“I will not be this formal, nor will I be so imposing,” Jane replied, still gazing at the dowager whose presence seemed to have stirred up some tension in the atmosphere.
Jane thought that the footman really looked clumsy, running and asking the staff around what seemed to be giving off the odor which ironically, only the dowager herself could smell.
“I cannot…I will not,” she added.
“I guess she must have said the same thing, a couple of decades ago,” Sarah said to her. “Look how she turned out.”
Jane knew that getting married to the Duke of Montford would come with a lot of expectations; she would need to act, dress, walk and eat in a certain way. None of this was new to her given that her father was a Viscount but it wouldn't be the same in the Dukedom of Montford. She hated to admit it, but Sarah was right.
Both sisters watched as Prudence allowed herself to be escorted up the front steps by her staff, walking with the dignity and authority befitting her station. With her head held high, her expression was serene yet commanding. As she disappeared into the manor, Jane felt a mix of trepidation and determination. Meeting Prudence would be a challenge, but one she wasresolved to face with as much composure as the dowager herself displayed.
Sarah let out a soft sigh.
“Well, our guest is here. It's time to face her.” She walked away.
Jane took a couple of seconds to brace herself. She was meeting with her future husband's grandmother, the cold and strict dowager whose imposing reputation she'd heard much about. She felt like she was going to war but was too brave to feel anxious or scared. The dowager was human just like her and besides, she hadn't done anything wrong.
“Jane!” Sarah called, straining the whisper. “Let's go,” she added through gritted teeth.
They left the room and from the hallway, they could hear the rhythmic clicking of the dowager's grand arrival at the foyer which heightened the anxiety of the staff of Stonehave Manor.
The butler seemed to be doing a horrible job at addressing the dowager who was clearly displeased by the manner at which he was struggling to speak.
Jane put her head down, ashamed on his behalf but Sarah rushed to his rescue with a charming and welcoming smile.
“Your Grace,” She stepped forward, majestic and composed in her movement.
The dowager turned to face her, her expression blank.
Sarah sketched a bow, a testament of her reverence. “Welcome to our humble home.”
Jane walked to her sister and did as she had done.
“Your Grace,” her voice, soft and sincere. “It's an honor to have you at Stonehave Manor.”
Prudence squinted, staring blankly at them.
“I suppose you know why I am here,” she said with a voice so cold and firm.
The sisters exchanged a glance.
“Which one of you is the bride-to-be?” she inquired.
For a second there, Jane forgot herself until Sarah pinched slightly.
“That would be me, Your Grace.” She raised her head and looked her in the eyes with so much confidence, devoid of any sort of disrespect.
She stepped forward and halted before Jane with an intimidating look that could cripple the fainthearted. She peered deeply into Jane's eyes and the latter neither cringed norflinched, rather, she looked right back at the dowager; unmoved by her demeanor.
The dowager’s lips quirked into a deadly smirk.
“Do you have a minute? I'd like to speak with you in solitude.”
“Of course, Your Grace,” Jane replied, courteously.
“Excellent.”
Jane led the way to the drawing room and while in motion, she looked back and saw her sister at a distance mouthingGood luck.
