“When is it ever a good time?” their mother challenged.
“I would prefer if we spoke about something else while I eat my breakfast,” Caleb said. “We could discuss the weather.”
Their mother sighed. “You both are hopeless.”
Caleb waved his fork in front of him. “Finally, you have recognized the truth.”
“When I was Anette’s age, I had already secured an offer of marriage,” their mother said.
“It is a different time now,” Anette attempted.
Their mother displayed her dissatisfaction with a shake of her head. “It is not so different, dear,” she responded. “I knew that marriage was the only way to protect my future and to advance my place within high Society.”
“What happened to speaking about the weather?” Anette asked. “I do hope it won’t rain today.”
Their mother rose and placed her napkin onto the table. “I feel as though my words fall on deaf ears whenever I mention marriage to either of you.”
“Yet it does not stop you from lecturing us on it,” Caleb said.
“I do not lecture you,” their mother stated.
Caleb arched an eyebrow. “Surely you cannot say that with a straight face.”
Their mother pressed her lips together. “All right, I may lecture you- on occasion- but it is for your own good,” she said. “One day, you will see that I was right all along.”
After their mother departed from the room, Caleb offered Anette an encouraging smile. “She means well.”
“I know she does, but I have no desire to marry.”
“Why is that?” Caleb asked. “I know that you haven’t always had such an aversion to marriage.”
“True, but I have a right to change my mind.”
Caleb agreed with a curt nod. “Well, I do not care if you wish to be a spinster. You will always have a place in my home.”
“Thank you, Brother,” she said, touched by his words.
“But I do draw the line at you being a bluestocking.” He uttered his words with a serious tone, yet she could detect the lightheartedness in his gaze.
Anette laughed as she rose. “I hate to inform you, but I am a bluestocking.”
“Fine,” he said with a notable air of feigned exasperation. “I will accept that, too. But you are trying my patience.”
“As fun as this conversation is, I need to change into my riding habit for my ride.”
Caleb grew serious. “How many grooms will be accompanying you?”
“Three, just as Father directed.”
He nodded in approval. “Very good. Just do try to be careful.”
“I always am,” she said.
With a knowing look, Caleb said, “We both know that isn’t true.”
Her brother always managed to bring a smile to her face, and for that, she was deeply thankful. She didn’t know what she would do without her brother’s support.
Roswell stood outside of his mother’s bedchamber as he tried to prepare himself to visit her. He loved his mother, and it was heartbreaking to see her in such a weak state. He just had to remind himself that his beloved mother was gone and replaced by a woman who didn’t recognize him.
