Henrietta smiled. “You have perfected the art of polite conversation. I have never met someone who can enthrall a room when discussing the weather.”
“It is a technical art.”
“That it is,” Henrietta agreed. “Men vie for your attention because you are perfect just the way you are.”
“That is kind of you to say.”
“Well, it is true,” Henrietta responded. “Besides, Mother and Father have favored you since we were little girls.”
“That is because I am the eldest.”
“No, it is so much more than that. You have done everything that you were supposed to do, and you did so spectacularly,” Henrietta said, “whereas I am constantly getting into trouble because of my antics.”
“Perhaps you shouldn’t climb trees in your gowns.”
“Where would the fun be in that?” Henrietta joked.
Marjorie smiled. “You are hopeless,” she said. “I should be angry with you for marrying before me.”
“Why aren’t you?”
“Because I am more furious at what Mr. Drew attempted to do,” Marjorie replied. “I had not taken him for such a scoundrel.”
“Neither had I, but I do believe he did what he thought was right.”
“You aren’t actually defending him, are you?”
Henrietta shook her head. “No, I wouldn’t dare,” she replied. “It is because of him that I am forcing Charles into a marriage.”
“You don’t believe you are truly forcing him into this marriage, do you?”
“I am not sure what to think.”
Marjorie glanced out the window, then asked, “Do you love him?”
In her heart, Henrietta already knew the answer to that question. “I do,” she admitted.
“Then you should marry him.”
“What if Charles comes to resent me for forcing him into this marriage?” Henrietta asked. “I couldn’t bear the thought of seeing disappointment on his face every time he looked at me.”
“He wouldn’t do that.”
“How can you be certain?”
“Because it is evident to everyone that he cares for you,” Marjorie stated. “But for some reason, you can’t see it. Why is that?”
Henrietta huffed. “I don’t rightly know.”
Marjorie opened her mouth to respond when they came to a jerking stop in front of the church. The coach dipped to the side as a footman stepped off his perch and came around to open the door.
After her sister exited the coach, Henrietta accepted the proffered hand of the footman and stepped onto the pavement. Her mother and father were already in front of the church, waiting for them.
Her mother gave her an encouraging smile. “Are you ready?” she asked. “Lord Charles is already inside.”
“He is?” Henrietta asked.
Marjorie looped arms with her and walked her towards the church. “It is too late for you to back out now.”
