Cecilia smiled, the weight of her ambitions heavy on her shoulders. “I shall be writing about the plants and animals I research, of course, grandmother.”
“But your suitors, dear,” Louisa interjected, concern etched on her face. “They want to marry you. They see a future with you, but you seem so determined to remain a spinster.”
Cecilia chuckled. It was just like the Dowager Countess to change a topic so quickly. “As you know, I’ve turned down many proposals, Grandmother. I do not mind proposals nor marriage, but I do fear having it stifle my creativity. I want to write, to explore the world through my words. I can’t do that if I’m tied down.”
Louisa placed a comforting hand on her shoulder. “You mustn’t lose hope. There are men who will understand your ambitions. Remember, my dear, love can coexist with your dreams.”
Cecilia smiled wistfully, appreciating her grandmother’s wisdom. “I know, but for now, I choose to focus on my writing. I’ll carve my own path, even if it means walking it alone.”
She laughed, “Imagine giving up my dreams for a man, only to end up with someone like the Duke of Holloway!” Her laughterfaltered as the name caught in her throat. She frowned, feeling the weight of her own thoughts creeping back in.
Ugh, why am I thinking about him again?
Louisa, raised an eyebrow and smiled gently. “But, he’s quite handsome and has a lovely estate. You could do worse, you know.”
“Worse?” Cecilia struggled to keep frustration out her tone. She did not want to think about him. “I’d rather take a stroll through the muddy fields with poisonous spiders. The man is insufferable.”
“Insufferable, perhaps, but he’s also charming in his own way,” Louisa attempted to soothe her granddaughter’s ire. “And think of the life you could have. A man like him could provide you with everything you need.”
Cecilia crossed her arms defiantly, her cheeks flushed with annoyance. “Everything I need? Or everything he thinks I need? I want to pursue my writing, not be confined to some grand estate where the only excitement is hosting tea parties!”
Louisa nudged her softly, leaning closer, and the old woman’s face filled with a smile, “You want my thought on the matter? I quite think the man would be a great match for you, in truth.”
Cecilia’s jaw dropped and she skidded to a halt, “Grandmother, I can’t believe you would even suggest nor consider that man!”Cecilia exclaimed, shaking her head vigorously as they wandered deeper into the gardens. “He’s-He’s infuriating! He’s so full of himself!”
Louisa chuckled softly, her eyes twinkling with amusement. “But he’s quite handsome and comes from a noble lineage. You could think about it, dearest. A man like him is likely to understand your fire and passion even.”
Cecilia scoffed, crossing her arms. “I’d rather wrestle a wild stag than spend my days in a marriage with someone like that man.”
“Oh, dear, I’d never want to touch a stag ?” Louisa mused, her thoughts drifting momentarily.
“Yes, dear grandmother,” Cecilia interrupted gently, trying to suppress a laugh as she steered her back to the topic at hand. “I’ll be just as pleased if the duke restricts himself to a stag here and there while we visit. ”
“Ah, right, the Duke!” Louisa said, shaking her head as if to clear it. “Well, he’s got a fine estate, and he’s quite the catch. You could do worse, dear.”
“As you have said,” Cecilia rolled her eyes, exasperated at the thought.
“But think of his charm!” Louisa persisted, her voice rising slightly in excitement. “He could introduce you to all sorts ofinfluential people, perhaps even help spread the word about your works!”
Cecilia rolled her eyes dramatically. “Influential people of his caliber who would likely expect me to sit quietly and nod while discussing the latest fashions in cravats? No, thank you!”
“Ah, but what if a daring heroine found herself in a lovely estate, with a charming duke who adored her?” Louisa suggested, her voice taking on a dreamy quality.
“Grandmother, you’re mixing up your stories again,” Cecilia chuckled, shaking her head affectionately. “I’m not looking for a charming duke; I’m looking for inspiration to share knowledge. And I certainly don’t need a husband to find it.”
Louisa smiled, her eyes sparkling with mischief. “Inspiration can come in many forms, dear. Just remember, if you ever do decide to marry, make sure it’s someone who has as much gusto as you do, and can command a room.”
“Trust me, I’ll keep that in mind,” Cecilia replied, a grin spreading across her face as they continued their stroll, the gardens alive with color.
“Cecilia, my dear,” Louisa began again with a smile, “You remind me so much of myself at your age. I was just as stubborn about love, especially when it came to your grandfather. I swore I’d never marry a man who wore those ridiculous hats he favored.”
“You’ve mentioned this to me before, Grandmama,” Cecilia nodded with a smile. “The one about the hat and the rainstorm?”
“Oh, but it was such a lovely day!” Louisa continued, her eyes sparkling with nostalgia. “We were at the county fair, and there he was, all dapper and charming, until—oh dear, what was I saying?”
Cecilia raised a brow as her grandmother halted suddenly before continuing, “Ah, yes! Your parents! Such a romantic tale, those two. They met at a ball, and your father, bless his heart, tripped over his own feet right in front of your mother.”
Cecilia smiled at the memories that accompanied this story she’d heard many a times, though a shadow passed over her face. “Yes, and they danced the night away despite the embarrassment. It’s a beautiful story.”
