spend some time getting to know him,” the Dowager Duchess noted, then looked over at her son with a sly smile. “Perhaps Henry should get acquainted with his future wife during this time as well.”
“Joanna?” Emma’s tone perked up in excitement. “It would be lovely to meet her.”
“Yes, I believe so as well.” The Dowager Duchess nodded. “I have invited her to the party, and she will be arriving in a few days if all goes according to plan.”
The Duke could feel his mother’s careful gaze scrutinizing his expression. Perhaps she expected him to show more excitement, but the truth was, he felt neutral about the situation.
“Is that all right with you, Henry?” she finally asked him directly.
The Duke shrugged in response. “I trust you to make the right choice, and therefore, I have no issue with her being invited.”
“Can you be any less romantic?” Emma stifled a giggle at her brother’s words. “You are acting as though you are about to meet a business associate, not your future wife.”
“Forgive me for not bursting with happiness at the mere mention of her name, dear sister,” the Duke muttered, feeling annoyed at being called out unprovoked.
“What is life without romance?” Emma sighed dreamily, once again likely thinking of her impending marriage.
“I believe your sister is right.” The Dowager Duchess nodded in agreement. “You do not have to be as dramatic as she is, however. It would be good if the two of you got a chance to get to know each other before we move forward with the wedding.”
“As you wish,” the Duke said.
“Always so serious.” Emma shook her head. “I would be appalled if my future husband acted this way when told about the prospect of seeing me.”
“Emma,” Modesty narrowed her eyes at her youngest, “behave. The two of you just have different ways of expressing your affection. You are an open book, whereas your brother takes a while to get comfortable enough to show how he truly feels.”
“I will meet with Joanna when she arrives at the estate,” the Duke said, an air of finality to his voice. “But I see no use in discussing beforehand the various outcomes that our meeting may take. Now, if you may excuse me, I have some more important matters to attend to.”
The Duke left the two women at the dinner table and retired to his library. Surely, they must have a lot to discuss with each other, and he was not interested in being a part of the conversation anymore.
* * *
“Peter, you are finally home,” Deborah greeted her brother later that evening. She had been waiting for his arrival all afternoon. “You must tell me everything. Did her family agree to the proposal?”
“Patience, dear sister.” Peter chuckled. Deborah noticed that he seemed to be in high spirits, so that meant he carried good news with him. “I have only just arrived. Give me a moment to settle down, at least.”
The two of them sat down at the dining table where they were joined by their grandmother, Tabitha, the Dowager Countess of Shalrow.
“Is Nicholas home?” Peter asked.
Deborah shook her head. “He had to step out of the house for some business. But you cannot possibly delay telling us till he returns.”
“All right.” Peter nodded, finally relenting, and a bright smile spread across his face. “I had a discussion with the Duke, and I told him about my intentions to marry Emma.”
“And what did he say?” Deborah asked, impatiently. It seemed that her brother was taking pleasure in taking his time and keeping her on the edge of her seat.
“Well, we spoke at length about the topic,” Peter said.
“And?”
“Peter, dear, you must put your sister out of her misery.” Tabitha shook her head. “She has been waiting quite eagerly to find out the outcome of your visit.”
“He agreed to give me Emma’s hand in marriage,” Peter finally announced, smiling wide.
